KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitization and financial technology provider, officially opened its Global Development Center (GDC) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
The center deepens its long-term commitment to Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and strengthens the country's role as a strategic hub for global innovation, digital talent, and next-generation financial technology, the company said in a statement following the launch.
In his keynote address, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the center's establishment in Malaysia reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's ability to host higher-value functions involving technology, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and global service delivery.
Anwar also noted that the future of financial systems is making a distinct shift from legacy systems and policies, and the transition will help build resilience in the face of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
"Much needed are innovations that strengthen resilience, reduce exposure to international shocks, and fairly provide microcredit, as we weather financial storms and global economic crises," he said.
Anwar added that Malaysia must accelerate efforts to equip its workforce with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the AI era, as AI is creating new ways of building trust, assessing risk, and expanding access to financial services.
For his part, Cyril Han, chief executive officer of Ant Group, said Malaysia's visionary leadership and vibrant business and tech community have set the country on the way to becoming a leading regional and global hub for digital and AI innovation.
"In the next 6 to 12 months, the agentic AI revolution will be in full swing, bringing about a revolution in commerce that we need to prepare for now, to ensure it drives both business growth and social development. Ant has many deep and long-term partnerships in Malaysia and the region, and with the unveiling of the Ant International Global Development Center in Kuala Lumpur, we stand ready to support the AI Nation 2030 vision and digitalization of Malaysia," he said.
The GDC represents another milestone in Ant International's journey in Malaysia, reflecting the company's belief that world-class innovation can be developed in Malaysia for global markets, by creating high-value employment opportunities, nurturing local talent and collaborating with public and private sector partners. ■
