Ant International will establish a new digital business centre in Malaysia, with a focus on tapping local tech talent to drive its global businesses.
The digital payment and financial technology firm will create more than 500 new job opportunities in the first year, with more hirings in the next four years till 2028.
Majority of roles created will be tech-focused, aligning with the company’s vision in using tech and innovation to accelerate global commerce and inclusion.
The biggest team being the technology and development department, comprising a range of software development engineers, followed by product and design team, and data science and risk control team.
The company will commit dedicated resources to develop and nurture these tech talents through comprehensive training, mentorship and exposure to its global businesses.
Ant International’s new digital business centre will move into The Exchange 106, at the heart of the Tun Razak Exchange financial and business hub, by 2025, according to Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International.
Ant International is an affiliate of Ant Group, which traces its roots back to Alipay since 2004 and is one of the world’s leading open internet platforms.
The company comprises four key businesses Alipay+ Cross-Border Mobile Payment Service; Antom Merchant Payment Services; WorldFirst; and ANEXT Bank.
“Tech and innovation are at the heart of Ant International, and with the Malaysian government promoting tech skills development and positioning Malaysia as an innovation hub, we believe that together with partners like MDEC, we can harness local tech talents to significantly accelerate the impact that our businesses can make, locally and around the world,” said Feagin. “
Present in Malaysia since 2014, Ant International has since collaborated with local partners in promoting a vibrant fintech community, benefitting Malaysians with more convenient digital payments, while also supporting digital inclusion and creating economic opportunities for local businesses.
For example, through its partnership with TNG Digital, Ant International has enabled users of Touch ‘n Go eWallet to make payments around the world, on top of driving positive development in Malaysia’s mobile wallet ecosystem and digital economy.
During Lunar New Year 2024, Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payments, marketing and digitalisation platform operated by Ant International, brought more customers to local merchants, helping them benefit from tourism growth.
Transaction volume and spending by users of Alipay+ payment partner apps at DuitNow QR merchants increased 2.5 times during this period.
Ant International will further collaborate with local partners in developing tech talent in Malaysia, including through programs like 10×1000, an open and global learning community to nurture and inspire tech talents and digital leaders.
Through the support of partners like MDEC, TNG Digital and the Fintech Association of Malaysia, more than 120 fintech leaders have completed the program, of which more than one third are women.
