SoftBank Reportedly Plans to Invest $50 Billion in Malaysia, Focusing on AI and Data Centers
According to Bloomberg, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar stated that SoftBank Group plans to invest $50 billion in Malaysia, focusing on artificial intelligence, new technologies, and data centers, with locations including Kuching in Sarawak and the Malay Peninsula. Malaysia is striving to become an AI nation by 2030 and earlier this year launched a national AI action plan. Previously, Google announced a $2 billion investment in 2024 to build the country's first data center and cloud region, AWS plans to invest $6.2 billion by 2038, and Microsoft also announced a $2.2 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure.
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Against the backdrop of Malaysia's push to become an AI nation by 2030, this investment contrasts with the existing arrangements of Google, AWS, and Microsoft.
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SoftBank Group plans to make $50 billion of investments in Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, according to a Bloomberg report.
Anwar said Saturday that Son had identified locations in Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia for the planned investments following a video conference between the two earlier in the week, the report said.
The country's prime minister said the planned investments would focus on artificial intelligence, new technologies and data centers, according to the report.
The planned investment comes as Malaysia seeks to become an "AI nation" by 2030, with the government launching 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.
The country recorded 385.7 billion ringgit ($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.Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.