(From left) Ant International human resources director Nina Xiao and president Douglas Feagin, with Malaysia Digital Economy Corp's (MDEC) Nik Naharudin Mohd Nasir, its director of digital talent and entrepreneurship at the digital industry acceleration division, and Nik Hishamuddin Nik Mohd Yusoff, MDEC's head (tertiary) of the digital talent and entrepreneurship department, digital industry acceleration division.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): Digital payment and financial technology provider Ant International is going to establish what it calls a new digital business centre in Malaysia, creating more than 500 job opportunities in the first year, with more hirings in the next four years until 2028.

The new business centre will move into The Exchange 106 at the heart of the Tun Razak Exchange financial and business hub by 2025, according to Ant International president Douglas Feagin in a statement on Thursday.

The majority of the roles created will be tech-focused, and the biggest team it is hiring for is technology and development — where it will need a range of software development engineers — followed by product and design, and data science and risk control.

The company plans to commit dedicated resources to developing and nurturing these tech talents through comprehensive training, mentorship and exposure to its global businesses.

“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 (Malaysia Digital Economy Corp), we can harness local tech talents to significantly accelerate the impact that our businesses can make, locally and around the world,” Feagin said.

Ant International president Douglas Feagin says the majority of the roles created will be tech-focused.

“Those who join our team will have a front-row seat to global fintech innovation and collaborations, and play a part in our mission to shape the future of fintech and commerce, where every person and every business can thrive. With a focus on supporting the development and growth opportunities of our employees, we not only strengthen our team, but also contribute to the growth and advancement of the fintech industry in Malaysia,” he added.

MDEC chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz said Ant International's new business centre is a testament to its commitment to choosing Malaysia as a preferred country in the mission to propel the digital economy.

Ant International, which has been present in Malaysia since 2014, is an affiliate of Ant Group, which can trace its roots back to Alipay since 2004, and is one of the world's leading open internet platforms. It has four key businesses: Alipay+ cross-border mobile payment service, Antom merchant payment service, WorldFirst, and ANEXT Bank.

Notable among its collaborations with local partners is its partnership with TNG Digital, through which Ant International enabled users of Touch 'n Go eWallet to make payments around the world.

Ant International has also recently formed a strategic partnership with Capital A Bhd to promote inclusive and sustainable impact to address global challenges, including advancing digital inclusion, cultivating digital talents, and promoting a sustainable travel programme. It is also integrating its Alipay+ e-wallets as payment options within Capital A's MOVE payment flows, while BigPay is set to become Alipay+'s latest payment partner.