GEORGE TOWN (Jan 23): What began as a simple e-hailing and food delivery service has blossomed into a multifaceted powerhouse platform, driving economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth, particularly in Penang.
Grab Malaysia is not just changing the way people move but is also reshaping the local economy and tourism scene through its tech-driven solutions.
In the northern state alone, Grab has created opportunities for nearly 70,000 local drivers and delivery partners, including over 350 persons with disabilities (PwD) and more than 2,000 women.
In 2023, these partners collectively earned over RM280 million, contributing significantly to the state’s economic vitality.
Grab Malaysia’s strategy and outer cities director, Ben Chin, reflected on the company’s evolution from just a basic transportation service to now having include food and goods delivery, as well as financial services.
“Our mission is to become your everyday app, empowering people to access equal opportunities,” he said at the recent 'Sembang Tech Tarik Bersama Grab' session here.
Chin emphasised Grab’s ongoing investment in technology to boost consumer spending, which in turn fuels more business for partners and creates additional earnings for delivery drivers.
This aligns with Penang’s vision to become a digitally innovative state by 2030, underscoring its commitment to seamlessly integrate technology into daily life.
“By equipping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with advanced digital tools, we’ve seen five per cent year-on-year growth in Penang, with over half of these businesses maintaining five-star ratings from millions of food lovers.
“Through our platform, we help empower local businesses, enhance the tourism experience, and contribute to Penang's dynamic digital transformation,” Chin added.
Meanwhile, Grab's product analytics manager for consumer experience, Powers Teh, said the company is hoping to play a more important role in enhancing Penang’s tourism ecosystem, connecting tourists with local attractions and enriching their journeys.
He said Grab has been a trusted travel companion for foreign visitors as 65% of foreign tourists use the app, and the company is continuously improving its accessibility to make their experiences feel just like those of locals.
As Malaysia is the third most popular destination for foreign travellers in the region after Singapore and Thailand, Grab is continuously working to enhance accessibility, particularly for foreign tourists, he said.
“We’ve created versions of the app in Japanese, Korean and Chinese to cater to major tourist markets in Southeast Asia.
“For tourists unsure of their location when booking a ride, they can simply take a picture of a nearby street name or building and the app will guide them to the nearest pickup location,” Teh said, adding the simple photo-based location identification is making travel more convenient and accessible.
As Penang works toward becoming a digital powerhouse, Grab continues to empower businesses, improve daily life, and elevate the tourism experience for visitors, creating a thriving, inclusive economy for all.
Uploaded by Lam Seng Fatt