MELAKA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that a global investor plans to invest US$50bil (RM204.3bil) in the artificial intelligence (AI), new technology and data centre sectors in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
He said the investor conveyed this during a recent video conference, describing the proposed investment as one of the largest in the region.
Anwar said the investment can create new and better job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly the younger generation, including students in schools and institutions of higher learning.
"Last Tuesday, one of the world's largest investors held a video conference with me. The investor said he had chosen Kuching, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for an investment worth US$50 billion, one of the largest investments in the region.
"In which sectors? AI, new technology and data centre. This means that young people currently studying at universities and in schools must recognise that there will be new opportunities waiting, including better employment opportunities," he said.
He was speaking at the Sentuhan Kasih Madani Programme and launch of the National Cost of Living Action Plan 2030 (NCLAP30), held at the Hang Jebat Sports Complex here today. Also at the event was Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Anwar said international investors' confidence in Malaysia must be maintained through the country's political stability and leadership, as well as by ensuring a conducive environment for investment.
He cited peace and harmony among Malaysia's multiracial and multi-religious communities as one of the country's strengths, saying it should be leveraged to attract more foreign investment.
"If people don't have confidence in this government and if the leadership is constantly quarrelling, investors will not be interested in coming here," he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said, Malaysia must continue strengthening its capabilities in emerging technologies, particularly AI, digitalisation and semiconductors, to ensure sustainable economic growth.
He said efforts to enhance workforce training and skills development are also crucial to enable Malaysia to move beyond back-end technology activities into the middle- and front-end segments, which offer higher added value.
However, Anwar stressed that the success in attracting investments and drive economic growth needs to be translated into real benefits for the people, including better job opportunities and higher standard of living. – Bernama
