Malaysia Tightens AI Data Centre Policy, Favours Large-Scale Investments
馬來西亞人工智慧資料中心政策趨嚴，僅鼓勵大規模投資
Malaysia is sharpening its focus on high-value and capital-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) data centre projects, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. In a recent note, BMI said the Malaysian government has formalised a policy to approve only larger AI-focused data centres, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s February 2026 announcement that proposals for non-AI-related data centres have been halted since 2024. The move is aimed at prioritising large-scale facilities while accelerating the country’s AI ambitions. BMI noted that Malaysia’s data centre pipeline is now almost entirely AI-driven, with around 4.6GW of planned and under-construction capacity, reinforcing the dominance of major well-funded players as barriers to entry rise, particularly in Johor.
BMI said the policy shift highlights an increasingly bifurcated Southeast Asian data centre market, where countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam continue to focus largely on enterprise demand linked to digital transformation rather than AI workloads. At the same time, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines are expected to attract displaced non-AI demand as investors seek alternatives amid saturation and infrastructure bottlenecks in primary markets. BMI also observed that Malaysia’s growth story has evolved beyond being an overflow destination for Singapore’s demand, with expansion now driven by national digital ambitions, hyperscaler investments and local enterprise requirements. On the regulatory front, Malaysia is reportedly rejecting nearly 30 per cent of data centre proposals that fail to meet responsible water and power consumption standards, signalling that future growth will be tied closely to environmental sustainability.
編按：馬來西亞正式確定政策，僅批准大型人工智慧資料中心的投資案，自2024年起暫停非人工智慧相關專案的申請，其柔佛州正在興建立一座由主要企業主導的4.6吉瓦容量儲備項目。此舉凸顯了馬來西亞的國家數位化雄心和永續發展標準，同時也將非人工智慧需求推向了印尼、泰國和菲律賓等其他東南亞市場。
Malaysia Tightens Rules on Imported EVs to Boost Local Assembly
馬來西亞收緊進口電動車管制，以促進本地組裝
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) (ah: suggest: MITI, per its website) has introduced stricter regulations for the import of completely-built-up (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs), effective July 1, 2026. Under the revised framework, all imported EVs must meet two key requirements: a minimum cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of RM200,000 and a motor power output of at least 180 kilowatts (kW). Miti said the move follows the expiry of the special exemption period for EV imports on Dec 31, 2025, after which the policy reverted to existing regulations. The ministry added that the new conditions had already been communicated to franchise-approved permit holders during an engagement session held on April 30, 2026. Remaining EV stocks already in Malaysia, including units at ports or in transit, will still be allowed for sale under the previous exemption rules until inventories are depleted.
Industry observers said the tighter regulations are likely intended to encourage local EV assembly, create jobs, strengthen the domestic vendor ecosystem and promote technology transfer. Locally assembled brands such as Proton, Perodua, TQ Wuling and Volvo Cars are not expected to be affected, while imported models from brands including BYD, Tesla, Chery, iCaur and Zeekr could face declining sales due to reduced eligibility for import. Analysts noted that the RM200,000 CIF threshold and 180kW minimum effectively limit fully imported EVs to premium models, potentially narrowing consumer choice and slowing EV adoption. The government had initially introduced full exemptions on import duties, excise duties and sales tax for CBU EVs in 2022 to support the sector, with the incentives extended twice before ending in late 2025.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2026/05/07/govt-tightens-rule-on-ev-imports
編按：馬來西亞將於2026年7月1日起對進口整車電動車實施更嚴格的規定，要求最低到岸價（CIF）為20萬令吉，馬達輸出功率至少為180千瓦，此前的豁免條款已到期。該政策旨在促進本地組裝和就業，限制進口高端車型，同時鼓勵寶騰（Proton）和二國產車（Perodua）等本土品牌的發展，但此舉可能會限縮消費者的選擇範圍，並減緩電動車的普及速度。
Equinix to Invest Over $190 Million in New Kuala Lumpur Data Centre
Equinix將在吉隆坡興建資料中心投資金額超過1.9億美元
Equinix plans to invest more than US$190 million in a new data centre facility in Kuala Lumpur, marking its fourth such facility in Malaysia. The U.S.-listed company said the new site will be located less than one kilometre from its existing Kuala Lumpur facility and is expected to house more than 2,200 cabinets. A substantial portion of the centre’s total capacity will support advanced liquid cooling technologies designed to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads. The company added that the development forms part of its long-term expansion strategy in Malaysia, with additional adjacent land already secured to support future growth.
Equinix said the project reinforces Kuala Lumpur’s position as a major interconnection hub within the ASEAN region, amid rising regional demand for digital infrastructure. However, the expansion comes as Malaysia’s data centre boom shows signs of slowing due to mounting concerns over power grid capacity and water resource constraints. The sector has also faced increasing geopolitical scrutiny, particularly from the United States, which has pressured Southeast Asian nations to prevent Chinese firms from using the region as a route to access U.S.-made AI chips restricted under export control measures.
編按：Equinix將在吉隆坡興建新的資料中心，投資超過1.9億美元，這是該公司在馬來西亞的第四座資料中心。該資料中心擁有2,200個機櫃，並配備先進的液冷系統，以支援人工智慧和高效能運算。該計畫將鞏固吉隆坡作為區域互聯樞紐的地位。然而，馬來西亞的資料中心熱潮也面臨電力和水資源短缺以及美國對人工智慧晶片出口管制日益嚴格的地緣政治審查等挑戰。
Thailand Plans New EV Tax Incentives to Boost Adoption and Taxi Electrification
泰國計劃推出新的電動車稅收優惠政策，以促進電動車普及和計程車電氣化
Thailand is preparing a fresh round of tax incentives aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), including an extension of annual tax reductions and an expanded trade-in programme that could include taxi fleets. The country’s Ministry of Transport is proposing an 80% annual vehicle tax cut for new factory-built EVs, alongside a broader trade-in scheme designed to encourage fleet operators to transition away from conventional vehicles. The proposal is currently awaiting review by the Finance Ministry before being submitted to the cabinet for approval.
The renewed policy push comes as Thailand’s automotive sector begins showing signs of recovery after an extended slowdown. Domestic vehicle sales rose 7.29% year-on-year to 59,865 units in March 2026, supported partly by strong demand at the Bangkok International Motor Show, where bookings surpassed 100,000 vehicles. Vehicle production also increased during the month, with hybrid vehicle output rising 12.69% while production of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars fell 22.08%, highlighting a gradual shift toward electrified models. However, industry representatives said automakers are still seeking clearer guidance on fiscal policy and long-term budget planning before committing to another major investment cycle.
https://www.reccessary.com/en/news/thailand-ev-incentives-2026
編按：泰國正計劃推出新的電動車稅收優惠政策，包括將年度車輛稅降低80%，並擴大以舊換新計劃，以加速電動車的普及和營業車系的轉型。此舉正值汽車銷量和混合動力車產量上升，而燃油車產量下降之際，但汽車製造商在進行重大投資前，仍希望獲得更明確的財政引導。
Thailand Approves US$12.2 Billion Emergency Borrowing to Ease Living Costs
泰國批准122億美元緊急貸款緩解生活成本壓力
Thailand’s cabinet has approved an emergency decree authorising the government to borrow 400 billion baht (US$12.2 billion) to help ease rising living costs and support energy-related measures, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the borrowing was necessary as higher energy prices were affecting the wider population and placing pressure on household finances.
According to the government, half of the borrowed funds will be directed toward supporting vulnerable groups, while the remaining portion will be allocated to advancing Thailand’s energy transition and promoting cleaner energy use. Ekniti said the government intends to use the measures to reduce living costs while encouraging the adoption of clean energy solutions. He added that the entire borrowing programme would be financed domestically and that the emergency decree is expected to be submitted to parliament next week.
編按：泰國內閣已批准一項緊急法令，撥款4000億泰銖（約122億美元），以緩解物價上漲帶給民眾的生活成本壓力，支持能源轉型。其中一半資金以貸款援助弱勢群體，另一半用於普及清潔能源的採用。該計劃由泰國國內融資，於下週提交國會審議。
Thailand Approves US$29 Billion Investment Package Including Major TikTok Data Expansion
泰國批准290億美元投資計劃，包括TikTok(抖音)擴大數據資料中心的投資
Thailand’s investment board has approved six major investment projects worth a combined 958 billion baht (US$29 billion), including a large-scale digital infrastructure expansion by a local unit of TikTok valued at 842 billion baht (approximately US$25 billion). According to the board, the project will involve the installation of additional servers and the expansion of data storage and processing infrastructure across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao provinces to support growing demand for digital services and reinforce Thailand’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, had previously announced plans to invest US$8.8 billion in data centres over five years.
The investment board said the project is expected to contribute beyond infrastructure development, with TikTok also committing to initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy and expanding e-commerce education programmes in Thailand. These efforts are intended to create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs while strengthening the country’s digital workforce capabilities. The approvals highlight Thailand’s continued push to attract large-scale technology and digital infrastructure investments as Southeast Asia’s demand for cloud, AI and online services continues to grow.
編按：泰國投資促進委員會批准六個投資案，總價值達9580億泰銖（約290億美元），其中TikTok斥資250億美元在曼谷、北欖府和北柳府擴建數位基礎設施最受矚目。這些計畫的核准進一步鞏固了泰國打造區域數位中心的決心，TikTok也承諾將推出一系列數位素養和電子商務教育舉措，強化本地的創業能力和勞動力技能。
Thailand Attracts Over US$30 Billion in Q1 Investments Led by Digital and AI Projects
泰國第一季吸引超過300億美元投資，主要在數位和人工智慧專案領域
Thailand attracted more than 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) in investment applications during the first quarter of 2026, driven mainly by large-scale projects in the digital and electronics sectors, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said 624 projects worth a combined 1.02 trillion baht were submitted during the quarter, around 2.4 times higher than the same period last year, reflecting strong investor confidence in Thailand as a high-technology investment base. The digital sector led investment activity with 873.7 billion baht across 48 projects, largely focused on data centres and cloud services by companies including TikTok, Global Switch, Skyline Data Center & Cloud Services and Evolution Data Center. Electronics and electrical appliances followed with 40.5 billion baht in investments tied to advanced components, AI servers and critical data centre equipment, supported by firms such as Western Digital, Fabrinet and Canon.
Other sectors attracting substantial investment included energy and utilities, agriculture and food processing, logistics, automotive components and industrial automation. The BOI said foreign direct investment remained strong, with 427 foreign-led projects valued at 965.9 billion baht, led by investors from Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, China and Hong Kong. Thailand also continued to see growing interest in sustainable industrial upgrades, with dozens of applications submitted under the BOI’s Smart and Sustainable Industry programme for projects involving renewable energy, automation, robotics and digital technologies. During the quarter, the BOI approved 649 projects worth 330.1 billion baht, which are expected to generate more than 42,000 jobs and add over 520 billion baht annually in export value. Narit said the surge in applications demonstrated Thailand’s transition from a traditional manufacturing base into a regional hub for digital infrastructure, AI supply chains and future-focused industries.
https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/pr-news/40065649
編按：2026年第一季，泰國吸引了超過1兆泰銖（約300億美元）的投資申請，其中以TikTok、Global Switch和Western Digital等公司投資的數據中心和人工智慧基礎設施等大型數位和電子產品為主。泰國投資促進委員會（BOI）表示，外資主導的專案總額接近9,660億泰銖，預計獲批計畫將創造4.2萬個就業機會，鞏固泰國轉型為區域數位基礎設施和先進產業中心的策略方向。
Thailand’s Digital Growth Faces Rising Threat From Industrial-Scale Cybercrime
泰國數位化發展面臨來自大規模網路犯罪的威脅日益嚴重
Thailand’s rapidly expanding digital economy is increasingly being threatened by sophisticated cross-border scam syndicates, even as the country positions itself as a regional fintech and digital infrastructure hub. With the digital economy projected to grow 4.2% in 2026 — more than double the country’s expected GDP growth — industry leaders at the Money20/20 Asia 2026 warned that Thailand’s advanced digital infrastructure masks growing vulnerabilities in cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Experts said the country’s widespread adoption of digital payment systems such as PromptPay and its “Cloud First” government strategy have made Thailand attractive for foreign investment in fintech and treasury operations. Rahul Bhargava said Thailand has a “ready-state economy” capable of supporting advanced digital finance, while Winnie Chen highlighted Thailand’s growing appeal as a regional treasury centre for multinational corporations.
However, analysts warned that the same digital connectivity has also enabled industrial-scale scam operations that now cost the Thai economy an estimated 60 billion baht annually. Experts described scam syndicates operating near Thailand’s borders as highly organised networks using AI-powered deepfakes and advanced biometric evasion techniques to exploit weaknesses in financial systems. Concerns were also raised about the rise of “agentic finance,” where artificial intelligence systems autonomously conduct payments and compliance functions without clear governance standards. Tin Pei Ling warned of a growing “responsibility gap” in the oversight of AI agents within financial services, calling for stronger lifecycle governance and “Know Your Agent” standards. Industry leaders said Thailand must strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve anti-money laundering coordination and adopt more proactive cybersecurity measures if it hopes to maintain its ambitions of becoming ASEAN’s leading digital economy hub.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/banking-finance/40065725
編按：泰國數位經濟預計到2026年將成長4.2%，但同時也面臨來自組織型跨國詐騙集團日益嚴重的威脅。這些集團利用人工智慧深度偽造技術和規避生物辨識系統來入侵金融系統。業內人士警告，如果不加強對人工智慧驅動型的金融監管、網路安全和治理，每年高達600億泰銖的詐騙損失可能會損害泰國引領東協數位中心的雄心。
Thailand Launches First Credit-Bearing AI University Curriculum to Address Skills Shortage
泰國首推AI學分的大學課程，以應對AI技能不足問題
True Corporation, Google and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) have launched “AI for All Thais,” a nationwide initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence education directly into Thailand’s university system for the first time. Announced in Bangkok on Tuesday, the programme combines True’s digital infrastructure, Google’s AI expertise and government policy support to address a growing shortage of AI-skilled professionals in the country. At the centre of the initiative is “AI for Future Workforce,” a 45-hour credit-bearing course jointly developed by True and Google that will initially be piloted at more than 20 leading universities before being expanded nationwide. The programme also includes a Train-the-Trainer component designed to help university instructors incorporate AI literacy into regular academic teaching.
Yodchanan Wongsawat described AI workforce development as a national priority, warning that Thailand currently faces a shortfall of up to 80,000 AI professionals. He said the initiative is intended to build a long-term pathway for AI education while strengthening Thailand’s position as an attractive destination for global technology investment and innovation. Meanwhile, Sigve Brekke said the company aims to become an “AI-First organisation” and plans to help 12 million Thais use AI more productively by 2030. Internally, True also expects all of its more than 10,000 employees to gain foundational AI knowledge this year, with half reaching advanced AI user or builder status. The initiative forms part of a broader push by Charoen Pokphand Group to expand Thailand’s AI ecosystem through the CP Centre of Excellence at True Digital Park.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40065861
編按：True Corporation、Google和泰國高等教育、科學與工業部（MHESI）共同啟動「AI for All Thais」– 泰國第一個將人工智慧教育納入大學教育的全國性計劃，先期試點係在20所學校開設45小時學分的課程。該計畫旨在解決泰國人工智慧專業人才短缺（高達8萬名）的問題，提升民眾數位素養，將泰國打造成為全球科技投資中心。 True承諾今年將對其1萬名員工進行人工智慧技能培訓。
Thailand’s Actual Investment Rises 18% in Q1 2026 as BOI Reforms Gain Momentum
泰國投資促進委員會改革動能十足，2026年第一季實質投資成長18%
Thailand’s actual investment rose 18% year-on-year to around 260 billion baht in the first quarter of 2026, indicating that more approved projects are now translating into real capital spending, job creation and supply-chain expansion. Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the increase reflected growing confidence among both domestic and foreign investors, who continue to view Thailand as a stable investment destination amid global economic uncertainty. He attributed part of the improvement to the government’s accelerated investment-promotion efforts, particularly the “BOI Fast Pass” mechanism introduced by the Thailand Board of Investment, which aims to speed up approvals and licensing procedures for investors. Speaking at SUBCON Thailand 2026, Ekniti said the government now hopes to push Thailand’s economic growth toward “3% plus” over the next one to two years by continuing to remove investment and regulatory barriers.
Ekniti noted that investment promoted through the BOI accounts for around 25–30% of Thailand’s total private investment, making the rise in actual investment a key economic driver. He added that the government is targeting 5–6% growth in actual investment this year through stronger conversion of investment applications into operational projects. The finance minister also outlined a “5T” strategy to help Thai businesses adapt to economic transformation, focusing on targeted industries, energy transition, technological transformation, transparency and cooperation between public and private sectors. Priority sectors identified under the strategy include electric vehicles, smart electronics, aviation, robotics and modern agriculture. Ekniti said Thailand’s infrastructure, industrial base and strategic regional position continue to attract investors seeking stability amid geopolitical tensions, inflation and energy market volatility.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40066170
編按：2026年第一季，泰國實質投資金額年增18%，達到2,600億泰銖，反映已核准的投資案落實為實際資本支出、就業創造和供應鏈擴張的比率顯著提高。財政部長埃克尼提·尼提坦帕帕斯將此歸功於泰國投資促進委員會（BOI）的「快速通道」機制，並指出以電動車、智慧電子、航空、機器人和現代農業為重點的「5T」策略，推動今年投資成長5%至6%，促進超過3%的經濟成長。
MFEC and Confluent Say Real-Time Data Will Define Thailand’s AI Competitiveness
MFEC和Confluent表示，即時數據將決定泰國人工智慧的競爭力
MFEC and Confluent said Thailand’s next phase of artificial intelligence development will depend less on access to AI models and more on how effectively organisations can manage, connect and govern their data in real time. Executives from both companies argued that while many Thai businesses have already begun experimenting with AI, relatively few have translated those initiatives into measurable commercial outcomes. Siriwat Vongjarukorn said AI tools alone no longer provide a lasting competitive advantage because technologies such as chips, data centres and large language models are becoming widely accessible. Instead, he said the real differentiator lies in the quality of an organisation’s data and its ability to embed knowledge across systems, operations and people. The companies stressed that real-time data is becoming increasingly critical for industries such as finance, retail, logistics and aviation, where decisions must be made instantly based on changing operational conditions.
Kenny Chin said many organisations in Thailand are actively launching AI initiatives, but their underlying data infrastructure often remains unprepared for production-scale deployment. Both executives argued that AI adoption in Thailand is being slowed not only by technological limitations but also by organisational silos and unclear enterprise-wide strategies. Confluent said data-streaming platforms can help businesses connect fragmented systems and deliver updates in real time while maintaining governance through tools such as role-based access controls, schema registries and data lineage tracking. The growing partnership between MFEC and Confluent is aimed at helping Thai enterprises move beyond AI pilot projects and toward operational AI systems capable of driving revenue growth, reducing risk and strengthening competitiveness. According to the companies, Thailand’s AI future will ultimately be shaped by businesses that can integrate data across their organisations and respond to changing conditions in real time.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40064923
編按：MFEC 和 Confluent 表示，泰國人工智慧的未來將不再依賴模型的獲取運用，而是在即時的資料管理，高品質的跨系統資料整合將成為關鍵的差異化因素。他們警告，組織本位主義和薄弱的基礎設施正在阻礙人工智慧的普及應用，強調資料串流平台可以幫助企業從AI的先導試點階段過渡到營運階段，從而驅動成長和提升競爭力。
Thai Auto Industry Groups Urge Urgent EV Policy Reforms to Protect Local Manufacturing
泰國汽車產業團體敦促盡快改革電動車政策，以保護本國製造產業
Ten Thai automotive and parts industry associations have called on the government to introduce urgent policy measures to protect Thailand’s vehicle manufacturing base as the country accelerates its transition toward electric vehicles (EVs). Led by the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), the coalition warned that increasing imports of fully built electric vehicles from China under zero-tariff privileges are already hurting local manufacturers and suppliers. The associations, which collectively represent more than 1,500 operators, said Thailand faces a critical turning point before the EV 3.5 incentive scheme expires in 2027. Without replacement policies, they warned, automakers could shift further toward importing EVs rather than maintaining domestic production. The group said local EV manufacturing costs remain around 30–40% higher than importing vehicles from China and cautioned that Thailand risks becoming merely a consumer market rather than remaining a global automotive production hub.
The coalition submitted eight emergency proposals aimed at strengthening local production and supply chains, including reforms to excise taxes to create a wider gap between imported and domestically produced EVs, tighter local-content rules, stricter certificate-of-origin checks and stronger requirements for technology transfer. The associations also urged the Thailand Board of Investment to tighten investment incentives and increase scrutiny of projects that fail to deliver genuine local production value. Suroj Sangsnit said the proposals were not intended to block imported EVs or harm consumers, but rather to ensure fairer competition between companies investing in Thailand and firms relying mainly on imports. The industry’s concerns have intensified following cases involving compensation-production obligations under Thailand’s EV subsidy schemes and growing dominance of Chinese EV brands in the domestic market. The associations argued that Thailand still retains the industrial capacity, workforce and supplier ecosystem needed to compete in the EV era, but warned that policy support must move faster to prevent long-term damage to the country’s automotive supply chain.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40066208
編按：由泰國電動車協會（EVAT）主導的十家泰國汽車及零件協會敦促政府採取緊急措施保護本土電動車製造業，因為零關稅政策下來自中國的廉價進口產品正威脅泰國國內製造商。他們提交了八項提案，包括更嚴格的貨物稅、國產化比率規定和技術轉移要求，並警告，如果政策支持力度不足，泰國將面臨失去其全球汽車中心地位的風險。