(Photo by Jobstore) From left: Radu Giju, Managing Director of Global Operation Centers; Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, CEO of InvestKL; Kerry Agiasotis, President of The Access Group Asia Pacific; YB Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Federal Territories; YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; Chris Bayne, CEO & Co-Founder; Jon Jorgensen, Chief Sales Officer.
Leading UK-based company management software supplier The Access Group has opened its Global Operations Centre (GOC) in Kuala Lumpur, the first facility of this type in the Asia Pacific (APAC) area. Currently housed in The Exchange 106, this new center represents a significant investment in the local population and economy and already employs 417 people.
Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth
The Access Group wants to generate more than 1,000 new jobs in Kuala Lumpur by 2027, which is in line with Malaysia’s more general objective of developing a qualified local talent pool and 500,000 high-value digital jobs by 2025. Leveraging Malaysia’s strong digital economy and stable business climate, this project will help increase the country’s reputation as a modern services leader.
Strategic Expansion in APAC
The Kuala Lumpur GOC will focus on Lumpur GOC, which will be important in the Access Group’s expansion over the APAC region by focusing on and including product engineering, customer success, and operational support. Since joining the Malaysian market in 2018, the Access Group has grown through acquisitions like Volcanic, iCare, and local companies owned by Sage PLC.
The Access Group CEO, Chris Bayne, was excited about the new center: “We are happy to be in Kuala Lumpur, a city known for its strong business infrastructure and competent labor pool. This marks another turning point for Access and will quicken our expansion in the APAC area. Malaysia’s dedication to building a digital-based high-value economy fits our own strategic development agendas.
According to Bayne, the new center would improve cooperation and service delivery, making Access the “employer of choice” in Malaysia. “Our new center of excellence in Kuala Lumpur keeps that momentum going and gives our teams an office they can be proud of,” he said.
A Partnership with MDEC
The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which offers incentives and privileges to assist company growth and investment, is a strategic partner with The Access Group that supports its expansion. This cooperation emphasizes the government’s will to create surroundings that are fit for global commercial operations and creativity.
Officiating the Launch
Notable authorities, including YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and Yang Berhormat Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), attended the launch event. Present were also Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, InvestKL’s CEO, and representatives from Heriot-Watt University, Asia Pacific University, and MDEC.
Dr Zaliha praised the initiative, stating, “Kuala Lumpur is a city of limitless opportunities. The Access Group’s presence enriches our business landscape, strengthening the city’s role as a vibrant, interconnected hub.”
YB Liew Chin Tong underlined Malaysia’s strengths, particularly its strong digital infrastructure, trained, multilingual workforce, and business-friendly policies, which drew The Access Group. “Their decision to establish their APAC hub in Kuala Lumpur reflects Malaysia’s strengths,” he said.
Supporting Communities and Future Talent
Apart from fostering community projects, the GOC of The Access Group will propel economic development. Dedicated to regional charity, the Access Foundation has helped the National Cancer Society Malaysia’s “Home Away from Home” project. Access personnel also raised approximately MYR155,000 last year for the Malaysian Mental Health Organisation and chose SUKA Society as their Malaysian Charity of the Year for FY24/25.
Through working with nearby colleges and educational institutions to provide young professionals with training and career advancement, the new GOC will also help foster workforce growth.
An All-Around View for Excellence
Supporting 40% of the Group’s workforce requirements, the Kuala Lumpur GOC of The Access Group is part of a larger ambition to build centers worldwide. Reiterating the Group’s aim to be a leader in the worldwide business software market, these centers will reflect Access’s values of high standards in engineering, customer support, sales, and operations.
