Exabytes has unveiled its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang, marking a major step in accelerating digital transformation across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. In partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College, this initiative aims to cultivate cloud expertise and develop a future-ready workforce.
Strategically located in Penang, Malaysia’s “Silicon Valley”, the CCoE serves as a regional innovation hub, enabling businesses to scale with AWS while addressing the region’s digital skills gap. With 64% of Malaysian companies facing intermediate-level talent shortages, the launch is both timely and impactful.
Empowering Talent and Bridging the Digital Divide
Exabytes CEO Chan Kee Siak emphasised the dual focus of the initiative: boosting cloud adoption and creating digital career opportunities, especially for underserved communities. Through its partnership with Forward College, Exabytes will fully sponsor tertiary education for 20 B40 students and offer them employment opportunities for three years post-graduation.
AWS and Exabytes: Scaling Innovation Together
Pete Murray, Country GM of AWS Malaysia, praised the initiative as a milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a digital powerhouse. He noted that Exabytes’ leadership will help businesses innovate securely and efficiently, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
A Hub for Collaboration and Innovation
The CCoE aims to become a collaborative ecosystem where startups, educators, and AWS experts co-create solutions. Through training events, community initiatives, and tech showcases, the center will nurture a culture of experimentation and shared growth.
Future Roadmap: Expanding Regional Impact
Exabytes plans to host CCoE-branded events across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia to spotlight cloud innovation and foster regional partnerships. It also aims to introduce Agentic AI solutions to enhance productivity in key industries.
Industry Support and Testimonials
Business leaders like Jimmy Boey of Senheng and Hasnol Hashim of Bizapp Ventures have praised Exabytes’ cloud solutions, citing their cost-efficiency and strategic value in digital scaling.
Inclusive Education Through Forward College
Forward College Co-Founder Howie Chang highlighted the shared mission to equip students with real-world cloud skills. The collaboration is designed to close the digital skills gap and empower the B40 community for careers in the digital economy.
Pioneering Digital Futures
The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is part of a broader 2025 strategy focused on SME digitalisation, AI integration, and workforce development. As Southeast Asia’s tech landscape evolves, Exabytes continues to lead through inclusive, innovation-driven initiatives.
