Japan-based SoftBank Group Corp, Singapore-headquartered Grab Holdings Ltd and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) on Thursday signed a Framework Agreement to explore the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The Framework Agreement was signed 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 Janin Girie, Group Chief Executive Officer of PETROS, Softbank said in a statement.
Under the Framework Agreement, the three parties will collaborate to develop a roadmap for the phased development of the platform. The collaboration will also explore opportunities across the wider AI value chain, including AI compute and services, advanced technologies, robotics, local workforce and community development.
The tri-party partnership brings together complementary strengths across technology, digital platforms, investment and infrastructure to support Sarawak’s ambition to develop a high-value, technology-driven economy, while contributing to the expansion of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, including the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative.
According to the statement, SoftBank will contribute its global technology and AI ecosystem, with expertise spanning AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI.
Grab will bring its established Southeast Asian digital ecosystem, applied AI capabilities and extensive regional customer and partner networks.
Meanhwhile, PETROS will contribute its experience in harnessing Sarawak’s energy resources to drive economic development through the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and 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, Softbank added.
The collaboration reflects the parties’ shared view of Sarawak’s potential to become a destination for AI infrastructure and high-value technology industries to anchor Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional hub for AI and digital infrastructure.
It also supports the state’s aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and is intended to contribute to the national digital economy and AI agenda under the Ekonomi MADANI framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.