SoftBank, Grab and PETROS Sign Kuching Agreement to Explore Sarawak AI Infrastructure Platform

Under the Framework Agreement signed in Kuching, the three parties will work together to develop a roadmap for the phased development of an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak. The collaboration goes beyond the platform itself: the partners will also explore opportunities across the wider AI value chain, including AI compute and services, advanced technologies, robotics, local workforce, and community development.

Roadmap for a Phased AI Platform Takes Shape

The announcement describes the tri-party partnership as bringing together complementary strengths across technology, digital platforms, investment and infrastructure in support of Sarawak's ambition to build a high-value, technology-driven economy. The parties also intend for the partnership to contribute to the expansion of Malaysia's digital infrastructure and connectivity, including the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative.

The Signing in Kuching

The agreement was signed in Kuching by Masayoshi Son, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SoftBank Group Corp.; Anthony Tan, Group Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Grab; and Dato Janin Girie, Group Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS).

Also present at the signing were the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg; Datuk Haji Ibrahim Bin Haji Baki, Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak (Sarawak Energy and PETROS); Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Hamid Bin Bugo, PETROS Chairman; and Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, PETROS Board Member.

SoftBank's Global Technology and AI Ecosystem

SoftBank will contribute its global technology and AI ecosystem, with expertise spanning AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI. The SoftBank Group comprises SoftBank Group Corp. (TSE: 9984), an investment holding company that holds stakes in AI, smart robotics, IoT, telecommunications, internet services and clean energy technology providers. The group also holds a majority stake in Arm, alongside the SoftBank Vision Funds.

Grab's Southeast Asian Superapp Network

Grab will bring its established Southeast Asian digital ecosystem, applied AI capabilities, and extensive regional customer and partner networks to the partnership. Grab operates a superapp across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors, serving more than 900 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Within Malaysia, Grab runs supermarkets under the Jaya Grocer and Everrise brands.

PETROS and Sarawak's Energy Resources

PETROS will contribute its experience in harnessing Sarawak's energy resources to drive economic development, drawn from its role in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and as Master Developer of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH). Its contribution includes developing energy supply solutions and enabling infrastructure, facilitating local engagement, and strengthening local participation and value creation across Sarawak's supply chain.

Anchoring Malaysia's Regional AI Ambitions

The collaboration reflects what the parties describe as a shared view of Sarawak's potential to become a destination for AI infrastructure and high-value technology industries, anchoring Malaysia's ambition to become a regional hub for AI and digital infrastructure. At the state level, the agreement supports Sarawak's aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

At the national level, the partnership is intended to contribute to Malaysia's digital economy and AI agenda under the Ekonomi MADANI framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. According to the deal, this would happen through attracting strategic investment into Malaysia, developing Malaysian talent and capabilities, and catalyzing technology-driven economic activities across Sarawak, Malaysia, and the wider region.