Advertisement

In a significant step towards advancing digital transformation and cloud innovation in Southeast Asia, Exabytes has announced the launch of its cloud centre of excellence (CCoE) in Penang, developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College. The initiative is designed to cultivate AWS cloud expertise, accelerate digitalisation for businesses, and develop a future-ready workforce across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Strategically located in Penang—widely recognised as the “Silicon Valley” of Malaysia, the CCoE will serve as a regional innovation hub, helping businesses scale with AWS technologies while nurturing a strong pipeline of cloud talent in partnership with leading educational institutions. With 64% of Malaysian organisations grappling with moderate to severe skills shortages, particularly in intermediate-level roles, this initiative arrives as a timely solution.

“This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to help businesses across the region grow digital while building future-ready tech talent,” said Chan Kee Siak, founder and CEO of Exabytes. “By working closely with AWS and Forward College, we are addressing two pressing needs: accelerating cloud adoption and enabling more young people, particularly those from underserved communities to access high-value digital careers,” he added.

As part of its broader commitment to inclusive growth, Exabytes is also supporting 20 B40 students with sponsored tertiary education through its collaboration with Forward College. Upon graduation, Exabytes is committed to offering each student three years of employment within the Exabytes Group of Companies, creating tangible pathways from education to economic mobility.

Howie Chang, co-founder and CEO of Forward College, said: “Our collaboration with Exabytes and AWS reflects our shared vision to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare students for future-ready careers. Through the cloud centre of excellence, we are creating meaningful access to cloud education and hands-on learning experiences that will equip our students and the broader B40 community with real-world capabilities to succeed in the digital economy.”

Meanwhile, Pete Murray, country general manager, AWS Malaysia said, “The launch of the first cloud centre of excellence in northern Malaysia marks a bold step forward, and Exabytes deserves credit for its visionary leadership. Through our collaboration with Exabytes and Forward College, we’re helping businesses innovate faster with AWS, supporting job creation and advancing Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional hub for digital excellence.”

Beyond talent development, the CCoE is envisioned as a collaborative ecosystem—a space for AWS experts, startups, educators and businesses to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and drive innovation together. Through community-building initiatives, cloud solution showcases and training events, the CCoE aims to foster a culture of experimentation and shared digital progress.

As part of its future roadmap, Exabytes will host industry events under the CCoE banner across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Indonesia. These gatherings will bring together solution providers and industry experts to showcase cloud innovation and strengthen the Asean cloud community. Additionally, Exabytes plans to deliver agentic AI solutions through the CCoE—designed to enhance productivity in key industries throughout the region.

Jimmy Boey, head of information systems and DPO at Senheng, said: “The launch of Exabytes' cloud centre of excellence is timely for businesses like ours. As we scale digitally, Exabytes—powered by AWS has been key in guiding our cloud adoption with confidence and cost-efficiency. We look forward to how this initiative will further drive innovation and knowledge-sharing across the region.”

Hasnol Hashim, chief technology officer of Bizapp Ventures Sdn Bhd, said: “Exabytes’ cloud centre of excellence is a welcome addition for growing businesses. Their AWS-backed support has made our cloud adoption more efficient and cost-effective. We look forward to how this centre will further drive innovation and knowledge-sharing in the industry.”

The launch also includes a formal partnership with Forward College, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive education and skills-based learning pathways.

The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is among several forward-thinking initiatives planned for 2025 and beyond, as Exabytes continues to champion SME digitalisation, AI adoption, and regional cloud readiness. The CCoE integrates innovation and talent development to tackle skill gaps, build pipelines, and future-proof the workforce. 

Source: https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/exabytes-launches-aws-cloud-centre-excellence-drive-innovation-and-talent