Where in Malaysia would SoftBank invest?

Masayoshi Son said he had chosen Sarawak — Kuching — and Peninsular Malaysia, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

What sectors would the $50 billion cover?

Anwar said the investment covers artificial intelligence, new technology and data centers.

What has Malaysia attracted in data-center investment so far?

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

AI Business & IndustryJapan Times Tech22h agoOct 26, 2026, 13:01 JST

SoftBank's Son picks Malaysia for $50 billion tech outlay

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3 Key Points

What happened
Masayoshi Son told Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a videoconference last week that SoftBank has chosen Sarawak — Kuching — and Peninsular Malaysia for $50 billion in AI, new technology and data center investment.
Why it matters
Anwar said the outlay would create new and better job opportunities, particularly for younger parts of the workforce, and ranks among the largest investments in the region.

WHO IT HITSMalaysia's younger workers stand to gain new and better job opportunities, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, while the government pushes data center operators to support local suppliers and higher-skilled roles.

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Context & Analysis

Anwar's account ties the SoftBank plan to a broader push by Malaysia to move up the technology value chain. He said the country needs stronger capabilities in AI, digitalization and semiconductors, as well as workforce skills, to shift from back-end activities into front-end segments. Malaysia has already drawn data-center investment from Amazon.com, Microsoft and Alphabet's Google, and the government is now pressing operators to support local suppliers while using the infrastructure to spur AI adoption and homegrown innovation. Earlier this month, SoftBank signed framework agreements with partners to explore AI infrastructure and ecosystem development in Sarawak, suggesting the $50 billion figure Anwar described may build on those earlier discussions.

FAQ

Where in Malaysia would SoftBank invest?: Masayoshi Son said he had chosen Sarawak — Kuching — and Peninsular Malaysia, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
What sectors would the $50 billion cover?: Anwar said the investment covers artificial intelligence, new technology and data centers.
What has Malaysia attracted in data-center investment so far?: Malaysia recorded 385.7 billion ringgit ($94 billion) of data-center-related investments from 2021 through the first half of 2026, per the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Japan Times TechRead Original Article

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