KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The world computer giant Dell plans to set up a technology and development center in Malaysia, picking this country over India, Ireland and the Philippines, local media reported Sunday.

    The decision was made following Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's visit to the Dell headquarters in Round Rock, Texas, on Friday.

    The center, to be situated in the intelligent city of Cyberjaya, will employ as many as 1,000 people and its range of business will involve high value-added activities, including process design and software development.

    "Dell's new investment in Cyberjaya is a testimony of the Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor's unique ability to deliver high-value activities at competitive costs," said Malaysian Multimedia Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Badlisham Ghazali.

    Dell set up its first Malaysian manufacturing plant in Penang state in 1995, which has since grown to employ some 4,000 people.

    Earlier this year, it also launched an advanced enterprise support center in Penang. Enditem