Amazon plans to invest more than $33 billion in Southeast Asia (SEA) by 2039 as the technology giant expands artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and digital infrastructure across the region.
According to Amazon’s economic impact assessments, the investments are projected to contribute more than $64 billion to the combined gross domestic product (GDP) of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, while supporting over 56,300 full-time jobs annually in the data center supply chain once projects are completed.
The move highlights Southeast Asia’s growing importance in the global AI race as governments and businesses accelerate digital transformation. ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to hit $560 billion by 2030, making the region one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.
“We’re building infrastructure, training local workforces, and enabling businesses across the region to compete globally,” said David Zapolsky, chief global affairs and legal officer of Amazon.
Amazon began operating in SEA 16 years ago with the launch of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Singapore Region in 2010. The company now operates AWS Regions in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Amazon said it invested more than $3 billion in the region in 2025 alone across AWS, Stores, Devices, and Entertainment businesses. The company currently employs more than 3,000 workers in the region, with another 2,500 people in its extended workforce.
Several organizations in SEA are already using AWS-based AI tools to improve operations. Union Bank of the Philippines deployed generative AI analytics for more than 200 business users, enabling employees to get answers three to five times faster. In Thailand, property developer Sansiri built an AI assistant on AWS that responds to homebuyers 30% faster and automates invoice processing with 90% accuracy.
Amazon said workforce development remains a major priority as demand for AI talent increases. Since 2017, the company has trained 2.7 million people in the region in cloud-related skills.
“AI and cloud training and upskilling are the most important enablers and where most countries are underinvesting,” Zapolsky said. “We’ve trained 2.7 million people across Southeast Asia since 2017, but the pace needs to accelerate dramatically.”
The company is working with governments, schools, and industry groups to develop talent pipelines for cloud architects, AI and machine learning specialists, and data engineers.
In Singapore, Amazon partnered with educational institutions to train 5,000 learners annually through 2026. In Indonesia, the company collaborated with schools in West Java where students and teachers built more than 10,800 generative AI applications in one day, earning a Guinness World Records title.
Amazon is also expanding internet connectivity through low Earth orbit satellite technology under Project Kuiper, referred to in the release as Amazon Leo. The initiative aims to bring broadband access to underserved rural communities across SEA, where more than 150 million people still lack reliable internet access.
According to Access Partnership, improving connectivity in the region could generate $47.8 billion in annual economic benefits and create up to 3.8 million jobs.
The company is also growing its entertainment and e-commerce presence in the region. Prime Video recently announced seven Philippine Originals, including “LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines Season 2” and “Honor Thy Mother,” which will be streamed in more than 240 countries and territories.
Amazon said sustainability remains part of its long-term strategy. In Singapore, AWS data centers use recycled NEWater, while renewable energy projects in Singapore and Indonesia support the company’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2040.
Zapolsky said Amazon continues to work with ASEAN governments on digital trade, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance policies as the region’s digital economy expands.