SoftBank and Grab to build AI infrastructure in Malaysia's Sarawak

· Politics · Malaysia · China

SoftBank and Grab agreed to develop AI infrastructure in Malaysia's Sarawak state, according to Nikkei Asia. The partnership adds to a wave of AI-related investment in Southeast Asia as companies race to build data centers and computing capacity. Separately, Chinese AI startup Manus raised more than $500 million in its first funding round since Meta breakup, after Beijing forced Meta to unwind its roughly $2 billion acquisition. The Manus deal hands the AI agent developer fresh capital as competition in the sector intensifies.

Why it matters：The investments show how AI infrastructure is becoming a geopolitical and economic battleground, with capital flowing into Southeast Asia and Chinese startups adapting to regulatory constraints.

Key points

  • SoftBank and Grab will develop AI infrastructure in Sarawak.
  • Manus raised over $500 million after Meta deal was unwound.
  • Beijing forced Meta to abandon its roughly $2 billion Manus acquisition.

Sources (original reporting)

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