Zafar Anjum, Chief Executive Officer, ABAC Centre of Excellence
ABAC Center of Excellence Sdn. Bhd. is a pioneering entity that fosters worldwide anti-corruption, compliance, and corporate governance standards. Established to address the growing demand for robust compliance frameworks, ABAC has quickly established a stronghold in Malaysia as a leading conformity assessment body. Recognising Malaysia’s strategic position within APAC, we expanded here to champion adopting international standards, particularly ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management System) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management System). Our presence in Malaysia isn’t just about certifications but equipping organisations with the tools to embed ethical practices deeply into their operations.
Malaysia’s regulatory landscape, underscored by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act and the influence of the UK Bribery Act, aligns well with our goals. By working closely with Malaysian companies, we’ve enhanced compliance practices, positioning them to compete confidently globally. Moreover, recent directives like the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive have underscored the need for businesses to adopt cross-border compliance standards, and ABAC is at the forefront, helping companies in Malaysia prepare for and implement these directives. As the corporate environment evolves with these new standards, ABAC Malaysia is committed to ensuring that companies don’t just meet minimum compliance but thrive as exemplars of ethical leadership.
What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?
Our journey in Malaysia has been marked by several achievements that underscore our commitment to driving compliance excellence. One of our proudest milestones has been assisting several Malaysian companies in achieving ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification. These certifications aren’t just procedural achievements; they represent a shift in mindset toward proactive integrity. By helping companies earn ISO 37001, we have made strides toward positioning Malaysia as a model of ethical business conduct within APAC.
Another significant milestone has been successfully launching training initiatives to educate companies on compliance and anti-bribery practices. We’ve observed that the corporate sector in Malaysia is increasingly interested in adopting world-class standards, not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a core part of their corporate culture. Furthermore, our involvement in key industry discussions and forums has allowed ABAC to emerge as a trusted authority on compliance and anti-corruption. Our expertise in implementing international standards has proven invaluable as Malaysia aligns itself with evolving global frameworks, such as the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive, which requires companies to engage actively in compliance and risk management. These milestones reinforce our vision of fostering a culture where transparency and accountability are embedded at every level.
Describe your operations and total investments in Malaysia.
ABAC Center of Excellence has made considerable investments in Malaysia financially and has built a strong team of industry experts who understand local and international compliance needs. Our Malaysian operations serve as a regional hub for certification and training services in anti-bribery, compliance, and corporate governance. We offer ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 certifications, which are increasingly recognised as essential for companies wanting to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices. To support our growing client base, we have expanded our team with experts who provide hands-on guidance, ensuring our certifications are more than just symbolic but add real value by enhancing the effectiveness of each client’s governance frameworks.
Malaysia was chosen for its vibrant business environment and strategic access to the wider APAC region. With a focus on compliance, we’ve attracted businesses keen to align with global standards, especially as international regulations, such as the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive, set new expectations. Through our presence, Malaysian companies benefit from firsthand access to our world-class certification services, positioning them to meet national requirements like the MACC Act and the more stringent demands of international laws, including the UK Bribery Act. By embedding these standards locally, we help Malaysian businesses mitigate risks, optimise operations, and build a culture of compliance that strengthens their market position globally.
Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages and challenges of doing business here.
Doing business in Malaysia presents unique advantages and challenges, which our experience has helped us navigate effectively. One of the clear advantages is Malaysia’s pro-business environment, which is supported by an encouraging regulatory framework. Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening corporate governance is evident through regulations like the MACC Act, which aligns closely with ABAC’s mission to foster ethical business practices.
Moreover, Malaysia’s strategic location within APAC makes it an ideal base to serve clients across the region. The talent pool is also diverse and skilled, allowing us to bring professionals who understand local compliance needs and international standards on board.
However, challenges exist primarily around the evolving regulatory landscape that requires businesses to remain adaptive. For companies working with international clients, the increased need for compliance with global standards, such as the EU’s Corporate Due Diligence Directive, adds a layer of complexity. Navigating these challenges has involved significant investment in local expertise and resources to ensure our services comply with Malaysian laws and are future-proofed for emerging international regulations. ABAC’s approach has been to view these challenges as opportunities to reinforce our commitment to comprehensive, high-quality compliance services supporting Malaysia’s regional compliance leader role.
How do you see your business growth and prospects in Malaysia now?
ABAC’s growth prospects in Malaysia are promising, especially as the regulatory landscape shifts towards more stringent compliance and corporate governance requirements. With the recent adoption of the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive and the updated EU Directive on Combating Corruption, there is a pressing need for companies in Malaysia to meet these enhanced standards to stay competitive in international markets. ABAC’s role in providing ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 certifications directly aligns with this demand, as businesses recognise the value of these certifications in building trust with stakeholders and mitigating risks.
We foresee significant opportunities to expand our client base as Malaysian companies seek to align with global best practices in anti-corruption and compliance. Moreover, the heightened emphasis on corporate accountability and ethics globally makes our offerings increasingly relevant. As we continue to invest in educating the market, we anticipate that our efforts will drive a greater uptake in certification and compliance training. Through our partnerships and active engagement with industry leaders, ABAC is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends, supporting Malaysia’s journey as a regional leader in business integrity and ethical governance.
What recommendation or advice would you give to other companies looking to invest or do business in Malaysia?
For companies looking to invest in Malaysia, my primary advice is to make compliance and ethical governance a cornerstone of their operations from day one. Malaysia has a robust regulatory framework, notably the MACC Act, which enforces strict anti-corruption measures. Companies must also be aware of international regulations, such as the UK Bribery Act and, more recently, the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive, which impact Malaysian businesses with international dealings. Understanding and adhering to these laws is essential for mitigating risks and fostering a reputation of integrity.
Building a strong compliance framework is more than just regulatory; it’s about developing a culture that values transparency, ethical behaviour, and accountability. By prioritising these values, businesses can navigate Malaysia’s evolving regulatory environment and position themselves as reliable partners in the APAC region. Additionally, ABAC’s certifications in ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 can be valuable for new companies, as they offer a structured approach to embedding these standards within an organisation. Establishing a proactive compliance strategy will ease regulatory compliance and lay a foundation for sustainable growth in Malaysia and beyond.
What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?
As an Accredited and specialised British Conformity Assessment Body, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service UKAS, Joining BMCC has provided ABAC Center of Excellence with valuable access to a network of businesses and professionals committed to strengthening the bilateral trade and regulatory landscape between Malaysia and the UK. The Chamber’s initiatives and networking opportunities allow us to connect with other industry leaders who share our commitment to promoting ethical business practices and compliance. Additionally, BMCC’s focus on supporting members with up-to-date information on regulatory changes has been invaluable, particularly as international standards evolve.
As we expand our compliance and anti-bribery certification services in Malaysia, the visibility and credibility BMCC offers us is instrumental. The Chamber provides a trusted platform that allows us to showcase our expertise to a wide and engaged audience, which is essential in building partnerships and expanding our impact in Malaysia’s compliance sector. Lastly, BMCC’s advocacy for ethical governance aligns perfectly with ABAC’s mission, making our membership mutually beneficial as we work together to create a culture of integrity.
What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?
The primary value of our BMCC membership lies in the collaborative opportunities it provides.
BMCC’s network connects us with other stakeholders who prioritise corporate governance, and together we can advance a compliance-driven business landscape in Malaysia. This partnership reinforces ABAC’s position as a leader in corporate ethics. It offers us invaluable insights into UK-Malaysia trade dynamics, which is crucial as we implement standards like ISO 37001 and ISO 37301.
In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC?
Our membership with BMCC has been transformative, allowing us to champion ethical governance and anti-corruption initiatives within a network equally committed to fostering a transparent and compliant business environment across Malaysia and the UK.
