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

  • Sarawak is a major SEA tourism destination thanks to an agreement that makes use of Grab’s technology.
  • Standard traders will benefit from Grab, SDEC’s digitalization, broaden their audience, and increase their revenue.

From left to right: Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC; Hazwan Razak, head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, SDEC; Ben Chin, director, Country Strategy, Outer Cities, Grab Malaysia; and Adelene Foo, managing director, Grab Malaysia, at the MoU signing between Grab Malaysia and SDEC in Sarawak

Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Grab Malaysia and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad ( SDEC ) to promote digital transformation in Sarawak. The collaboration aims to increase online access and financial opportunities, helping to promote growth in small and medium-sized businesses.

The agreement makes use of Grab’s technologies and in-app capabilities to market Sarawak as a vital tourist destination throughout Southeast Asia, acknowledging the crucial role that digitalization plays in the state’s evolving economy. Additionally, Gram and SDEC will assist standard local firms in digitalizing their companies, enabling them to gain more customers and increase their income potential.

Adelene Foo, managing director of Grab Malaysia, stated that” Get is committed to supporting equitable, sustainable online economic progress across Malaysia, and our latest efforts in Sarawak reflect this. We’re thankful for the relationship between the Sarawak state and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and are pleased to expand our purchase there.

” We are dedicated to utilizing our technology and insights to increase the state’s electric capabilities, strengthen local firms through digitalization, support Sarawakians ‘ growing demand for trustworthy online services, and create significant opportunities for Sarawak’s attractive areas,” she continued.

The modern tourism sector in Sarawak is a key driver of economic growth, according to Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC.” This engagement with Grab reinforces our responsibility to positioning the state as a leading online hub. We are enhancing online access for local businesses by tapping into Grab’s scientific knowledge, data-driven ecosystem, and broad geographical reach, as well as creating an investment-ready modern economy. This partnership serves as a proper move in promoting innovation, fostering innovation, boosting economic growth, and enhancing Sarawak’s position on the global digital map.

Strategic Efforts of the Partnership

    promoting tourism as a vital destination: leveraging Grab’s system and local reach to magnify Sarawak’s intelligent and digital tourism initiatives. In order to increase the visitor experience, the MOU also allows for a dedicated Grab cafe at Kuching International Airport.

  • Promoting nearby businesses through the GrabFood 5-Star Program: Featuring local restaurant in a customized list of top-rated eateries on GrabFood, showcasing Sarawak’s abundant culinary history and gastrotourism.
  • Financial literacy training and programs: Grab and SDEC will work with Bank Negara and GX Bank to develop outreach initiatives to increase financial literacy among local merchants. Additionally, Gramb will run mentoring programs to advance business skills and strengthen the ecosystem.
  • Digitalization of Pasar Tani/ Tamu: Using the Grab platform to expand their consumer base, strengthen their resilience to economic shocks, and make more affordable daily necessities available to the public.
  • Sustainable transportation options: By facilitating the launch and expansion of electric vehicle ( EV ) ride options in the state, supporting Sarawak’s environmental goals.

Expanding East Malaysia’s On-Demand Grocery Delivery

In line with Sarawak’s desire to become a digital-first economy, Grab has also partnered with Everrise by purchasing the premium supermarket chain in an effort to digitize its operations and expand on-demand grocery delivery in East Malaysia.

Everrise, a well-known homegrown supermarket chain that was founded in Sarawak in 1993, has 19 locations spread across Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu. Grab and Everrise will integrate Grab’s technology into Everrise’s operations to provide an online shopping experience that is as seamless as in-store shopping, with affordable and trustworthy delivery options, as more people switch to online shopping. Additionally, Gramb will use data insights to improve the customer experience, introduce relevant products, and customize the Everrise website.

Additionally, Grab and Everrise intend to integrate their loyalty programs, giving customers a more enjoyable experience across a wider range of routine activities.

Everrise is “excited to join the Grab family,” according to Jeffrey Sia, executive director of Everrise. We’ve long recognized the necessity of digitalization to better provide our customers with services. We’ve found the ideal partner in Grab to support us in achieving this goal. They make the ideal partner because of their expertise, knowledge, and customer-first mindset. Working together will give me the confidence and consistency that Everrise customers have come to expect.