SoftBank, Grab and PETROS Partner to Explore AI Infrastructure Development

The signing was done by Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group; Anthony Tan, Co-Founder, Group Chairman and CEO of Grab; and Janin Girie, Group CEO of PETROS.

Under this agreement the three companies will work together to create a roadmap. The plan is to build the platform in stages. The collaboration will look at opportunities in AI computing, digital services, advanced technologies, robotics and local workforce development.

Three Companies Bring Different Strengths

Each company will bring its strengths to the AI infrastructure initiative.

SoftBank will bring its technology and AI ecosystem. This includes experience in AI infrastructure, advanced computing, semiconductors and physical AI.

Grab will contribute its Asian digital platform. It also brings applied AI capabilities and a wide network of customers and business partners in the region. Its experience in applying AI to services could help develop technology solutions for the region.

PETROS will use its experience in using Sarawak’s energy resources to support growth. The company is involved in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap. It also serves as the master developer of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH).

PETROS will look into energy supply solutions and supporting infrastructure for the proposed platform. It will also help strengthen participation and increase economic value across Sarawak’s supply chain.

Focus on AI Computing and Digital Infrastructure

The proposed collaboration will study opportunities across the AI value chain. This includes computing capacity, AI services, advanced technologies and robotics.

The agreement is still in the exploration and planning phase. The companies have not announced a confirmed investment amount. There is no construction timeline yet.. No specific capacity targets have been set for the proposed platform.

The initiative brings together SoftBank’s technology expertise, Grab’s digital ecosystem and PETROS’ energy resources. The goal is to explore the infrastructure needed to support AI-related industries.

Supporting Sarawak’s Economic Development Goals

The partnership fits with Sarawak’s goal of attracting high-value technology industries. It also aims to strengthen the state’s position in Malaysia’s economy.

It supports Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. That strategy aims to help Sarawak reach high-income status by 2030.

At the level the initiative aligns with Malaysia’s digital economy and AI development priorities. It follows the Ekonomi MADANI framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

The collaboration also references Malaysia’s Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative. That initiative focuses on improving connectivity.

About SoftBank Group

SoftBank Group is a Japan-based investment and technology group. It has interests in intelligence, telecommunications, computing and other technology businesses. The company invests in technologies and companies it believes can support generation digital industries.

About Grab

Grab is a Singapore-headquartered technology company. It operates a platform across Southeast Asia. Its services include mobility, deliveries and financial services. The company also uses AI and data technologies to support its operations and digital products.

About PETROS

Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) is Sarawak’s state-owned oil and gas company. It works across the energy value chain. It supports the state’s efforts to use its resources, for economic development. It also strengthens the state’s energy sector.

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