Kuala lumpur: The growing shift towards hybrid and flexible working arrangements is driving demand for accessible, well-equipped co-working spaces in Malaysia’s urban centres. Following this trend, homegrown flexible workspace provider WORQ is stepping up efforts to meet this need through the strategic expansion of its transit-oriented development (TOD) co-working network.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, WORQ currently operates at 11 locations within the Klang Valley and is anchoring its growth strategy around proximity to public transportation. Co-founder and chief executive officer Stephanie Ping stated that the company aims to build a network of co-working spaces located within 10 minutes of major train stations and meeting hubs, reducing commute times and improving accessibility for modern workers.
Ping emphasized the goal of creating a co-working network that enables people to work near where they live or commute, whether they are in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, or Subang. This network aims to reduce the hassle of traveling back to headquarters for meetings or to print documents. She highlighted that transit-oriented developments typically provide seamless access to public transport, and WORQ’s model is designed to leverage these locations to better serve professionals working in hybrid or remote setups.
As private and public sector employers are increasingly open to hybrid work arrangements, workers are seeking flexible alternatives to traditional office spaces that align with their daily commute. WORQ’s chief financial officer and co-founder, Andrew Yeow, noted the company’s role in advancing national digitalisation efforts through its partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation under the DE Rantau initiative. This program supports local and foreign digital nomads by providing essential infrastructure such as enterprise-grade connectivity and hotdesking services.
Yeow also pointed out that Malaysia’s current co-working space capacity stands at around one million square feet, significantly lower than countries like the United Kingdom, which has over 20 million square feet. WORQ aims to expand to 500,000 square feet, totaling about 15 to 20 locations nationwide by 2027, up from its current 300,000 square feet. More locations will be strategically selected to serve a broad spectrum of users, including start-ups, SMEs, freelancers, remote teams, and multinational firms.
Yeow stated that Malaysia has an opportunity to lead in the flexible workspace sector in Southeast Asia, especially with more companies from Singapore and beyond considering satellite offices in Malaysia. However, he warned against taking this advantage for granted, as countries like Vietnam are emerging as strong competitors due to lower costs.
In response to the evolving needs of modern professionals, WORQ offers flexible pricing packages, including short-term options ranging from 30-minute blocks to weekly passes. Each location is fully equipped with meeting rooms, high-speed internet, printers, and IT support, providing a plug-and-play environment for businesses, communities, and students.
WORQ is also collaborating with landlords to convert underutilized properties into vibrant co-working hubs, often involving co-investments in renovations that include sustainability upgrades and lifestyle amenities. Ping highlighted that today’s professionals seek more than just a desk and high-speed internet; they are looking for a balanced lifestyle with access to social activities and wellness amenities.
With rising demand, supportive partnerships, and a clear expansion roadmap, WORQ is well-positioned to shape the future of flexible workspaces in Malaysia, helping individuals and companies adapt to a more dynamic, decentralized way of working.