Exabytes, in collaboration with AWS and Forward College, has launched its first Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang to advance cloud adoption, develop digital talent, and fuel innovation across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The initiative aims to bridge Southeast Asia’s digital skills gap and position Penang as a regional digital powerhouse.
MALAYSIA, 27 JUNE 2025 – In a major step toward digital transformation in Southeast Asia, Exabytes today launched its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang, in strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College. This new initiative is set to accelerate cloud innovation, tackle digital skill shortages, and support inclusive workforce development across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Situated in Penang—often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Malaysia”—the CCoE will function as a regional innovation and talent hub, empowering businesses to scale using AWS technologies and equipping the next generation of digital professionals with in-demand cloud skills.
“This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to help businesses GROW Digital,” said Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes. “Together with AWS and Forward College, we are not only accelerating cloud adoption but also creating meaningful career opportunities—especially for youth from underserved communities.”
Tackling Talent Gaps Through Inclusive Education
Malaysia continues to face moderate to extreme digital talent shortages, particularly in mid-level roles. In response, Exabytes has committed to supporting 20 B40 students with fully sponsored tertiary education at Forward College, offering them a guaranteed three-year employment pathway within the Exabytes Group after graduation.
Howie Chang, Co-Founder and CEO of Forward College, highlighted the long-term vision: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to closing the digital skills gap and ensuring the B40 community has access to cloud education and real-world training.”
Empowering Business Innovation in the Cloud
The CCoE will serve as a collaborative ecosystem for AWS experts, startups, educators, and enterprises to exchange knowledge, co-develop solutions, and experiment with emerging technologies. It will host community events, cloud showcases, and technical workshops—nurturing a region-wide culture of innovation.
Pete Murray, Country General Manager of AWS Malaysia, praised the initiative: “Exabytes’ cloud and AI leadership will help drive Malaysia’s digital economy and job creation. We’re proud to support this bold vision and contribute to making Malaysia a regional hub for digital excellence.”
Industry Voices Welcome the Initiative
The CCoE has already earned praise from business leaders and early beneficiaries of Exabytes’ cloud expertise:
- Jimmy Boey, Head of Information System & DPO, Senheng: “The CCoE is a timely move. The support we’ve received from Exabytes and AWS has helped us scale confidently and cost-effectively.”
- Hasnol Hashim, CTO, Bizapp Ventures: “This initiative enhances innovation and streamlines cloud adoption for SMEs like ours. We’re excited to see how the CCoE will strengthen the ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead: Regional Expansion and AI Enablement
Exabytes plans to expand the reach of the CCoE with events and programs across Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia, further building the ASEAN cloud ecosystem. The CCoE will also become a hub for Agentic AI solutions, aimed at increasing productivity across high-impact industries.
As a leader in AI, Business Apps, Cloud, Digital, and E-commerce solutions, Exabytes continues to play a vital role in shaping an inclusive digital future—driven by innovation, talent development, and strong regional collaboration.
