SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son plans to invest US$50 billion in artificial intelligence, new technology and data centres in Malaysia, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The commitment, about RM204.3 billion, would rank among the largest proposed technology investments in Southeast Asia.
Anwar disclosed the plan on Saturday, October 24, at a government event at the Hang Jebat Sports Complex in Melaka, where he also launched the National Cost of Living Action Plan 2030. He said the investor laid out the proposal during a video conference with him the previous Tuesday and had picked Kuching in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia as the destinations for the money.
“Last Tuesday, one of the world's largest investors held a video conference with me.”— Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
Anwar did not name the investor in his remarks. Reporting on Sunday identified Son as the investor behind the proposal, which fits his push to build AI infrastructure around the world.
Key facts
- 01Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said an investor plans US$50 billion (RM204.3 billion) for AI, new technology and data centres.
- 02SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son was identified on October 25 as the investor behind the plan.
- 03The chosen sites are Kuching in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
- 04Anwar said the plan was pitched to him in a video call the Tuesday before his October 24 remarks in Melaka.
- 05No timeline, funding structure or job estimate has been announced.
Anwar spelled out where the money would go: "In which sectors? AI, new technology and data centres." He gave no project breakdown, and neither the implementation timeline nor the funding arrangements have been announced.
Anwar framed the investment primarily as a jobs story. He said it could open better opportunities for Malaysians, particularly young people and graduates, and told students that "young people currently studying at universities and in schools must recognise that there will be new opportunities waiting".
He paired that with a skills push. Malaysia, he said, must build its capabilities in AI, digitalisation and semiconductors and expand workforce training so that local workers can move beyond back-end activities into higher-value middle- and front-end segments of the technology industry.
Anwar also tied the size of the commitment to conditions at home. He said investor confidence depends on political stability, effective leadership and a conducive business environment, and cited Malaysia's multiracial and multireligious harmony as an advantage in attracting foreign capital.
“If people don't have confidence in this government and if the leadership is constantly quarrelling, investors will not be interested in coming here”— Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
He also said the success of any investment should be measured in tangible public benefits, such as better jobs and higher living standards. Details on how SoftBank's US$50 billion would be deployed across Sarawak and the Peninsula, and on what schedule, have yet to be made public.
Working on something we should cover, or seeing a story we missed? Send leads, documents, or feedback to hello@aichatdaily.com. For sensitive tips, see our secure tips page for Signal and PGP options.
Spotted an error? Email hello@aichatdaily.com with the URL and the issue, or read our full corrections policy.
