KUCHING – Sarawak has taken a step towards expanding its role in the regional artificial intelligence economy after SoftBank Group Corp., Grab Holdings Limited and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) signed a framework agreement to explore an AI and digital infrastructure platform in the state.
The agreement was signed in Kuching on 8 October 2026 by SoftBank Group 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.
The signing ceremony at the Satria Pertiwi Complex was witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
The framework does not itself establish a fully operational AI platform. Instead, it provides a basis for the three organisations to assess potential development and establish a roadmap covering infrastructure, services and related technology capabilities.
The proposed initiative is expected to be developed in phases, with areas under consideration including AI computing and services, advanced technologies, robotics, workforce development and community participation.
Under the proposed collaboration, SoftBank is expected to contribute expertise in AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI. Its involvement would bring a focus on the underlying technological infrastructure required to support AI-related activities and applications.
Grab, meanwhile, is expected to contribute its experience in applied AI and its wider digital ecosystem across Southeast Asia. The company’s role could support efforts to connect AI capabilities with practical digital services and technology applications in the region.
PETROS would contribute its experience in using Sarawak’s energy resources as part of the state’s broader economic development strategy. Its role is linked to the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and its position as master developer of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub.
The proposed partnership therefore brings together three areas relevant to the development of an AI ecosystem: energy resources, digital technology and applied digital services. The framework is intended to explore how these capabilities could be developed alongside the infrastructure and skills needed to support technology-intensive industries.
The initiative forms part of Sarawak’s broader economic development plans, including its objective of reaching high-income status by 2030 under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
It also sits within Malaysia’s wider efforts to expand the digital economy and artificial intelligence sector under the Ekonomi MADANI framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. The proposed development could complement national efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and connectivity, including initiatives associated with Jalinan Digital Negara, or JENDELA.
For Sarawak, the agreement could create a framework for exploring new investment opportunities linked to AI and advanced technologies. The parties also intend to examine opportunities for developing local talent and capabilities, potentially supporting technology-related economic activity within the state and beyond.
The collaboration also reflects the growing importance of reliable energy, computing capacity, connectivity and skilled workers in developing AI infrastructure. These factors are increasingly interconnected as governments and businesses seek to expand digital services and attract technology-intensive investment.
However, the framework remains an exploratory arrangement, with further assessment and roadmap development required before specific projects, investments or operational facilities are confirmed.
Officials and representatives involved in the signing included Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Baki, PETROS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Hamid bin Bugo and PETROS board member Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili.
The agreement provides Sarawak with a platform to examine how energy, digital infrastructure, advanced technology and human capital can be brought together as part of its next phase of economic development. The outcome will depend on subsequent planning and implementation, but the framework places AI and related technologies among the areas being explored for future investment and growth in the state. — Sarawak Daily
