Loading page…
Son has identified locations in Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia, according to the prime minister. SoftBank did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Listen to this story
Anwar Ibrahim says SoftBank is considering a $50 billion push into AI, new technologies and data centers in Malaysia, but no investment has been finalized. The reported locations—Kuching in Sarawak and sites on the peninsula—overlap with SoftBank’s exploratory Sarawak framework with Grab and PETROS, which is explicitly nonbinding and would require further agreements. The distinction matters: the headline figure signals interest, while execution risks including funding, approvals, power and customer demand are disclosed for the earlier Sarawak project, not established conditions for the broader proposal.
Anwar attributed the $50 billion figure to discussions with SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son; SoftBank had not immediately responded to CNBC’s request for comment.
Son identified locations in Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia after a video conference earlier that week.
An October 8, 2026 framework with Grab and PETROS would map a phased Sarawak platform spanning AI compute, robotics and workforce development.
Malaysia is being considered for a proposed $50 billion investment in AI, new technologies and data centers, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He disclosed discussions with SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son, putting a dollar figure on the group’s interest in the country. The proposal remains under discussion, rather than a completed investment.
Anwar said Saturday that Son had identified locations in Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia following a video conference earlier in the week. CNBC, citing Bloomberg, reported those details on October 26. The prime minister’s account spans sites in both Sarawak and the Malaysian peninsula.
The $50 billion figure comes from Anwar’s account, as reported by Bloomberg and cited by CNBC. SoftBank did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
SoftBank already has an exploratory infrastructure partnership in one of the places Anwar named. On October 8, 2026, it signed a framework agreement with Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad, known as PETROS, to explore an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak.
The Framework Agreement does not obligate the Companies to enter into definitive agreements with respect to, or to implement, the contemplated project.
SoftBank, Grab and PETROS, October 8 joint announcement
That agreement calls for the three companies to develop a roadmap for building the platform in phases. Its scope includes computing capacity and services for AI, advanced technologies, robotics, and local workforce and community development.
The partners outlined different contributions: SoftBank would bring technology and AI expertise, while Grab would contribute its regional digital platform and networks. PETROS, Sarawak’s state-owned energy company, would work on energy supply solutions, enabling infrastructure and local participation.
For that Sarawak project, the companies identified potential obstacles including financing, approvals, suitable land, reliable and competitively priced power, connectivity and contracted customer demand. These are risks disclosed for the earlier platform, not established conditions governing the broader proposal described by Anwar.
Loading discussion...
Join the conversation
Explain when early disclosure helps the public rather than creating false expectations.
Be the first to share a perspective or an experience.
Reader comments
Newest comments first. Replies stay oldest first.