Anwar says SoftBank's Son has picked Malaysian sites for US$50 billion tech outlay

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said SoftBank chairman Masayoshi Son has chosen Sarawak's Kuching and Peninsular Malaysia for US$50 billion in investments covering AI, new technology and data centres. According to Bloomberg, carried by The Star, Anwar made the remarks in a speech in Melaka after a videoconference with Son, and SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key points

  • Anwar described it as among the largest investments in the region.
  • The figure comes from the prime minister's account; the report carries no confirmation from SoftBank.
  • SoftBank is already working on a US$500 billion data centre project in Ohio and a French project that could cost as much as US$84 billion.

Why it matters for Malaysia

If it goes ahead, the plan would be very large for Malaysia and would bring AI infrastructure to Sarawak as well as the peninsula. Until SoftBank gives details, it should be read as the prime minister's announcement and not a signed commitment.

Questions answered

How much is SoftBank investing in Malaysia?
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Masayoshi Son plans US$50 billion in investments covering AI, new technology and data centres. SoftBank representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to the report.
Where in Malaysia would SoftBank's US$50 billion go?
Anwar said Son had chosen Sarawak, specifically Kuching, and Peninsular Malaysia. The report does not give specific sites in Peninsular Malaysia.

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