Malaysia PM says SoftBank plans $50bn investment in AI and technology

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has selected locations in Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia for a planned $50bn investment in AI, new technology and data centres. SoftBank has not announced that figure, while a separate framework agreement with local partners covers exploring AI and digital infrastructure in Sarawak without specifying an investment amount or committing the companies to proceed.

• Anwar said Son told him of the plan during a video call earlier in the week, and named Kuching, Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia as locations.· 1 source
• The proposed investment is described as covering AI, new technology and data centres; SoftBank has not announced the $50bn figure.· 1 source
• SoftBank, Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad signed a framework agreement to explore an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak; the agreement specifies no amount and does not commit them to carry out the project.· 1 source
• Malaysia recorded RM385.7bn in data-centre-related investment from 2021 to mid-2026, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.· 1 source