Grab Malaysia deepens investment into Sarawak, in line with Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030

• Agreement taps Grab’s tech to position Sarawak as a top SEA tourism destination
• Grab, SDEC will help traditional merchants digitalise, expand reach & boost income

Grab Malaysia and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate digital transformation in Sarawak. The collaboration aims to drive growth in tourism and small businesses by enhancing digital accessibility and economic opportunities.

Recognising the pivotal role of digitalisation in Sarawak’s evolving economy, the agreement leverages Grab’s technology and in-app capabilities to promote the state as a key tourism destination across Southeast Asia. Grab and SDEC will also support traditional local merchants in digitalising their businesses, helping them reach a wider customer base and expand their income potential.

Adelene Foo, managing director of Grab Malaysia, said, “Grab is committed to supporting inclusive, sustainable digital economic growth across Malaysia, and our latest initiatives in Sarawak reflect this. We’re excited to deepen our investment in Sarawak and are grateful for the partnership of the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation.”

“We are dedicated to using our technology and insights to enhance the state’s digital capabilities, strengthen local businesses through digitalisation, serve Sarawakians’ growing demand for reliable online services, and create meaningful opportunities for Sarawak’s vibrant communities,” she added.

Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, said, “Sarawak’s digital tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth, and this collaboration with Grab reinforces our commitment to positioning the state as a leading digital hub. 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 step to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurship, fuel economic expansion, and strengthen Sarawak’s presence on the global digital map.”

Strategic Initiatives of the Partnership

• Supporting tourism growth: Leveraging Grab’s platform and regional reach to amplify Sarawak’s smart and digital tourism initiatives and promote it as a key destination. The MOU also facilitates a dedicated Grab lounge at Kuching International Airport to enhance visitor experience.
• Promoting local merchants through the GrabFood 5-Star Programme: Featuring local eateries in a curated list of top-rated restaurants on GrabFood, showcasing Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage and gastro tourism.
• Merchant training and financial literacy programmes: In collaboration with Bank Negara and GX Bank, Grab and SDEC will conduct outreach programmes to improve financial literacy among local merchants. Grab will also organise mentorship initiatives to upskill entrepreneurs and strengthen the business ecosystem.
• Digitalisation of Pasar Tani/Tamu: Bringing traditional markets online via the Grab platform to expand their consumer base, increase resilience against economic shocks, and provide the public with more affordable daily necessities.
• Sustainable mobility options: Supporting Sarawak’s environmental goals by facilitating the launch and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) ride offerings in the state.

Expanding On-Demand Grocery Delivery in East Malaysia

Grab has also partnered with Everrise through an acquisition of the premium supermarket chain, aiming to digitalise its operations and expand on-demand grocery delivery in East Malaysia—aligning with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a digital-first economy.

Everrise, a well-loved homegrown supermarket chain established in Sarawak in 1993, operates 19 stores across Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu. As more consumers turn to online shopping, Grab and Everrise will integrate Grab’s technology into Everrise’s operations, offering an online shopping experience as seamless as in-store shopping, with affordable and reliable delivery options. Grab will also use data insights to help Everrise better cater to customer needs, introduce relevant products, and provide a more personalised online experience.

Additionally, Grab and Everrise plan to integrate their loyalty programmes, giving consumers a more rewarding experience across a broader range of everyday transactions.

Jeffrey Sia, executive director of Everrise, said, “Everrise is excited to join the Grab family. We’ve long recognised the need to embrace digitalisation to better serve our customers. In Grab, we’ve found the best partner to help us achieve this ambition. Their technology, expertise, and customer-first mindset make them an ideal partner. I am confident and excited to work together to deliver the same quality and consistency that Everrise customers know us for.”