Grab acquires Everrise Supermarkets as part of greater Sarawak digitalisation initiative

Grab Malaysia and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) have entered a MOU aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Sarawak. The collaboration aims to drive growth in the tourism and small business sectors by enhancing digital accessibility and economic opportunities.

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Recognising the pivotal role of digitalisation in Sarawak’s evolving economy, the agreement looks 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.

This comes shortly after news broke around Grab joining forces with Everrise through an acquisition of the premium supermarket chain, with the aim to digitalise its operations and bring the convenience of on-demand grocery delivery to more consumers in East Malaysia. This is in line with Sarawak state’s vision of becoming a digital-first economy.

Everrise is a well-known, homegrown supermarket chain operating exclusively in East Malaysia, known for its high quality, value for money product offerings. It was first established in Sarawak in 1993 and operates 19 stores in Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu.

As more and more consumers seek online options for their everyday needs, 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 dependable options for deliveries. Grab will also draw on data insights to help Everrise better address customer needs - whether it's by bringing in new and relevant products, or providing a more relevant and personalised online shopping experience.

Grab and Everrise also plan to integrate their loyalty programmes to offer consumers a more rewarding experience across a wider array of everyday transactions.

Jeffrey Sia, executive director, Everrise said, “Everrise is excited to join the Grab family. We’ve long recognised the need to make a bolder transition to more digitalised operations to better serve the evolving needs of our customers. In Grab we’ve found the best partner to help us realise those 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.”

Meanwhile Adelene Foo, managing director of Grab Malaysia said the company is committed to playing a greater role in supporting inclusive, sustainable digital economy growth across Malaysia and our latest initiatives in Sarawak reflect this.

“We’re excited to deepen our investment into Sarawak, and are grateful for the partnership of the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation. We are dedicated to drawing on our technology and insights to enhance the digital capabilities in the state, strengthen the resilience of local businesses through digitalisation, serving Sarawakians’ growing demand for reliable and convenient online services, and creating meaningful opportunities overall for the vibrant communities of Sarawak,” she said.

Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC said, “Sarawak’s digital tourism sector is a key lever of economic growth, and this collaboration with Grab reinforces our commitment to positioning the state as a leading digital hub in the region. By tapping into Grab’s technological expertise, data-driven ecosystem, and extensive regional reach, we are not only enhancing digital accessibility for local businesses but also creating an investment-ready digital economy. This partnership is a strategic move to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurship, fuel economic expansion, and solidify Sarawak’s presence on the global digital map.”

Grab and SDEC will partner on several strategic initiatives designed to benefit both consumers and small businesses in Sarawak. This will start with supporting tourism growth in Sarawak and amplification of the Sarawak government’s initiatives on smart and digital tourism, and promoting 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.

In line with the state’s commitment to environmental conservation, Grab will facilitate the launch and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) ride offerings locally.

Meanwhile, local eateries will be featured as part of a curated list of 5-star eats on the GrabFood app promoting Sarawak’s rich and unique culinary heritage and highlighting the state’s gastro tourism. Grab and SDEC, together with Bank Negara and GX Bank will also conduct outreach programmes to improve financial literacy amongst local merchants.

Grab and SDEC will work together to bring these local, traditional markets online through the Grab platform, helping them expand their consumer base, strengthen resilience against unexpected shocks, while providing the greater public an affordable option to daily

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