Global Business Services experts reach out to graduates

From left to right: MDeC GBS vice-president Michael Warren; Fuji Xerox Malaysia managing director George M. Nides; HILTI Asia IT Services managing director Dr Martin Nemets; Elabram Systems managing director Mikel Yaw.

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood facts about the Global Business Services (GBS) industry (formerly known as Shared Services and Outsourcing) is that it involves working solely in call-centres, without the prospects of career advancement.

In an effort to redefine this image and to educate future talent on the large potential in the GBS industry, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the main body championing this industry, organised their annual coffee chat session reaching out to graduates attending the Mega Career Fair at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre last Aug 22 – 23.

This time, the chat session covered the topics entitled “Career Beyond Borders: Hype or Real?” which discussed the viability of Malaysia as one of the prime locations for the GBS industry, and “Onboard Experian” which saw top management of Experian Marketing Services speak about realities of the job scope.

Day two panellists from Experian Marketing (from left to right: director of development Jason Ho; head of human resources Nadiah Tan Abdullah; service delivery director Chai Mun Wai; regional head of service and support (APAC) Michael Brannelly).

“Malaysia has been ranked third most attractive services location destination globally for nine consecutive years, behind India and China,” said MDeC talent division general manager and day two moderator Muhammad Imran Kunalan Abdullah.

“For a country with only 30million in population, it is very astounding that we maintained this ranking for all these years, and that is why we’re seeing more and more investments coming into the GBS industry.”

The two-hour session proceeded with panel speakers conveying their valuable insights on the nature of a career in GBS, touching on the types of clients they service, and the opportunity to work at a global level whilst remaining in Malaysia.

The GBS industry has generated over 12,000 new jobs in 2015 alone, with a projection of over 43,000 jobs created in Malaysia by the year 2020.

As part of the initiative to raise the profile of the Global Business Services (GBS) industry and its career opportunities in Malaysia, MDeC has launched a GBS as a Career of Choice campaign for the past few years, engaging students, fresh graduates and working professionals.

The session ended with a Q&A session on both days between the panel speakers and attendees whom consisted of fresh graduates as well as a number of experienced professionals.

To browse jobs in the GBS industry, head over to the dedicated job portal by myStarjob.com in collaboration with MDeC at mystarjob.com/gbs.