By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 10: SoftBank Group, Grab, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in connection with plans for US$1 billion (approximately RM4.07 billion) in initial combined seed capital to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Sarawak.
In a joint media release issued on Monday (Nov 9), the JDA—building on the framework agreement signed by the three parties here on Oct 8—marks the next phase of the partnership to advance plans to develop AI infrastructure in Sarawak by combining SoftBank Group’s global AI and technology capabilities, Grab’s digital and AI expertise, and PETROS’ local energy and infrastructure development experience.
The collaboration aims to build towards a long-term target of five gigawatts of AI compute capacity and will also explore opportunities across the wider AI value chain, including AI compute and services, advanced technologies, robotics, local workforce, and community development in Sarawak.
The proposed initial investment is US$1 billion, comprising US$800 million from SoftBank Group, US$100 million from Grab, and US$100 million from PETROS, and will be deployed in stages, subject to projects achieving key development and customer contract milestones and the necessary closing conditions.
The investment forms part of a multi-year plan to develop AI compute capacity in Sarawak. The parties will also seek additional investors and hyperscaler customers to support the project’s development and long-term expansion.
“We are proud to work with Sarawak to advance AI for the benefit of the region and its people. Together with Grab and PETROS, we aim to create lasting opportunities in Sarawak and support the development of technology-driven economic activity across Malaysia and the wider region,” said Masayoshi Son, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of SoftBank Group Corp.
“Sarawak’s focus on sustainable energy use and long-term vision make it a natural home for AI infrastructure that can serve all of Southeast Asia. Grab is proud to support SoftBank Group and PETROS in building it, and to bring our experience developing AI tools for millions of users, merchant- and driver-partners to help ensure these capabilities create high-value jobs and opportunities for Sarawakians,” said Dato’ Anthony Tan, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Grab.
“This is about preparing Sarawak for its next phase of economic transformation beyond oil and gas. We want to build a high-income economy where technology and innovation create new industries, opportunities and high-value jobs for Sarawakians. By bringing advanced AI and computing capabilities closer to our local businesses, industries and talents, we can strengthen their capabilities, improve competitiveness and enable greater participation in the digital economy,” said Dato Janin Girie, PETROS group CEO.
Through the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, PETROS is advancing critical gas infrastructure to strengthen Sarawak’s energy security and support its industrial expansion.
As the Master Developer of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub, PETROS is also building an integrated low-carbon industrial ecosystem that brings together upstream development, carbon capture solutions, LNG-to-Power, downstream processing, industrial parks, gas terminals, and deep-sea port infrastructure. These strategic initiatives are establishing the energy and industrial foundations needed to attract investment and enable the growth of emerging high-value industries, including AI.
Sarawak’s abundant energy resources, established power generation capacity, and growing digital economy ambitions provide a strong foundation for developing large-scale AI infrastructure. These investments will support Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional AI hub, while creating opportunities for Sarawak to diversify its economy and move towards higher-value industries.
Once fully operational, the facilities are expected to be among the largest AI infrastructure facilities of their kind in Asia, providing governments, multinational companies, and small businesses with reliable access to advanced computing capabilities.
The project will be developed in close collaboration with Malaysia’s federal government and the Sarawak government, aligning with the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 (AI Nation 2030) to position Malaysia as an inclusive and sustainable AI nation, as well as Sarawak’s long-term development aspiration under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. — DayakDaily
