SoftBank, Grab, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) have formed a partnership to develop AI infrastructure in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project aims to reach a long-term target of 5 GW of compute capacity.
The partners have committed $1 billion in seed capital under a Joint Development Agreement signed on November 9, 2026. This funding will be released in tranches tied to specific project milestones.
The capital contribution is split unevenly among the partners: SoftBank is providing $800 million, while Grab and PETROS are contributing $100 million each. The total investment figure of $1.85 billion remains an estimate.
SoftBank provides expertise in AI and semiconductors, while Grab offers its digital ecosystem to generate demand. PETROS, a state-owned entity, will supply energy from natural gas resources and the Low-Carbon Hub in Kuching.
The initiative aligns with Malaysia’s National AI Action Plan for 2026–2030. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also discussed the potential for up to $50 billion in total AI and data center investment with SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son.
