Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will invest more than RM500mil (US$125mil) in Malaysia over the next five years for a new headquarters as well as to roll out new robotic and cognitive technology 

The biopharma firm stated that the investment will include a new AstraZeneca Malaysia headquarters in Nucleus Tower, Mutiara Damansara to house its local and global business operations across a wide variety of functions, such as finance and procurement leadership for the region. Also, it plans to employ 600 people by 2023, almost all of whom are expected to be Malaysian.

The company said the investment demonstrated its commitment towards patients, innovation and talent development in the country and rolling out the new technology as it seeks to improve efficiency and drive productivity across its global operations. 

The company stated, “In addition, a new global business services hub will be equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology and automation to support financial, accounting and business services for AstraZeneca operations in the Asia Pacific region.” 

The hub is one of AstraZeneca’s three shared services hubs globally, including in Costa Rica and Poland.

The biopharma firm is also planning a close collaboration with partners to explore digital transformation in the management of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer in Malaysia. In addition, the team will also work with various universities in building the local talent pool to support its business in the region.