Malaysia’s Global Business Services (GBS) sector is strengthening its position as a regional digital hub following the launch of the GBS Malaysia Mid-Term Report 2025 and a strategic collaboration between GBS Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between GBS Malaysia and UKM aims to align university curricula with industry needs in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital operations — a move to build a steady pipeline of future-ready talent for Malaysia’s growing digital economy.
Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said the GBS sector remains a critical pillar of Malaysia’s digital economy, driving high-value employment and digital investment across the nation. “Our government is fully committed to providing the policy frameworks and support necessary to cement Malaysia’s leadership as the regional hub for the GBS industry,” he said.
According to the newly launched Mid-Term Report, Malaysia’s GBS industry has expanded rapidly since the 2022 strategy rollout. The number of GBS companies has grown 66.8% to 749 entities, while investments surged 13.5 times from RM0.73 billion in 2021 to RM9.87 billion in 2024. The sector also generated over 36,000 high-value jobs and is projected to contribute RM28.14 billion in revenue in 2025.
PIKOM chairman Adjunct Practice Prof Alex Liew said the partnership with UKM would act as a blueprint for human capital development in the sector. “By aligning university curricula with high-value demands like AI and data analytics, we are ensuring Malaysia remains not just a cost-effective location, but a talent-led digital powerhouse in ASEAN,” he said.
Malaysia currently ranks third globally in the Global Services Location Index and is consistently among the top three in ASEAN for digital competitiveness, innovation, and investment confidence.
Research Chair of GBS Malaysia Raymond Davadass said Malaysia’s continued success will depend on how effectively technology, knowledge, and human capital are integrated. “By bridging talent gaps and advancing collaboration, Malaysia is poised to become a global centre of excellence for digital innovation, service delivery, and sustainable growth,” he said.
The GBS ASEAN Summit 2025, held under the theme “GBS 5.0: Human-Centric, AI-Driven, Impact-Focused”, concluded with the GBS ASEAN Awards 2025, which honoured 58 winners, 28 individuals and 30 corporations for their leadership and contributions to ASEAN’s digital economy.
GBS Malaysia chairman Anthony Raja Devadoss said the summit was a key platform for collaboration and industry transformation. “GBS Malaysia’s mission is clear; to position Malaysia as ASEAN’s strategic GBS hub, powered by innovation, talent, and purpose,” he said.
