The GBS ASEAN Summit 2025, held on 30 October under the theme “GBS 5.0: Human-Centric, AI-Driven, Impact-Focused”, outlined Malaysia’s decisive strategy. It aims to cement its role as a regional Global Business Services (GBS) hub.
Two key milestones were announced:
- The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between GBS Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- The launch of the GBS Malaysia Mid-Term Report 2025
Strategic Partnership to Build a Future-Ready Talent Pipeline
The MOA with UKM aims to align academic programs with real-world industry needs in AI, digital operations, and data analytics. This collaboration bridges the gap between GBS companies and university students, ensuring a steady flow of high-skilled talent.
Prof. Alex Liew, Chairman of PIKOM, called it “a definitive blueprint for future-proofing our industry’s human capital,” emphasizing that Malaysia must shift from cost-competitiveness to a talent-led digital economy.
Mid-Term Report Highlights Malaysia’s GBS Surge
The GBS Malaysia Mid-Term Report 2025 showcases impressive growth since the strategy was launched in 2022:
- 66.8% growth in GBS companies, now totaling 749
- 13.5x increase in investments: from RM0.73B (2021) to RM9.87B (2024)
- 36,000+ high-value jobs created
- Projected RM28.14B in GBS revenue by 2025
- Ranked 3rd globally in the Global Services Location Index
- Top 3 in ASEAN for digital competitiveness, innovation, and investment confidence
According to Raymond Davadass, Research Chair of GBS Malaysia, the key to sustained success lies in “integrating technology, knowledge, and human capital into one cohesive ecosystem.”
Industry-Academia-Government Synergy Driving Results
Dr. Mandy Sim, Associate Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia, praised the collaborative and evidence-based approach. She stated it provides a strong framework to guide Malaysia’s GBS ambitions through 2027.
GBS ASEAN Awards 2025 Celebrate Regional Excellence
The summit closed with the prestigious GBS ASEAN Awards 2025, celebrating 58 winners. Among these were 28 individuals and 30 corporations recognized for leadership and innovation across the region’s GBS ecosystem.
Anthony Raja Devadoss, Chairman of GBS Malaysia, reinforced the mission: “To position Malaysia as ASEAN’s strategic GBS hub, powered by innovation, talent, and purpose.”
The 2025 GBS ASEAN Summit signals Malaysia’s readiness to lead the next wave of digital transformation in Southeast Asia. With robust talent strategies, academic alignment, and industry growth, the nation is well on its way to becoming a global GBS powerhouse.
