# SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son plans a $50 billion investment in Malaysia, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

> Anwar Ibrahim says Son picked Kuching and parts of Peninsular Malaysia for investment in AI, new technology and data centers. SoftBank has not confirmed it.

- Publisher: JARRUS (@jarrus.tech), thejarrus.com
- Story date: Oct. 24, 2026 (2026-10-24)
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Tags: Funding and deals, Data centers and energy
- URL: https://thejarrus.com/en/news/softbank-malaysia/

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a speech in Melaka on Saturday, October 24, that SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son plans to invest about **$50 billion** in Malaysia. According to Bloomberg, which reported the remarks on October 25, Anwar said he had held a video call with Son the previous week. Asked where the money would go, he answered: "AI, new technology and data centres."

Anwar said Son had chosen Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state, and parts of Peninsular Malaysia for the investment. No timeline, structure or specific projects have been disclosed. SoftBank representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and **the company has not confirmed the plan.**

According to W.Media, SoftBank signed framework agreements earlier in October with Grab and Sarawak state agencies to explore AI infrastructure opportunities in the region. Data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) show the country drew RM385.7 billion (about $94 billion) in data center related investment from 2021 through the first half of 2026. SoftBank is also involved in large data center efforts such as the Stargate project in the US and a project in France that could cost up to $84 billion.

## Sources

1. [W.Media: SoftBank plans US$50 billion data center investment in Malaysia: Report, Oct. 26, 2026](https://w.media/softbank-plans-us50-billion-data-center-investment-in-malaysia-report/)
2. [Fintech News Malaysia: SoftBank’s Founder Eyes US$50 Billion AI Investment in Malaysia: PM Anwar, Oct. 26, 2026](https://fintechnews.my/61926/ai/softbank-malaysia-us50-billion-ai-data-centres/)
3. [Bloomberg (The Japan Times): Republished Bloomberg report, Oct. 26, 2026](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/26/softbank-malaysia-data-center-investments/)
4. [Business Today Malaysia: Local report on Anwar’s remarks, Oct. 25, 2026](https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/10/25/softbank-founder-plans-us50-billion-malaysia-tech-investment-anwar-says/)

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