Novartis Corporate Center Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence
 

Malaysia’s AI-enabled enterprise hub delivering regulated, high-value services
 

Novartis Corporate Center Kuala Lumpur (NOCC KL) marks a decade of building high-value, exportable services from Malaysia. From a small team to more than 500 associates—over 80% Malaysian—the center now supports 20+ countries and key regions, including Novartis’ global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

By consolidating business-critical functions such as finance, reporting and analytics, digital products and data, regulatory and compliance, commercial operations, and procurement, NOCC KL enables faster decisions, consistent quality, and measurable outcomes—while growing Malaysia’s high-skill talent base.

In 2024, Novartis Malaysia contributed over RM1.03 billion to the economy and supported more than 3,700 jobs, underscoring the economic impact of complex, knowledge-intensive work anchored in Kuala Lumpur. NOCC KL’s expertise across finance, data, digital, IT, HR services, and procurement strengthens Malaysia’s position as a trusted destination for regulated, complex operations—and signals the country’s readiness to host advanced work at scale.

NOCC KL brings core enterprise functions into one hub to improve speed, accuracy, and seamless market execution for Novartis own innovative therapies. This was evident throughout the covid pandemic where the company continued supplying vital medicines to patients without disruption.

Continuous process improvements and a culture of experimentation foster best practices that are shared throughout the organization, amplifying the impact of NOCC KL’s expertise both regionally and worldwide.

At the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025, NOCC KL was recognized for delivering industry leading work in Digital Innovation and Supply Chain. These recognitions reflect how the teams have reimagined medicine accelerating access to advanced therapies—such as radioligand therapy and cell and gene therapies—by serving as a nerve centre that coordinates data, controls, and cross-functional workflows to supply medications safely and quickly. By balancing speed with quality, NOCC KL helps patients with serious conditions gain earlier access to treatments that can improve and extend their lives.

AI and automation manage routine tasks so teams can focus on analysis and problem-solving, increasing throughput and reliability across Novartis’ global network. Through global partnerships, about 80% of associates use enterprise AI tools like Microsoft Copilot. All deployments follow strict compliance standards appropriate to a regulated environment. Award-winning assets—such as an AI-powered chatbot and a real-world data dashboard recognized at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2024—demonstrate how AI has enhanced our capabilities, improved customer engagement and decision speed while upholding rigorous governance.

NOCC KL is a launchpad for Malaysian High Growth, High Value talent. The center has invested over RM1 million in upskilling to date, with associates completing an average of two structured training programs per year across analytics, automation, digital compliance, communication, and leadership. Many have progressed into regional and global roles, showing a clear pathway from Kuala Lumpur to the wider Novartis network.

An inclusive culture underpins this progress. Women represent 67% of employees and 55% of leadership roles. Pay practices are transparent and reviewed annually for equity, and a 14-week parental leave policy supports shared caregiving. Partnerships with universities and professional bodies strengthen the talent pipeline, while responsible data and compliance practices build trust.

Beyond its people, NOCC KL’s own office environment supports people and performance. The center holds WELL Silver Certification for health and well-being and LEED Gold Certification for sustainability, reflecting investments in air quality, lighting, ergonomics, and energy efficiency. Robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards reinforce resilience and operational continuity. The center has also  achieved carbon net zero status, ahead of Novartis’ own 2030 global target.

NOCC KL’s impact is broad and practical. It creates high-skill roles in Malaysia and strengthens the country’s participation in the digital economy, while operating to standards that prioritize health, fairness, and sustainability.

This progress rests on a strong foundation of people and partnerships. Malaysia’s unique strength—its collaborative, one-community mindset—enables service excellence, sustainable operations, and cost advantages without compromising standards. This foundation builds trust and helps patients benefit from new therapies more efficiently.

The center delivers work from Kuala Lumpur to more than 20 countries, showing that complex, trusted services can be exported at scale from Malaysia. Its teams use modern AI tools and automation to complete routine tasks faster and with fewer errors, increasing efficiency and allowing teams to focus on deeper analysis and higher value work—an approach that improves quality and helps advanced treatments reach patients more efficiently.

NOCC KL demonstrates that shared services can be more than a cost function. By shifting from cost optimization to enterprise enablement—through AI at scale, exportable services, and a disciplined compliance culture—the center enables enterprise growth and supports delivery of innovative therapies to patients.

The result: better outcomes for patients and measurable value for the business.

As NOCC KL enters its tenth year, the mission remains clear: help global teams deliver better outcomes for patients and the business while strengthening Malaysia’s high-skill economy. The center will deepen AI, automation, and data capabilities; expand exportable services; and broaden education–industry collaboration through internships, apprenticeships and micro-credentials—reinforcing Malaysia’s competitiveness in high-growth, high-value work.