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Anwar Links SoftBank’s Son to Proposed $50B Malaysia AI Investment
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son selected sites for a proposed US$50 billion technology investment. The plan covers AI, new technology and data centres in Kuching, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, b
AI.info Team · Written with AI · fact-checked ·
“He said he had chosen Sarawak – Kuching – and peninsular Malaysia to expand investment in what would be among the largest investments in the region, worth US$50 billion.”
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s prime minister, quoted by Bloomberg
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says SoftBank Group chief Masayoshi Son has selected locations for a proposed US$50 billion investment spanning artificial intelligence, new technology and data centres. Anwar made the remarks in Melaka on Saturday, Oct. 24; Bloomberg identified Son as the investor in a report published the next day. Bernama’s initial account described the backer only as a global investor.
From an unnamed investor to Masayoshi Son
Anwar said he discussed the plan with Son in a video conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20. He named Kuching, in the state of Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia as locations Son had chosen. Bloomberg’s report says the projects would include data centres, while Anwar’s remarks also cited AI and new technology.
The US$50 billion figure is Anwar’s description of the proposed investment, relayed in his speech. His remarks, as reported by Bernama, and Bloomberg’s account do not give a breakdown by location or sector, a construction schedule, or a financing plan. Bloomberg reported that SoftBank representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.
Sarawak already has a separate SoftBank framework
SoftBank, Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) announced a framework agreement on Oct. 8 to explore an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak. The companies said they would develop a roadmap for phased development and examine opportunities in AI computing and services, advanced technology, robotics, workforce development and community development.
That agreement provides context for SoftBank’s interest in Sarawak, but the companies’ announcement does not state a US$50 billion investment or connect the framework to Anwar’s proposal. SoftBank said the agreement does not require the parties to sign final contracts or carry out the envisioned project. The two announcements therefore describe different stages: an exploration pact among three companies and a much larger proposed investment described by the prime minister.
Anwar ties the proposal to jobs and skills
Anwar said the investment could create new and better jobs, particularly for young people and students. He also called for Malaysia to strengthen its capabilities in AI, digitalisation and semiconductors, alongside training for workers. His stated aim is to move beyond back-end technology work toward higher-value activities closer to users.
The remarks place job creation and workforce preparation alongside the proposed infrastructure spending, rather than treating the data-centre buildout as an end in itself. But the public details remain limited: Anwar has named the investor, locations and broad sectors, while the available announcements set out no timetable or detailed implementation plan for the US$50 billion proposal.