Grab Malaysia and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Sarawak.

Grab said in a statement on Monday that the collaboration aims to drive growth in the tourism and small business sectors by enhancing digital accessibility and economic opportunities.

Recognizing the pivotal role of digitalization in Sarawak’s evolving economy, the agreement looks to leverage Grab’s technological and in-app capabilities to promote the state as a key tourism destination to users across Southeast Asia.

Grab and SDEC will also look to help traditional, local merchants digitalize their businesses, giving them access to a wider customer base and expand their income potential.

“Grab is committed to playing a greater role in supporting inclusive, sustainable digital economy growth across Malaysia and our latest initiatives in Sarawak reflect this,

“We’re excited to deepen our investment into Sarawak, and are grateful for the partnership of the Sarawak government and the SDEC,” said Adelene Foo, Managing Director of Grab Malaysia.

“We are dedicated to drawing on our technology and insights to enhance the digital capabilities in the state, strengthen the resilience of local businesses through digitalization, serving Sarawakians’ growing demand for reliable and convenient online services, and creating meaningful opportunities overall for the vibrant communities of Sarawak,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC, said Sarawak’s digital tourism sector is a key lever of economic growth, and this collaboration with Grab reinforces our commitment to positioning the state as a leading digital hub in the region.

“By tapping into Grab’s technological expertise, data-driven ecosystem, and extensive regional reach, we are not only enhancing digital accessibility for local businesses but also creating an investment-ready digital economy,

“This partnership is a strategic move to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurship, fuel economic expansion, and solidify Sarawak’s presence on the global digital map,” he added.

According to the statement, Grab and SDEC will partner on several strategic initiatives designed to benefit both consumers and small businesses in Sarawak.

These initiatives include supporting tourism growth in Sarawak; promoting local Sarawak merchants through the GrabFood 5-Star Program; merchant training and financial literacy programs; digitalization of Pasar Tani/Tamu; sustainable mobility options.

The MOU is drawing on Grab’s platform and reach in Southeast Asia to amplify the Sarawak government’s initiatives on smart and digital tourism, and promoting the state as a key tourism destination in the region.

It will also facilitate the creation of a dedicated Grab lounge at Kuching International Airport to enhance visitor experience.

Local eateries will also be featured as part of a curated list of 5-star eats on the GrabFood app promoting Sarawak’s rich and unique culinary heritage and highlighting the state’s gastro tourism.

Grab and SDEC, together with Malaysian Central Bank and GX Bank will conduct outreach programs to improve financial literacy amongst local merchants.

Grab will also organize mentorship collaborations to upskill merchants and foster a robust entrepreneurial community.

Grab and SDEC will also work together to bring the local, traditional markets online through the Grab platform, helping them expand their consumer base, strengthen resilience against unexpected shocks (like COVID-19), while providing the greater public an affordable option to daily necessities.

In line with the state’s commitment to environmental conservation, Grab will facilitate the launch and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) ride offerings locally.

Grab has also joined forces with premium grocer in East Malaysia Everrise through an acquisition of the premium supermarket chain, with the aim to digitalize its operations and bring the convenience of on-demand grocery delivery to more consumers in East Malaysia.

This is in line with Sarawak state’s vision of becoming a digital-first economy.

As more and more consumers seek online options for their everyday needs, Grab and Everrise will work together to integrate Grab’s technology into the supermarket chain’s operations, to offer users an online grocery shopping experience as reliable and consistent as shopping in-store, with affordable and dependable options for deliveries.

Grab will also draw on data insights to help Everrise better address customer needs – whether it’s by bringing in new and relevant products, or providing a more relevant and personalized online shopping experience.

Grab and Everrise also plan to integrate their loyalty programs to offer consumers a more rewarding experience across a wider array of everyday transactions.

“We’ve long recognized the need to make a bolder transition to more digitalized operations to better serve the evolving needs of our customers,

“In Grab we’ve found the best partner to help us realise those ambitions,” said Jeffrey Sia, Executive Director, Everrise.

“Grab has the best technology and know-how to deliver a great online grocery delivery experience, and most importantly, have a strong customer-first mindset,

“I am confident and excited to work with them to deliver the same promise of quality and consistency that Everrise customers best know us for,” he added.

Grab’s revenue grows 19 percent on year to $2.8 billion in 2024