Anwar says SoftBank-led AI investment signals global confidence in Malaysia

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move also represents a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation and supports Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030, as outlined in the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030. — Picture from Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim

First Published: Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 8:54 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — The SoftBank-led consortium’s investment in an artificial intelligence (AI) platform in Malaysia reflects global confidence in the country’s potential to develop and use AI, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the move also represents a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation and supports Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030, as outlined in the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030.

“I welcome the announcement by the SoftBank-led consortium, including Grab Holdings Ltd (Grab) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), to invest in an AI Infrastructure Platform in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

“The willingness of global investors like SoftBank and Masayoshi Son to invest in Malaysia reflects strong confidence in our national capabilities, investment climate and political stability,” he said in a post on X yesterday.

SoftBank chief executive officer Masayoshi Son reportedly selected Kuching, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia for US$50 billion (RM202.86 billion) in AI infrastructure investments.

According to Anwar, combining SoftBank’s capital and expertise with Grab’s regional AI capabilities and proven track record of deploying AI across its ecosystem would significantly enhance Malaysia’s AI infrastructure and global competitiveness.

He said that as Malaysia develops its AI infrastructure, the country expects large-scale digital investments to support its sustainability goals. The project must also meet applicable federal and state requirements, including those relating to renewable energy use.

“I expect this investment to create skilled jobs for Malaysians and help more of our rakyat build expertise in AI.

“It should also create opportunities for our local businesses to supply goods and services as Malaysia builds its AI capabilities,” he said.

Anwar said the government would work with the relevant state authorities to facilitate the highly anticipated project. — Bernama