PETROS, SoftBank and Grab sign Sarawak AI infrastructure pact
The proposed US$1 billion initial investment would be deployed in stages, subject to project milestones and closing conditions.
Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS), SoftBank Group Corp and Grab Holdings Limited have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop AI infrastructure in Sarawak, with proposed initial seed capital totalling US$1 billion, according to a joint statement.
SoftBank Group's proposed contribution is US$800 million, while Grab and PETROS would each contribute US$100 million. Funding would be released progressively as projects meet development milestones, customer contract requirements and the necessary closing conditions.
The partners are working towards a long-term AI compute capacity target of five gigawatts. Their multi-year development plan also includes seeking other investors and hyperscaler customers to support the project and its longer-term expansion.
The JDA follows a framework agreement signed on Oct 8, 2026, in Kuching, Malaysia. The partnership brings together SoftBank Group's AI and technology capabilities, Grab's digital expertise and PETROS' experience in local energy and infrastructure development, the companies said.
Beyond computing infrastructure, the partners plan to examine opportunities involving AI services, advanced technologies, robotics, and workforce and community development. The project will be developed with Malaysia's Federal Government and the Sarawak Government, in alignment with the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 and Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
