A planned SoftBank investment in Malaysia could reach $50 billion and focus on artificial intelligence, new technologies and data centers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on October 24, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Anwar said SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son had identified potential locations in Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia.
  • SoftBank had not immediately commented on the investment plan.

SoftBank investment plans in Malaysia

Anwar said Son identified sites in Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia after the two held a video conference earlier in the week. The proposed spending remains a plan, rather than a completed investment.

Malaysia is seeking to become an “AI nation” by 2030 and launched a national AI action plan earlier in 2026 to strengthen its capabilities and infrastructure.

Earlier Sarawak agreement

Earlier in October, SoftBank signed a framework agreement with Singapore-based Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad to explore AI and digital infrastructure development in Sarawak. The agreement covers potential AI computing services and advanced technologies.

Other technology companies have also announced investments in Malaysia. Google announced a $2 billion investment in 2024 for its first data center and cloud region in the country. Amazon Web Services has said it plans to invest $6.2 billion through 2038, while Microsoft announced $2.2 billion for cloud and AI infrastructure and other digital initiatives.

Malaysia recorded 385.7 billion ringgit ($94 billion) in data center-related investments from 2021 through the first half of 2026, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

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