SoftBank Group, Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) have formalised their collaboration to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Malaysia, with an initial combined seed capital of US$1.85 billion (~RM7.6 billion). The investment will be split between projects in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
To recap, the companies previously signed the framework agreement in Kuching on 8 October 2026 to explore developing an AI and digital infrastructure platform in Sarawak. The proposed collaboration covers several areas, including AI computing and services, advanced technologies, robotics, as well as local workforce and community development.
This latest development also follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s confirmation last month that SoftBank is behind the previously announced US$50 billion (~RM204 billion) investment in Malaysia’s technology sector. The proposed investment is intended to cover AI, emerging technologies and data centre projects across Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. According to Anwar, SoftBank chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son had identified Kuching and several locations in Peninsular Malaysia for the planned developments.
