Malaysia chosen for $50 billion AI investment plan, Anwar says
The figure has not been announced by SoftBank, which separately agreed with Grab and PETROS to explore digital infrastructure in Sarawak.
Malaysia is the intended destination for $50 billion in investment in artificial intelligence, technology and data centers, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He said SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son described the proposal to him over a video call, naming Sarawak, Kuching and the peninsula as investment locations.
Anwar disclosed the plan in Malacca while launching a national cost-of-living initiative, according to a Malay transcript published by his office. SoftBank has made no announcement of the $50 billion figure.
A separate agreement signed on 8 October brought SoftBank together with ride-hailing group Grab and state energy company Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS). Under that framework, the partners will examine a platform for AI and digital infrastructure in Sarawak and prepare a phased development roadmap encompassing AI computing, robotics and workforce development. No investment sum is specified, and the agreement leaves the companies uncommitted to concluding definitive deals or implementing the project.
Anwar linked the proposed investment to better jobs and said political stability mattered to investor confidence. He also called for stronger capabilities in AI, digitalization and chips, advocating a shift toward front-end technology from back-end work.
