Microsoft has committed to a significant investment of $2.9 billion in data centers in Japan to bolster the country's artificial intelligence capabilities. This investment, Microsoft's largest in Japan to date, comes in response to Tokyo's increasing focus on enhancing computing power to drive AI advancements. President Brad Smith highlighted the importance of AI adoption and domestic capability investments, stressing that it has become a crucial national priority for governments worldwide.
The tech company plans to deploy advanced AI semiconductors at existing sites in eastern and western Japan as part of its strategy to expand its cloud services. Additionally, Microsoft intends to roll out an AI-related reskilling initiative aimed at training 3 million workers over the next three years. Furthermore, a new lab dedicated to research and development in robotics and AI is in the works for Tokyo and will be established by Microsoft Research Asia, with substantial funding allocated to research projects in collaboration with prominent universities in Japan.
Emphasizing the significance of AI for sustaining productivity growth in the face of demographic challenges, Smith stated that the competitiveness of the Japanese economy hinges on AI adoption. Microsoft's collaboration with academic institutions and the Japanese government will also extend to strengthening cybersecurity resilience, recognizing the evolving threat landscape and the growing importance of safeguarding cyberspace. The company's involvement in AI development extends beyond Japan, with initiatives such as the release of the AI chatbot ChatGPT through Microsoft-backed OpenAI, reflecting the global interest in generative AI technology.