Sarawak lays groundwork for new AI economy with SoftBank, Grab, PETROS

Abang Johari (third right) witnessing the exchange of Framework Agreement between SoftBank, Grab and PETROS at Satria Pertiwi Complex on Oct 8, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 8: SoftBank Group Corp., Grab Holdings Limited and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) have signed a Framework Agreement to explore the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak.

The agreement brings together the global technology and investment capabilities of SoftBank, Grab’s Southeast Asian digital ecosystem and PETROS’ energy and infrastructure expertise as Sarawak seeks to position itself as a destination for AI infrastructure and high-value technology industries.

According to a statement today, the Framework Agreement was signed by SoftBank Group Corp chairman and chief executive officer Masayoshi Son; Grab Group chairman, chief executive officer and co-founder Anthony Tan; and PETROS Group chief executive officer Dato Janin Girie.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, PETROS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo and PETROS board member Datuk Sharbini Suhaili were also present at the signing.

Under the agreement, the three parties will work together to develop a roadmap for the phased development of the proposed platform.

The collaboration will also explore opportunities across the wider AI value chain, including AI computing and services, advanced technologies, robotics, as well as local workforce and community development.

The partnership is expected to combine the respective strengths of the three companies in technology, digital platforms, investment and infrastructure to support Sarawak’s ambition of building a high-value, technology-driven economy.

It is also intended to contribute to the expansion of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, including through the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative.

SoftBank will bring its global technology and AI ecosystem to the collaboration, with expertise covering AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI.

Grab, meanwhile, will contribute its established Southeast Asian digital ecosystem, applied AI capabilities and extensive networks of customers and partners across the region.

PETROS will contribute its experience in leveraging Sarawak’s energy resources to drive economic development, particularly through the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and its role as Master Developer of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH).

This includes developing energy supply solutions and enabling infrastructure, facilitating local engagement and strengthening local participation and value creation across Sarawak’s supply chain.

The three parties said the collaboration reflected their shared view of Sarawak’s potential to become a destination for AI infrastructure and high-value technology industries, while supporting Malaysia’s ambition to establish itself as a regional hub for AI and digital infrastructure.

The initiative also aligns with Sarawak’s aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

At the national level, the collaboration is intended to support Malaysia’s digital economy and AI agenda under the Madani Economy framework and the 13th Malaysia Plan.

It is expected to help attract strategic investment into Malaysia, develop local talent and capabilities, and catalyse technology-driven economic activities across Sarawak, Malaysia and the wider region.

The Framework Agreement marks an initial step, with the parties to further assess and develop the roadmap, opportunities and potential scope of the proposed AI and digital infrastructure platform. — DayakDaily