Amazon Web Services (AWS) is actively bolstering Malaysia’s startup ecosystem by providing businesses with the latest cloud technology, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, and tailored strategic support programs. This initiative aims to drive innovation and foster growth within the country’s burgeoning tech sector.
Phoebe Liew and Pete Murray discuss AWS initiatives.
AWS country general manager Pete Murray explained that AWS is fostering a collaborative environment by working closely with government agencies, venture capital firms, and local accelerators. This collaborative approach is designed to create a supportive ecosystem for startups as they navigate their growth trajectories.
Murray emphasized that Malaysian startups are increasingly leveraging AWS’s cloud solutions to optimize operations, enhance security, and accelerate product development. “The scalability of AWS services allows emerging businesses to manage costs effectively while gaining access to high-performance computing, machine learning tools, and automation capabilities that were previously out of reach,” he stated. Initiatives like AWS Activate offer startups credits, technical training, and mentorship, providing them with crucial resources to compete in the global market.
“Our AI and data analytics tools also enable businesses to gain deeper insights into customer behaviour, improve decision-making, and develop innovative digital products,” Murray added. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships in cultivating a supportive environment, providing not only technological solutions but also networking opportunities and investment access. As Malaysia’s digital economy continues to expand, AWS plays a critical role in helping businesses overcome challenges such as cybersecurity threats, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation.
He further elaborated on the cost-effectiveness of AWS’s cloud solutions for Malaysian startups. “By adopting AWS’s pay-as-you-go model, businesses can scale their resources based on demand, avoiding large upfront infrastructure costs. This flexible pricing structure allows startups to allocate their budgets efficiently, ensuring they only pay for the computing power, storage, and services they use.” Furthermore, AWS’s cost management tools, such as AWS Cost Explorer and AWS Budgets, give businesses real-time insights to track and control expenses, preventing unnecessary spending.
Beyond infrastructure savings, AWS aids startups in reducing operational costs through automation and AI-driven efficiencies. “Services like AWS Lambda eliminate the need for dedicated servers, while AI-powered analytics streamline decision-making and customer engagement. By optimising workflows and minimising manual processes, startups can focus on innovation and growth without being burdened by excessive IT expenses,” he explained. With ongoing strategic investments in Malaysia’s startup ecosystem, AWS is driving further innovation and economic growth in the country.
In addition to AWS’s contributions, stock content provider 123RF is making significant advancements in AI-powered solutions. Chief technology officer Phoebe Liew said the company, which has long provided high-quality stock images, is enhancing its platform with cutting-edge AI tools to benefit creatives and businesses. “One of the most developments in 123RF’s roadmap is the ability to transform static images into videos. We plan to integrate with Amazon’s Nova Reels, allowing users to generate dynamic video content from existing stock images with just a prompt,” Liew noted. This integration aligns with 123RF’s mission to streamline content creation and make high-quality visuals more accessible.
Liew stated that the company’s next step is to allow users to make their images come alive. “We can use an image that we have on our stock content, put in a prompt, and that image will become a video. We are planning to integrate with Nova Reels to enable our customers to enjoy this feature,” she said. The development is part of a broader initiative to leverage AI to simplify design processes.
“123RF has already introduced AI-powered tools such as Nova and Canvas, which allow users to generate professional-quality images through simple text prompts. By lowering the barrier to entry for content creation, these tools enable businesses, marketers, and creatives to produce engaging visuals without requiring specialized expertise,” she added. Beyond image transformation, Liew said 123RF’s partnership with AWS has led to improvements in search accuracy and operational efficiency. “The company employs AI-driven vector embeddings stored in Amazon OpenSearch, ensuring more precise and relevant search results for users. AWS’s scalable infrastructure has also enhanced site stability and reduced downtime, contributing to a seamless user experience,” she concluded.
