Grab Malaysia, SDEC Ink MoU To Accelerate Sarawak's Digital Transformation

KUCHING, March 3 (Bernama) -- 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.

Grab said in a statement that in recognition of the pivotal role of digitalisation in Sarawak’s evolving economy, the agreement seeks to leverage Grab’s technological and in-app capabilities to promote the state as a key tourism destination to users across Southeast Asia.

“Grab and SDEC will also look to help traditional, local merchants digitalise their businesses, giving them access to a wider customer base and expand their income potential,” the statement said.

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Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo said the MoU is its latest initiative in Sarawak that reflects its commitment to play a greater role in supporting inclusive, sustainable digital economy growth across Malaysia. 

“We’re excited to deepen our investment into Sarawak and are grateful for the partnership with the Sarawak government and SDEC,” she said.

She said Grab would draw on its technology and insights to enhance the digital capabilities in the state to strengthen the local businesses’ resilience to serve Sarawakians’ growing demand for reliable and convenient online services.

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Meanwhile, SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman said Sarawak’s digital tourism sector is a key lever of economic growth and the collaboration with Grab would reinforce their commitment to position the state as a leading digital hub in the region. 

“This partnership is a strategic move to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurship, fuel economic expansion, and solidify Sarawak’s presence on the global digital map,” he said.

The partnership would draw on Grab’s platform and reach in Southeast Asia to amplify the Sarawak government’s initiatives on smart and digital tourism to promote the state as a key tourism destination in the region. 

The MoU will also facilitate the creation of a dedicated Grab lounge at Kuching International Airport to enhance visitor experience as well as promoting local Sarawak merchants through the GrabFood 5-Star programme, merchant training and financial literacy programmes, digitalisation of pasar tani/tamu, and sustainable mobility options. 

Grab has also joined forces with East Malaysia’s largest premium grocer, Everrise, through the acquisition of the supermarket chain with the aim of digitalising its operations and bringing the convenience of on-demand grocery delivery to more consumers. 

“Grab and Everrise will work together to integrate Grab’s technology into the supermarket chain’s operations, to offer users an online grocery shopping experience as reliable and consistent as shopping in-store, with affordable and dependable options for deliveries,” the statement said. 

Everrise executive director Jeffrey Sia said the grocer had long recognised the need to make a bolder transition to more digitalised operations to better serve its customers’ evolving needs and Grab is the best partner to help realising this 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,” he added.

-- BERNAMA