Geoff Thomas

Yesterday was a very big day for AWS and our customers in APJ as we launched the AWS Asia Pacific (New Zealand) Region. It is our 12th AWS Region in Asia Pacific and Japan since our first in Singapore back in 2010.   The potential for innovation in NZ is limitless, and we are committed to providing the most comprehensive and secure cloud to help drive local innovation and growth. Kiwi organisations including Datacom, Deloitte, Kiwibank, MATTR, and One NZ have already signed on to leverage the Region, and we’re excited to see the transformation we can drive together.   Amazon is investing NZ$7.5 billion into New Zealand, which will create 1,000 new jobs and contribute an estimated NZ$10.8B to the nation’s GDP over 15 years. This builds on the billions of dollars we've already invested in cloud infrastructure across APJ region, with plans to invest billions more.    To our builders, partners, and the #OneAPJ AWS team, thank you for your dedication to transforming New Zealand's digital future. You are helping unlock access to opportunities that will transform communities and shape the future.   It remains Day 1 in New Zealand, and as always, the best is yet to come!   Learn more about how AWS is shaping the future of New Zealand’s cloud journey:https://lnkd.in/eXCJDd-F

656

7 Comments

What an incredible Singapore Grand Prix spent hosting some of our ASEAN customers at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for an unforgettable F1 experience last weekend.    A highlight was the fireside chat with F1 legend Damon Hill, who shared fascinating insights from his championship-winning career and his perspective on how technology has revolutionized the sport since his racing days. Beyond the excitement of the race itself, we had meaningful conversations with F1 Analyst Ruth Buscombe and Sam Power about how AWS is powering F1 Insights, delivering real-time race track analysis with generative AI that giving teams unprecedented strategic insights and transforms how fans experience the sport.  Adrian De Luca also shared about the technical work that AWS does with Formula 1 & Scuderia Ferrari The parallels between F1's data-driven approach and the transformation journeys of organizations across ASEAN created fascinating discussions. The same AWS technologies helping teams make split-second decisions on the track are enabling businesses throughout our region to innovate with speed and precision. Huge thanks to all who joined us. I'm continually inspired by the innovative ways our customers are leveraging AWS to drive their own success stories, both on and off the racetrack!   #AWS #Formula1 #SingaporeGP #AWSASEAN Jaime Valles Gunish Chawla Kevin Kwan Giuseppe Marazzotta Priscilla Chong Michelle Toh Charles-Antoine Scrive Harley Young Dipika D.

423

3 Comments

The energy across Asia is unmistakable. Everywhere I go, I see customers moving fast, reimagining what’s possible, and turning AI into real-world impact. At our recent Town Hall in Seoul, that energy came vividly to life. South Korea, a global exporter of culture and innovation, embodies this spirit of transformation. One of our Korean customers, AMOREPACIFIC, is a great example. Chief Digital Technology Officer SEONGBONG HONG discussed the journey of their AI Beauty Counselor - evolving through setbacks and breakthroughs into a world-class retail experience. It’s proof of what persistence and partnership can achieve. The conversations in the room reminded me why this work matters. In a fireside chat, Ali Powell, who leads our technical services team across Asia, offered several thoughtful reflections: that we need to “make Microsoft small” - removing barriers for ourselves and our customers so we can solve problems together. He also reminded us that “life is like photography - you need the negative to develop.” Real progress often comes from navigating the unknown, and persistence through ambiguity is what fuels innovation. We also heard from Okhi Im, one of our leaders in Korea, who emphasized that culture is built by choice, not by chance - and those choices show up in every interaction, conversation, and decision we make as a team. A big thank you to Willy Cho and team for being such fantastic hosts in Seoul and making this Town Hall truly memorable.

368

5 Comments