KUALA LUMPUR – Grab Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) to accelerate digital transformation in Sarawak, focusing on enhancing digital accessibility and economic opportunities in the tourism and small business sectors.
The collaboration aims to leverage Grab’s technology and in-app capabilities to position Sarawak as a key tourism destination for users across Southeast Asia, the company said in a statement.
Additionally, it seeks to support traditional and local merchants in digitalising their businesses, expanding their customer base, and increasing their income potential.
Grab Malaysia Managing Director Adelene Foo said, “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 Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation.
“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 digitalisation, serving Sarawakians’ growing demand for reliable and convenient online services, and creating meaningful opportunities overall for the vibrant communities of Sarawak.”
SDEC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying that 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.”
Under the MoU, Grab and SDEC will collaborate on several strategic initiatives aimed at benefiting both consumers and small businesses in Sarawak.
This includes promoting Sarawak’s tourism sector through Grab’s platform, establishing a Grab lounge at Kuching International Airport to enhance visitor experience, and featuring local eateries in the GrabFood 5-Star Programme to showcase Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage.
The partnership will also focus on financial literacy and merchant training programmes in collaboration with Bank Negara and GX Bank.
These initiatives will provide local merchants with essential knowledge and skills to strengthen their businesses.
Furthermore, Grab and SDEC plan to digitalise local markets, including Pasar Tani and Tamu, enabling traditional traders to reach a wider consumer base while offering the public more affordable daily necessities.
As part of Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Grab will also introduce and expand electric vehicle (EV) ride services in the state, contributing to the region’s green mobility efforts.
In a separate initiative, Grab has partnered with premium supermarket chain Everrise to digitalise its operations and enhance on-demand grocery delivery services in East Malaysia. E
verrise, a well-established homegrown supermarket chain operating since 1993, runs 19 stores across Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu. Through this collaboration, Grab will integrate its technology into Everrise’s operations, offering consumers a seamless online grocery shopping experience with reliable delivery options.
Jeffrey Sia, Executive Director of Everrise, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Everrise is excited to join the Grab family. We’ve long recognised the need to make a bolder transition to more digitalised operations to better serve the evolving needs of our customers.
“In Grab we’ve found the best partner to help us realise those ambitions. 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.”
The partnership will also see Grab utilising data insights to help Everrise optimise its offerings, including introducing relevant products and enhancing personalisation for customers.
Additionally, both companies will integrate their loyalty programmes, providing consumers with a more rewarding experience across various transactions.
The Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) is a wholly owned company of the Sarawak government.
Since its establishment in 2018, it has been tasked with accelerating digital adoption across industries and spearheading technological innovation to position Sarawak as a leading digital economy powerhouse. – March 3, 2025