Tanjung Embang being eyed for billion-dollar AI, new tech investment
by Desiree David · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Oct 26): Tanjung Embang could be among the locations considered for a proposed billion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence (AI), new technology and data centres in Sarawak.
Caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state had proposals for investments in intelligent data centres, but declined to disclose the names of the prospective investors.
He said the proposed investment could be worth around US$50 billion, although he could not confirm the exact amount.
“As part of the planning framework, there are indeed proposals to invest in the state in intelligent data centres.
“However, we cannot disclose the investors’ names yet because they are leading international companies,” he told reporters after performing the opening ceremony for the Sarawak Urban Forum 2.0 (SUF 2.0) at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Monday.
Abang Johari said he was unaware of the suggested locations in Peninsular Malaysia.
“I don’t know about Peninsular Malaysia. What I know is Sarawak,” he pointed out.
On Tanjung Embang being considered as a location for the investment, Abang Johari said it was a possibility.
On Oct 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a global investor planned to invest US$50 billion (RM204 billion) in AI, new technology and data centres in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
According to reports by The Edge Malaysia and The Business Times, Anwar said the investor had conveyed the intention during a video conference on Oct 20, identifying Kuching and Peninsular Malaysia as locations for the proposed investment.
The Business Times identified the investor as SoftBank Group founder and chief executive officer Masayoshi Son.
Anwar said the investment could create new and better job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly the younger generation, including students in schools and institutions of higher learning.
Abang Johari Tun Openg artificial intelligence data centres onsite Tanjung Embang