Access Group eyes over 1,000 digital jobs in Malaysia by 2027
The Access Group has marked the first anniversary of its Global Operations Centre (GOC) in Kuala Lumpur, reporting a rise to 316 digital jobs and outlining plans to increase its Malaysian workforce to over 1,000 by 2027. The move aligns with national objectives to encourage the growth of the country's technology sector and create hundreds of thousands of digital roles by the middle of the decade.
Digital workforce
The Kuala Lumpur GOC has increased its staff numbers by 58% within its inaugural 12 months. The centre supports software engineering and customer service operations, intended to serve Access Group's customers globally. The company has positioned its Kuala Lumpur location as part of a broader network of Global Operations Centres across the world, crucial for managing operational processes, customer service, and platform development using artificial intelligence tools.
"Our KL Centre is a cornerstone of Access's global growth strategy. We are building a network of Global Operations Centres (GOCs) that deliver operational excellence and reflect our brand, culture, and ambition. Malaysia's skilled talent pool and digitally advanced business environment make KL the ideal location to scale our operations, unlock the potential of AI and support our customers worldwide. Access continues to grow rapidly across APAC, Europe, and the US. Our investment in KL is part of a broader vision to create centres of excellence that drive AI-powered innovation, support communities, and develop future leaders. The GOC model enables us to harness regional strengths while maintaining a consistent global standard of service and delivery." said Terry Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, The Access Group.
Education partnerships
Access Group has forged partnerships with four Malaysian universities, including Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, INTI International University & Colleges, UTAR and TAR UMT. These collaborations aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs by providing students with practical exposure via internships, joint research, and real-world business challenges.
The Access Foundation has also awarded scholarships to four undergraduates at University of Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR). This initiative is part of wider efforts to foster digital skills and equip local graduates for high-value roles in technology.
Graduate programmes
The Kuala Lumpur centre has launched a Graduate Academy, enrolling three intakes of a total of 62 university graduates into structured programmes. The curriculum covers product and engineering as well as technology services, combining technical training, mentorship and on-the-job experience. The aim is to fast-track young professionals into impactful roles within the digital sector.
"Access is fast becoming an employer of choice in KL and beyond. The GOC has showcased the incredible potential of local talent, especially in software engineering and customer service. We are proud of the partnerships we have built with universities and the impact we are making through our early career programmes," said Chee Gay Lim, Managing Director of Access GOC Kuala Lumpur.
National initiatives
In alignment with Malaysia's ambition to generate 500,000 digital jobs by 2025, Access Group is participating in the K-Youth Programmeme led by Khazanah Nasional. The effort is aimed at enhancing graduate employability by supporting structured training, career pathways and industry partnerships.
The company reports that all job creation and talent investment activities at the GOC are meant to reinforce the Malaysian government's national digital focus.
"Our vision for the KL GOC goes beyond job creation. We are building a centre of excellence that reflects the values and ambition of The Access Group. We have worked hard to create a culture where people feel empowered, supported and inspired to grow. From our graduate academy to sustainability initiatives, we invest in people and purpose," said Lim.
Community engagement
Beyond talent development, Access Group's Kuala Lumpur office has also introduced a series of charitable and environmental activities. In the previous year, employees have raised over MYR 315,150 for the SUKA Society, with additional fundraising efforts for Orphancare Foundation and grants awarded to the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society. The centre's environmental involvement includes mangrove planting activities in partnership with TAR UMT and Earth Warriors Association, as well as promoting waste reduction in collaboration with Zero Waste Malaysia.
