SoftBank plans $50 billion for Malaysia AI

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son plans to put 50 billion dollars into Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a speech on the 24th of October 2026. The money would go to AI, new technology and data centres, he said.

Bloomberg named Son as the investor on the 26th of October 2026. SoftBank did not answer requests for comment, Bloomberg and CNBC reported.

What Anwar said in Melaka

Son told him on a video call last Tuesday that he had chosen Kuching, in Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, Anwar said, The Star reported. He called it one of the biggest deals in the region.

Anwar named the areas as AI, new technology and data centres, The Star reported on the 24th of October 2026. He spoke in Melaka.

What a data centre is and why Malaysia wants them

A data centre is a big building full of computers that run AI and websites. Malaysia wants to become an "AI nation" by 2030, CNBC reported.

Anwar said the plan could bring better jobs for young people, The Star reported.

SoftBank already signed a deal in Sarawak

Earlier this month, SoftBank signed a first deal with Grab and Petroleum Sarawak to look at AI in Sarawak, CNBC reported. Such a deal sets out plans before money is promised.

Below we break down the 50 billion dollars

Malaysia drew 94 billion dollars for data centres from 2021 to mid 2026, CNBC reported, citing a state agency. SoftBank's plan equals about 53 percent of that total, by our arithmetic.

It is also about 5 times the Google, Amazon and Microsoft pledges put together, by our arithmetic.

What is confirmed and what is not

SoftBank has not confirmed the plan. No timetable or split of the money has been given.

Key facts

Anwar Ibrahim spoke on the 24th of October 2026.

Son picked Kuching and Peninsular Malaysia, Anwar said.

It covers AI, new technology and data centres.

SoftBank has not commented.