Global bank Standard Chartered has on Monday launched its first Global Fusion Center in Malaysia, reinforcing the country’s status as a strong talent ecosystem and a key strategic technology hub for the group.

The Global Fusion Center’s integrated model brings together the bank’s people, technology and intelligence to enhance operational resilience and improve its ability to respond decisively in real time, the bank said in a statement.

The move also underscores the bank’s commitment to strengthening the trust it has with clients, regulators and other key stakeholders.

Speaking at the inauguration, Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, Malaysia said Malaysia’s continued growth in the digital economy is supported by one of its greatest strengths: its people.

“Their skills and adaptability have helped position Malaysia as a trusted regional hub for digital services, technology and high-value operations, while remaining connected to the global market,

“Centers like this showcase how Malaysia provide the talent and infrastructure that support technology and digital innovations on a global scale,” he added.

The Global Fusion Center is located at the bank’s Global Business Services (GBS) hub in Malaysia, which was first established in 2001.

As the country’s first multi-disciplinary global business services center of an international bank, GBS Malaysia supports the bank’s businesses across more than 50 markets worldwide.

Since its inception, it has grown into Standard Chartered’s second largest GBS footprint in the world after India, employing more than 4,400 people, with Malaysian talents making up 85 percent of its workforce.

“We are proud of GBS Malaysia’s achievements in delivering world-class services and developing local talent for the past 25 years of its operations,

“Our continued investment in people and capabilities reflects our long-term commitment to Malaysia, helping us build future-ready skills, strengthen our operational core and enabling the Bank’s innovation across our international network,” said Sharon Chung, Interim Location Head of Standard Chartered GBS Malaysia.

Mak Joon Nien, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Malaysia, noted with the establishment of the Global Fusion Center in Kuala Lumpur to serve Standard Chartered’s global network, they are demonstrating their continued commitment and confidence in Malaysia.

“This initiative underscores our support for the country as it pivots to become a global technology hub and aligns with the national strategy pillars of world-class digital infrastructure, robust trust frameworks in data and cybersecurity, and nurturing future-ready talent as Malaysia advances towards its vision of being an artificial intelligence (AI) Nation by 2030,” he added.

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