SoftBank reportedly plans $50 billion tech investment in Malaysia
SoftBank reportedly plans $50 billion in Malaysian AI, tech and data-center investment, Anwar says.
Anwar said Saturday that Son had identified locations in Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia for the planned investments after a video conference between the two earlier in the week, the report said.
The prime minister said the planned investments would focus on artificial intelligence, new technologies and data centers. Malaysia is seeking to become an AI nation by 2030, and the government launched a national AI action plan earlier this year to strengthen the country's AI capabilities and infrastructure.
Earlier this month, SoftBank signed a framework agreement with Singapore-based Grab and Malaysia's Petroleum Sarawak Berhad to explore AI and digital infrastructure development in Sarawak, including AI computing services and advanced technologies.
SoftBank is not alone in pursuing technology investments in Malaysia. Google announced a $2 billion investment in 2024 to build its first data center and cloud region in the country, while Amazon Web Services said it planned to invest $6.2 billion through 2038. Microsoft also announced a $2.2 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure and other digital initiatives.
Malaysia recorded 385.7 billion ringgit, or $94 billion, in data center-related investments between 2021 and the first half of 2026, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
SoftBank did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.