Kuala Lumpur: Grab Malaysia and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Bhd (SDEC) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the digital transformation in Sarawak, particularly in its tourism and small business sectors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Grab stated that the agreement seeks to leverage its technological and in-app capabilities to promote Sarawak as a key tourism destination to users across Southeast Asia. The focus is on helping traditional, local merchants digitalise their businesses, thereby expanding their customer base and income potential.
Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo noted that the MoU is a significant initiative in Sarawak, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable digital economy growth across Malaysia. Foo expressed enthusiasm about deepening Grab’s investment in Sarawak through this collaboration with the Sarawak government and SDEC.
SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman emphasized that Sarawak’s digital tourism sector is a critical component for economic growth. The collaboration with Grab is seen as a strategic move to position the state as a leading digital hub in the region. Osman highlighted the partnership’s potential to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurship, and solidify Sarawak’s presence on the global digital map.
The MoU will facilitate the creation of a dedicated Grab lounge at Kuching International Airport to enhance visitor experience. It also aims to promote local Sarawak merchants through the GrabFood 5-Star programme, merchant training, financial literacy programmes, digitalisation of pasar tani/tamu, and sustainable mobility options.
Additionally, Grab has joined forces with East Malaysia’s largest premium grocer, Everrise, aiming to digitalise its operations and offer on-demand grocery delivery. This partnership seeks to integrate Grab’s technology into Everrise’s operations, providing users with an online grocery experience that mirrors in-store shopping in terms of reliability and affordability.
Everrise executive director Jeffrey Sia acknowledged the importance of transitioning to more digitalised operations to meet evolving customer needs and identified Grab as the ideal partner to achieve these ambitions. Sia commended Grab’s technology and customer-first mindset as key factors for delivering a superior online grocery delivery experience.