Accra:Airwallex plans to double its workforce in Malaysia this year as it strengthens its local presence amid increasing cross-border transaction volumes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Airwallex's vice-president of global marketing, Jon Stona, highlighted Malaysia as a key example of the company's strategy to maintain global consistency while ensuring local relevance. The company increased its workforce in Malaysia by 66 percent in 2025 and recently moved into a new office that can accommodate over 160 employees.
The expansion is driven by strong business momentum in Malaysia, with Airwallex processing more than RM2 billion in remittance transactions in 2025. Stona emphasized that having local employees allows the company to better understand customer needs in individual markets while adhering to global frameworks and principles.
Stona also noted that the best ideas often come from those working directly with customers rather than from the company€š¬…¡¬€š¬…¾¢s headquarters. This approach allows for the swift scaling of successful strategies. He was speaking at a fireside chat alongside McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, moderated by Airwallex's head of Southeast Asia expansion, Andrew Chim.
Furthermore, Stona discussed Airwallex's strategy to respond rapidly to customer needs, an approach integral to the company's expansion. The firm's partnership with McLaren Racing has been particularly beneficial, exceeding expectations and influencing future sports partnerships. This collaboration has demonstrated Airwallex's financial operations capabilities on an international scale, rather than merely providing brand exposure.
Zak Brown added that commercial partnerships in Formula One have evolved beyond traditional sponsorships, focusing on operational efficiency in areas like technology, communications, and finance. With McLaren Racing visiting 24 countries and handling various currencies, such partnerships have become essential. Brown also noted that partners are crucial in helping McLaren engage new audiences as motorsport fan interaction evolves.