Anwar says SoftBank's Son is eyeing up to $50bn for Malaysian AI

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday, October 24, that SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son is considering an investment of up to $50 billion in the country. The focus would be AI, new technology and data centers. CNBC reported that Anwar, citing a Bloomberg report, said Son had identified sites in Kuching, Sarawak, and in peninsular Malaysia after a video call between the two.

What is and is not confirmed

The figure and the sites come from the prime minister. CNBC said SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment, so the company has not confirmed the plan. The New Straits Times and The Japan Times also reported Anwar’s remarks.

Earlier this month, according to CNBC, SoftBank signed a framework agreement with Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad. Malaysia has said it wants to become an “AI nation” by 2030. Its investment agency, MIDA, reports RM385.7 billion (about $94 billion) of data-center investment from 2021 to the first half of 2026.

Why it matters (analysis)

Until SoftBank confirms the figure, readers should treat it as a stated ambition rather than a commitment. Still, it fits a pattern of governments competing for AI infrastructure money, and Sarawak’s energy resources are a likely draw. Compare Brazil’s push in our report on Lula and AI data centers, and the policy side in our AI policy hub.

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This report is not legal, financial, or health advice. See the disclaimer.