IBM’s RM1bil global service delivery hub in Cyberjaya goes live officially

• New facility provides high value IT services and cloud solutions
• Also provides platform for Malaysian talent development, says IBM

IBM has officially launched its new Global Delivery Centre (GDC) in Cyberjaya, its 21st shared services centre in Malaysia and the latest addition to the US tech giant’s network of service delivery hubs in 20 countries that provide business processing and IT services capabilities to clients worldwide.

In 2011, IBM announced an RM1-billion (US$303-million) investment to build and operate the centre, which the company claims delivers high value services to clients in the areas of Software Platform Management, Server Systems Operations, Security and Risk Management, and Project Management.
 
The centre also supports IBM’s cloud services, including the provisioning and management of IBM SmartCloud Enterprise + (SCE+) solutions, designed for running critical enterprise workloads, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) applications, IBM said in a statement.

“The opening of this site represents another milestone in IBM’s legacy of trailblazing the future in shared services,” claimed Craig Tucker, director of IBM Global Delivery Centre Malaysia.
 
“Our centre has raised the bar for the IT ecosystem in Malaysia by cultivating a knowledge-based workforce that will transform the way we work and interact,” he added.
 
In addition to becoming a source of local employment opportunities and income in Malaysia, shared services centres enable the transfer of important skills and competencies to local knowledge workers, as well as exposure to international best practices and standards, IBM said.
 
The Global Delivery Centre in Malaysia provides IT services around the clock to IBM clients all over the world, spanning multiple industries including financial services, healthcare, retail, real estate and technology.
 
“Malaysia’s competitive business model, strong private-public partnership, as well as the talent and skills of the Malaysian workforce, are all factors for IBM’s continued investment in the country,” said Diane Diggelmann, general manager of Global Delivery and Delivery Excellence for IBM Global Technology Services.
 
“In the two years since commencing operations, the centre has continually delivered real value to our clients all over the world. With IBM managing the IT infrastructure, our clients can focus on their core business,” she added.

IBM said it is also collaborating with local academic institutions and government agencies to provide students with work experience in an IT services delivery environment.
 
The company engaged with Setia Haruman and Universiti Malaya on a strategic internship programme that combines real-life work experience with soft skills, leadership and English training.
 
More recently, it partnered with INTI International University and Colleges to investigate and recommend strategies to promote IT as a fulfilling career opportunity to a younger generation of graduates. The findings have been shared with local government authorities.

The 300,000 sq ft centre, which has been certified as gold industry standard by Green Building Index (GBI), features energy efficient solar panels, water reclamation, heat-reducing window treatments and other elements that will help reduce energy consumption by 25%, IBM said.
 
The GBI is Malaysia’s industry-recognised green rating tool for buildings designed specifically to address the tropical climate and Malaysia’s current social, infrastructure and economic development, it noted.

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