SAS Opens New Regional Office in Malaysia, Supporting Aspirations to Create More Data Scientists by 2025

In an era where technology and sentiment are driving the WFH culture, it is both refreshing and interesting to see SAS investing in new office facilities in Malaysia, right in the heart of the new business district at TRX.

SAS is a cutting-edge technology company, right in the mix of the data-fueled Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) revolution, so it’s interesting that they still see value in investing in office space when the tide seems to be shifting towards WFH and hot desking. What SAS realises is that when you bring people together in a physical hub, great things can happen.

Going forward, that will be the case for SAS Malaysia employees, who will use this space to drive data innovation and outcomes for their clients. But today, it was about bringing together clients, partners, and the press to see the new office and celebrate SAS’s investment in the region.

Proceedings were kicked off by Febrianto Siboro, Managing Director for SAS Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Febrianto’s Vision for SAS in Malaysia

Febrianto, an Indonesian based in Malaysia, seemed truly joyful at the strong support for the office, with over 100 people in attendance.

He explained that the theme for the official office opening was ‘Innovation Meets Intelligence,’ and then rhetorically asked, “Why?”

Febrianto explained that SAS fosters synergy between creativity and knowledge to solve complex problems, supported by data to drive insights.

That’s what SAS does. Febrianto then went on to explain that the investment in Malaysia is not just about driving this mission; it’s also about investing in people and supporting Malaysia in training 30,000 data science professionals over the next two years.

Febrianto seemed to be having a bit of a love fest with Malaysia, explaining that, in his experience and even compared to his home country, Malaysia has really got its act together in pursuing the aim of training data professionals. Malaysia is not just talking about it; they are actually doing it. He believes Malaysia will become a key source of these skills for the entire region and is pleased that SAS is contributing to this process.

In terms of his personal aims, while overseeing SAS’s investment in the region, he will focus on three critical areas: Revenue generation, operational optimisation, and regulatory compliance. Given that their nearly 100 clients in Malaysia come from the financial services industry and government, these seem like sound aspirations to follow.

Minister’s Endorsement and Future Outlook

As a sign of how significant SAS’s commitment to Malaysia is, Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo was on hand to give a keynote speech. According to the minister, the launch of the new regional office symbolises the successful pushing of the boundaries of innovation through the power of data.

The minister also noted that there will be a vastly increased demand for people with new skills, including AI trainers and AI analysts in areas such as health, environment, weather, and public safety. Investment by companies like SAS helps Malaysia enhance innovation and competitiveness.

The minister acknowledged that Malaysia currently has a skills deficit when it comes to new digital knowledge, but also highlighted that with organisations like SAS supporting initiatives to educate more people in data science and AI, the Malaysian workforce will attain the cutting-edge skills needed not just to “keep up” but to “lead the charge.”

SAS Institute Malaysia is supporting MDEC’s initiative by offering courses that will equip the workforce with the cutting-edge skills needed for Malaysia to not only keep up but also lead the charge.

Amir Sohrabi’s Insights and Vision

The official opening event concluded with a presentation by Amir Sohrabi, Regional Vice President and Head of Digital Transformation, Emerging EMEA and Asia, SAS Institute.

Amir shared with us how SAS has been around for 48 years and for 38 of those they have been in Malaysia, moving from just 5 customers to nearly 100 today.

Coming back to the “makeup” of their customers in Malaysia (FSI and Government), Amir explained how SAS is instrumental in two very important areas.  First, they help organisations that need to set guidelines and ethics for the safe use of data and AI. Second, they also work with the organisations that need to follow these guidelines.

With the advent of GenAI, this experience is absolutely vital. Amir described the current buzz around GenAI as a big noisy children’s party but explained that, while SAS is part of that party, they are “the adult in the room.”

What he was referring to is SAS’s focus on delivering explainable and trustworthy AI.

Looking Ahead

SAS has been in Malaysia for 38 years, growing from 5 to 100 customers. Now, the company is focused on the future, with three key areas: Revenue generation, operational optimisation, and regulatory compliance.

Success in Malaysia has been and will remain to be dependent on local partners. SAS understand how to use AI and data to drive reliable trustworthy outcomes and do so with a layer of governance over the top.

In his wrap-up, Amir explained that the older generation needs to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, as AI progression will no longer follow the linear path we are used to. It will be exponential. But with a new generation of trained data professionals benefitting from the proven SAS curriculum, we will begin to be ready for change and new ways of deriving insight-driven outcomes.

We look forward to seeing SAS’s continued investment and progress in the region.