Kuala lumpur: Ant International's move to set up its Global Operations Centre in Kuala Lumpur is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and enhance local expertise, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This initiative aligns with Malaysia's strategy to establish itself as a leading regional hub for digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized that Ant International, a global leader in digital payments, digitalization, and financial technology, aims to reinforce these objectives rather than merely marking another investment landmark. He underscored the importance of innovation being rooted in the equitable distribution of growth benefits, ensuring that no community is marginalized. Anwar highlighted that this development focuses on people-centric progress rather than solely on corporate gains.
In his address at the inauguration of Ant International's Global Operations Centre, Anwar noted that while banks have played a key role in capital mobilization and economic growth, the global financial system has not consistently catered to all demographics equally, often neglecting those with limited resources. This disparity is especially prominent in the Global South, where financial systems heavily rely on the US dollar, favoring large multinational corporations over small enterprises.
Anwar expressed optimism about the growing collaboration with China, particularly through policy initiatives that are mutually beneficial, such as the increased use of local currencies - the yuan and ringgit - in bilateral trade. This trade has escalated to 18 percent of total trade from a previous 5 percent, even though the US dollar remains predominant in financial dealings. He remarked that this shift in policy focus would advantage both economies and their populations.
Discussing AI, Anwar pointed out the necessity of balancing the advantages of large language models (LLMs) with precautions to prevent the concentration of excessive power in a few hands. He stressed the importance of maintaining human judgment at the core of decision-making processes, despite the increasing sophistication and capability of machines.
Cyril Han, CEO of Ant Group, stated that Malaysia is on the path to becoming a prominent regional and global hub for digital and AI innovation. Han projected that within the next six to twelve months, the agentic AI revolution will fully materialize, transforming commerce in ways that require preparation to ensure it fosters both business growth and social advancement. He reaffirmed Ant's commitment to supporting Malaysia's AI Nation 2030 vision and its digitalization efforts.
Ant International has already created approximately 1,500 fintech jobs in Malaysia, with over half focusing on technology roles that support its global AI, payments, SME digitalization, and fintech operations. Significantly, around 50 percent of its technology workforce comprises recent graduates from more than 30 local universities, illustrating its partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to develop Malaysia's digital talent pipeline.