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Global Business Services

  • ABOUT US

    GBS@SOM USM : Talent Demand in Malaysia’s Digital Industry and USM’s Role in Global Business Services (GBS)

    Malaysia’s digital industry has experienced steady growth, driven by rapid advancements in technology and evolving business models. Key sectors fueling this demand include Global Business Services (GBS), Financial Technology (Fintech), Creative and Content Technology, E-commerce, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These areas continue to reshape the workforce landscape, requiring talent equipped with digital fluency, critical thinking, and specialized skills.

    Graduates entering the digital workforce are increasingly drawn to fields such as Big Data & Analytics, GBS, and software development, which are known to offer competitive career opportunities.

    Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Management, plays a strategic role in nurturing this talent. By aligning academic programs with industry needs and fostering collaboration with key players in the digital ecosystem, USM aims to expand its contribution to the national digital workforce and strengthen graduate employability.

    • Our history

      Picture : First GBS@SOM case study participants with industry representatives

      How it started

      • Discussion and Implementation Series: School of Management University Malaysia, Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA-NCER), GBS Focus Group, and GBS firms (August 2019)
      • GBS Training of Trainers (TOT) – A total of 13 lecturers (7 from Management and 6 from Accounting) underwent TOT in August 2019.
      • A pilot GBS case study program was conducted in September 2019 involving 20 students and 13 lecturers.
      • All 20 students successfully completed the program in December 2019, in collaboration with NCIA and four GBS firms: Cypress, Jabil, Motorola, and Osram.
      • Positive feedback was received from NCIA and the participating GBS firms. The GBS Focus Group was invited to submit a proposal to extend the initiative to 80 GBS firms via the School of Management.
      • Kim Chin Kuang, Vice President of Finance at Jabil and former President of the GBS Focus Group, has expressed his willingness to support the GBS@USM initiative.

    • What is GBS?

      Picture: School of Management Global Business Team with UKM and MMU representatives 2021

      Global Business Services (GBS) refers to the integration and centralization of business operations such as IT, finance, HR, procurement, legal, and analytics to drive efficiency and value creation. GBS is transforming how companies operate, shifting job requirements, and creating new roles that demand interdisciplinary knowledge and digital expertise.

      This evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity for higher education institutions to ensure graduates are prepared to thrive in a digitally connected and innovation-driven economy.

    • Background

      Sustainability

      • The sustainability of this program is driven by its ability to align with current trends through the strengthening of digital-based knowledge, in line with the advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). Considering the rapid growth and development of GBS as a key sector within the digital industry, the program holds strong potential to be offered on a long-term basis.

      Objective

      • To provide lecturers with exposure to support students in conducting real industry-driven case studies.
      • To offer lecturers the opportunity to understand GBS operations, which are a vital component of the digital industry sector.
      • To enhance lecturers’ skills in technical areas, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership in preparation for guiding students in solving GBS case study challenges.

      Picture: GBS@SOM PROGRAM

  • EVENTS

    The year 2025 has brought in renewed momentum for GBS@SOM USM, a strategic initiative by the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, to advance talent development in the Global Business Services (GBS) sector. Through industry-driven programs such as the ACE466 GBS Case Study course, lecturer upskilling, and collaborations with key GBS firms like Jabil and Osram, the initiative continues to enhance graduate readiness and strengthen USM’s role as a key contributor to Malaysia’s digital economy in the era of Industry 4.0.

      • GBS International Summit 2025

        The Global Business Services International Summit, organized under the GBS@SOM USM program, was a highly successful event that marked a significant step forward in strengthening USM’s global engagement and academic-industry collaboration. With participation from international institutions such as DHBW Stuttgart (Germany), PU Taichung (Taiwan), and Mercu Buana University (Indonesia), the summit provided students and lecturers with valuable exposure to global business practices, digital transformation trends, and leadership strategies relevant to the evolving GBS landscape. The event reinforced USM’s commitment to building strong partnerships that enhance knowledge exchange and professional development in the digital economy.

        Throughout the summit, participants engaged in a series of academic discussions, case study workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions that deepened their understanding of international business challenges and opportunities. These interactions not only helped improve global skill sets such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, but also expanded professional networks across institutions and industries.

        The event was widely regarded as a success, with positive feedback from both academic and industry participants. It significantly enhanced USM’s visibility as a hub for GBS talent development and international collaboration. For students, it offered a unique opportunity to connect with global peers and industry experts, gaining practical insights and confidence to thrive in international roles. For the university, the summit elevated its academic reputation, strengthened its role in advancing global partnerships, and reinforced its status as a center of excellence in GBS education and research.

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        The University appreciates the distinguished speakers who generously shared their time, expertise, and insights during the sessions:

        • Prof. Dr. Dirk Klimkeit, DHBW Stuttgart, Germany
          Keynote Session: “Select Insights from Research into GBS Centers in Asia”
          (Professor of Management, Organization and International Management)
        • Mr. Gark Chee Jin, Infineon
          Session 1: “Shifting Skill Requirements in GBS”
        • Mr. Kim Chin Kuang, Jabil
          Session 2: “Digitalisation and Future Outlook (AI and Automation)”
        • Madam Oh Ming Poh, Wilmar GBS
          Session 3: “Hybrid Work in GBS (Physical, Remote or Working from Home)”

        Their valuable contributions greatly enriched the event and provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of Global Business Services. Thank you for your commitment and for inspiring our audience.

      • 5th GBS@SOM USM Case Study Challenge

        Congratulations to the winners for the 5th GBS@SOM USM Case Study Challenge

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        Picture Caption : Winners of the 5th GBS Case Study Challenge USM

        Grand Prize

        - Group 4 Infineon –
        Group Leader: SERENA TAHERIN A/P SIVA-MUNIANDY and Team
        SOM Academic: Consultant DR. KISHAN A/L KRISHNEN @ RAGAVAN

        1st Runner Up

        - Group 18 Experian –
        Group Leader: JEROME LEE VUI KHIONG
        SOM Academic Consultant: DR. EMA IZATI BT. ZULL KEPILI and Team

        2nd Runner Up

        - Group 8 JABIL –
        Group Leader: AINA NAZIRA BINTI MOHAMMAD AZLAN and Team
        SOM Academic Consultant: DR. NURHAFIZA ABDUL KADER MALIM

        Most Innovative and Technological

        - Group 14 WILMAR GBS –
        Group Leader: AMNI NUR NADIAH BINTI AYUB
        SOM Academic Consultant: PROF. MADYA DR ANEES JANEE B. ALI@HAMID

        Congratulations to all the groups that participated, the organizing committee, and the students who took part in the program, their efforts were instrumental in making the event a success. A special congratulations to the winners of the 5th GBS@SOM USM Case Study Challenge. Special thanks to our GBS industry partner sponsors.

      • 4th GBS@SOM USM Case Study Challenge

        The 4th GBS Case Study Challenge was successfully held online at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), continuing its mission to bridge academic insight with industry practices in the rapidly evolving Global Business Services (GBS) sector. The event brought together a dynamic group of undergraduate students, who showcased their analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills in addressing real-world challenges faced by GBS organizations today.

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      • Events 2024

        Motorola Company Visit

        Infineon Penang Company Visit

        Penang Career Discovery Day : Organised by InvestPenang and the GBS Focus Group

        USM Accounting Society to Intel Corporation in Batu Maung, Penang incorporating Intel Finance and Intel Global Business Services (GBS)

        USM Management Society to Infineon Penang,

        USM Management Society to Dell, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Dell's APCC2

        JABIL Sharing Session with SOM Lecturers

  • OUR GBS PARTNERS

    The GBS@SOM program began as a pilot initiative in collaboration with four pioneering GBS companies: Infineon, JABIL, amsOSRAM, and Motorola. These early partnerships laid a strong foundation for integrating real-world industry practices into academic learning. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve, welcoming new industry partners that bring fresh perspectives and unique strengths. Notable additions include UST, Citi, Intel, and Clarivate, each contributing meaningfully to the program’s growth through case studies, mentoring, and student engagement activities.

    In 2022, the program expanded further with the participation of Wilmar and DELL, followed by Experian in 2023, demonstrating the continued confidence of leading GBS firms in USM’s talent development initiatives. Looking ahead, GBS@SOM is excited with the involvement of AMD, which is expected to bring valuable insight into high-tech operations and innovation. Each participating company plays a distinct and important role, enriching the program with diverse expertise and helping to prepare students for the demands of the global GBS industry.

    • GBS Partners

      The following are our GBS@SOM USM partners:

      • GBS Focus Group
      • Infineon
      • Motorola
      • amsOSRAM
      • JABIL
      • Citi
      • Intel
      • UST
      • Wilmar GBS
      • Experian
      • AMD
      • Dell
      • Clarivate

      The School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) greatly appreciates the continuous support and collaboration of our esteemed GBS@SOM USM partners. These companies have played a vital role in enriching our academic programs, providing real-world industry exposure, and nurturing future-ready talent in the Global Business Services sector.

      We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following GBS partners for their invaluable contributions: Infineon, Motorola, amsOSRAM, JABIL, Citi, Intel, UST, Wilmar GBS, Experian, AMD, Dell, and Clarivate. Their commitment to knowledge sharing, mentorship, and innovation has significantly strengthened the bridge between academia and industry, and we look forward to continuing these impactful partnerships in the years ahead.

    • Jabil GBS x School of Management USM

      Empowering Future Talent: Finance Technology Hands-On Training
      Jabil GBS x School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

      As part of an ongoing initiative to bridge academia and industry, the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with Jabil Global Business Services (GBS), launched a 10-week Finance Technology Hands-On Training program aimed at preparing students for the digital future of finance and business services.

      This specialized training is designed to provide insight and exposure to USM students with practical, industry-relevant knowledge sharing, financial technologies and automation tools

      Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on labs, mentored by professionals from Jabil GBS. This practical approach ensures students gain exposure with market tools.

      This initiative reflects a strong and growing collaboration between academia and the GBS industry, with Jabil GBS playing a leading role in nurturing future-ready talent. By equipping students with digital competencies and exposure to emerging technologies, this program aligns with Malaysia's national vision of becoming a regional hub for Global Business Services and digital innovation.

      The Finance Technology Training course is part of a broader commitment by the School of Management and its industry partners to develop a digitally fluent, agile, and industry-relevant workforce ready

      JABIL GBS Connect : Ms Dayana Mastura Baharudin

      dayanamastura@usm.my

  • OUR GBS @SOM TEAM

    1. GBS Advisor: Professor Dr. Noor Hazlina Ahmad
    2. GBS Advisor: Associate Professor Dr Abdul Hadi Zulkafli
    3. GBS Coordinator : Dr Afzal Izzaz Zahari
    4. GBS Program Lecturer: Ms Dayana Mastura Baharudin
    5. JABIL GBS Connect : Ms Dayana Mastura Baharudin
    6. AMD GBS Connect : Dr. Muhammad Shabir Shaharudin

    GBS Academic Consultants 2025/2026

    1. Associate Professor Dr Abdul Hadi Zulkafli (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    2. Associate Professor Dr Anees Janee b. Ali@Hamid (International Business)
    3. Associate Professor Dr Anwar Allah Pitchay (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    4. Associate Professor Dr. Haslindar Ibrahim (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    5. Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Normalini Md Kassim (Operations Management)
    6. Dr. Ainul Mohsein bt Abdul Mohsin (International Business)
    7. Dr. Nurhafiza Abdul Kader Malim (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    8. Associate Professor Dr. Khairul Anuar Mohammad Shah (International Business)
    9. Dr. Rosemelisa Yusof (Strategy and Organisational Management)
    10. Dr. Ema Izati bt. Zull Kepili (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    11. Dr. Kishan A/L Krishnen @ Ragavan (Accounting)
    12. Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Khaw Khai Wah (Business Analytics Operations Management)
    13. Dr. Muhammad Shabir Shaharudin (Business Analytics Operations Management)
    14. Dr. Mastura Abdul Wahab (Strategy and Organisational Management)
    15. Dr. Cheang Peck Yeng Sharon (Operations Management)
    16. Dr. Md Aslam Mia (Finance and Islamic Finance)
    17. Dr. Kenny Quah Wei Jie (Accounting)
    18. Dr Afzal Izzaz Zahari (Accounting)
    19. Ms Dayana Mastura (Accounting)

    Please feel free to contact/connect with the GBS@SOM USM Team at:

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