Japan’s SoftBank Group is considering a US$50 billion investment in Malaysia’s artificial intelligence, technology and data centre sectors, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on October 24. The proposed projects would be located in Sarawak, including Kuching, and Peninsular Malaysia.

Anwar disclosed the plan following a video conference with SoftBank chairman and chief executive Masayoshi Son. He said Son had identified potential locations for the projects, describing the proposed investment as one of the largest in the region.

SoftBank has not independently confirmed the full US$50 billion commitment. The figure remains based on Anwar’s announcement, with the investment structure and project timelines yet to be publicly detailed.

The proposal comes as Malaysia seeks to expand its digital infrastructure and attract investment in artificial intelligence. Data centres provide the computing capacity required to run AI applications and cloud services, making them an important part of the technology sector.

Earlier in October, SoftBank signed a framework agreement with ride-hailing company Grab and Petroleum Sarawak, the Sarawak state-owned energy company, to explore an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak. The agreement established a basis for examining potential projects but did not disclose a financial commitment of US$50 billion.

Malaysia has attracted substantial investment in data centres from international technology companies. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority reported RM385.7 billion in data centre-related investments between 2021 and the first half of 2026.

The government aims to develop Malaysia into an “AI nation” by 2030. The proposed SoftBank investment could support that ambition, although its eventual scale will depend on confirmed commitments and project agreements.