Fintech firm Ant International has selected Malaysia as the location for its global operations hub, marking a significant vote of confidence in the country’s growing role in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-value digital services.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially launched Ant International’s Global Operations Centre on Wednesday at Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur. The event was held under the theme, ‘The Hub of a Digital Renaissance.’

Speaking at the launch, Anwar Ibrahim said the company’s decision reflects international confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities in technology, innovation, AI and global service delivery.

He noted that while many multinational companies have previously used Malaysia as a regional base, establishing a global operations centre represents a higher level of strategic commitment and positions the country more prominently in the international digital economy.

PM Anwar said advances in artificial intelligence and digital finance are opening new opportunities for growth but stressed that long-term success depends on ensuring accountability, transparency and responsible governance.

“The ultimate purpose of technology and innovation should be to improve people’s quality of life, expand economic opportunities and support inclusive growth,” he said.

The prime minister also pointed to weaknesses in the existing global financial system, saying it often leaves small businesses and communities with limited resources at a disadvantage.

He called for greater innovation to strengthen resilience against global economic shocks, expand access to microfinance and improve financial inclusion.

Anwar further said that while the digital transformation has simplified cross-border financial transactions, the rise of AI-driven systems also carries the risk of concentrating control over data and digital infrastructure in the hands of a limited number of actors.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining human judgment and public trust at the center of decision-making in the digital era.

Anwar added that Malaysia is finalizing an AI governance bill to prepare for the future of human-machine interaction. The proposed framework is expected to work alongside the country’s existing cybersecurity and data protection regulations.