Malaysia's role in Nvidia chip export probe draws scrutiny

A US investigation into Nvidia chip exports to China has raised questions about Malaysia's role, following allegations that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had an affair with a suspected Chinese spy linked to companies in Singapore and Malaysia. The case could affect Malaysia's trade relations with Washington amid its trade war with China. The allegations center on Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed International and its Malaysian subsidiary Speedmatrix Sdn Bhd. Megaspeed bought US$4.8 billion in Nvidia AI chips between June 2024 and February 2026, which were reportedly exported to data centres in Malaysia and Indonesia that appeared to serve Chinese customers. The US Department of Commerce probe has been transferred to the Department of Justice, and the FBI is investigating Jensen's affair. Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said no evidence has been presented that Speedmatrix violated Malaysian law, but affirmed Malaysia will not allow itself to be used to circumvent export controls.