- CCoE a space for businesses to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, drive innovation
- Sponsoring 20 B40 students at Forward College with 3-year work guarantee on graduation
Exabytes announced the launch of its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Penang, developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forward College. With an initial investment of US$237,330 (RM1 million), 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 organizations grappling with moderate to extreme skill shortages, especially in intermediate-level roles, this initiative is timely.
“This launch marks a key milestone in our mission to help businesses across the region GROW Digital (Exabytes’ brand for its campaign), 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.”
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 the students three years of employment within the Exabytes Group of Companies—creating tangible pathways from education to economic mobility.
Pete Murray, Country General Manager, AWS Malaysia, said: “Exabytes’ leadership and entire team should be applauded for their bold vision. Exabytes’ cloud and AI leadership will contribute to the growth of the digital economy and digital capabilities across Southeast Asia from right here in Penang. By collaborating with Exabytes and Forward College, we empower businesses to innovate quickly, securely and at scale using AWS, whilst directly contributing to job creation in the digital economy in Malaysia. We are proud to see another Malaysian champion Build Local to Go Global.”
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 System and DPO of Senheng New Retail Bhd, a beneficiary of Exabytes’ AWS cloud services, said: “The launch of Exabytes’ Cloud Centre of Excellence is timely for businesses like ours. As we continue to scale digitally, the support and guidance we receive from Exabytes—powered by AWS—has been instrumental in helping us navigate cloud adoption more confidently and cost-effectively.”
Hasnol Hashim, Chief Technology Officer of Bizapp Ventures Sdn Bhd, and a user of Exabytes’ AWS cloud solutions, said: “Their AWS-backed support has been invaluable in streamlining our cloud adoption, making it both efficient and affordable.”
The launch also includes a formal partnership with Forward College, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive education and skills-based learning pathways.
Howie Chang, co-founder & 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.”
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. As Southeast Asia’s leading AI, Business App, Cloud, Digital, and E-commerce solutions provider, Exabytes remains committed to building inclusive digital futures through meaningful partnerships like the CCoE.
