Amazon Expands Cloud Presence in Southeast Asia to Meet Data Security Needs
In response to growing customer demand for secure data storage within their own countries, Amazon is expanding its cloud regions in Southeast Asia. This expansion is part of Amazon’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable and secure cloud services to businesses and governments worldwide.
‘Many of our customers have been requesting local data storage options to meet specific requirements, such as data residency regulations and personal identifiable information protection,’ said Werner Vogels, Chief Technology Officer of Amazon, in an exclusive interview with CNBC’s JP Ong.
Amazon’s cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), is the world’s largest cloud service provider. AWS regions are physical locations where data centers are clustered, providing businesses with reliable and low-latency access to cloud services. Each AWS region consists of multiple availability zones, ensuring high availability and redundancy.
‘The demand for local cloud services extends beyond startups to large enterprises and government agencies,’ Vogels added. ‘Government agencies are undergoing digital transformations and require secure and reliable cloud technologies within their countries to serve their citizens effectively.’
In November 2023, Amazon announced the launch of a new AWS region in Malaysia. This region will provide customers with data residency options, lower latency, and enhanced support for cloud services across Southeast Asia. Additionally, AWS has plans to establish an infrastructure region in Thailand, further expanding its presence in the region.
Vogels emphasized that security is AWS’s top priority. ‘Our security capabilities allow us to protect customer data effectively,’ he said. ‘Security is and will always be our number one investment area. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest levels of security and privacy in our cloud regions.’
Amazon’s expansion in Southeast Asia reflects the growing demand for cloud services in the region. By establishing local cloud regions, Amazon can provide businesses and governments with secure and reliable access to cloud computing, enabling them to accelerate their digital transformations and innovation initiatives.
