Ant International, a Fintech and digital payment company headquartered in Singapore, has unveiled plans to establish a new Digital Business Centre in Malaysia, aimed at tapping into the region’s burgeoning tech talent to bolster its global operations.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the center will be located at The Exchange 106, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s prestigious Tun Razak Exchange, a key financial and business district.
Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, revealed that the new facility will create more than 500 job opportunities in its inaugural year, with further expansions and hirings anticipated through 2028.
“The majority of these positions will be tech-focused, aligning with our vision to leverage technology and innovation to accelerate global commerce and inclusion,” Feagin stated.sd
Since establishing its presence in Malaysia in 2014, Ant International has been an active participant in the local digital payment landscape, collaborating with numerous partners to foster a vibrant fintech community.
Among its achievements, the company has facilitated international transactions for users of the Touch ‘n Go eWallet via its partnership with TNG Digital, contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s mobile wallet ecosystem and digital economy.
During the 2024 Chinese New Year, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payments platform, Alipay+, saw a significant increase in customer traffic and transactions at DuitNow QR merchants, demonstrating a 2.5-fold increase in spending.
The company also launched Alipay+ D-store at the end of 2022, a comprehensive solution aiding brick-and-mortar merchants in Malaysia to transition to digital and integrate online channels.
Notable adopters of this technology include Coolblog, a popular local brand, which has utilized it to enhance operational efficiency and expand customer outreach.
Ant International’s commitment to the Malaysian market extends beyond business operations to include significant investments in local tech talent development.
In collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and other partners, the company has supported the 10×1000 Tech Talent Programme, which aims to cultivate future digital leaders.
Over 120 fintech professionals have graduated from this program, with a notable representation of women among them.
“The opening of the new Digital Business Centre in Malaysia is a milestone for Ant International and a testament to our commitment to fostering a digital economy in the region,” said Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC. “This initiative not only creates jobs but also positions Malaysia as the digital hub of ASEAN, offering vast investment opportunities and promoting sustained economic growth.”
This strategic expansion by Ant International aligns with the Malaysian government’s ambitions to position the country as a hub of innovation and digital transformation in Southeast Asia.