As Chief Financial Officer of activpayroll, Andrew Philp brings a wealth of global financial expertise and strategic insight. With a career spanning international markets and a deep understanding of operational growth, Andrew has been instrumental in activpayroll’s expansion across Asia Pacific - most notably through the company’s strengthened presence in Malaysia. Under his financial leadership, activpayroll has not only scaled its regional operations but also built a resilient foundation for long-term success. In this article, Andrew shares more about activpayroll’s journey in Malaysia, its proudest milestones, and his advice for businesses looking to invest in the region.
As the Chief Financial Officer of activpayroll, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing our strategic expansion into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets: Malaysia. Our journey here reflects not only our commitment to global excellence but also our belief in the power of local partnerships and talent.
Founded in 2001 in Aberdeen, Scotland activpayroll has grown into a trusted provider of multi-country payroll, mobility and HR solutions. Our connection to Malaysia began over a decade ago through a fruitful partnership with Propay Partners, a respected local firm. In 2022, we took a bold step forward by acquiring Propay Partners, establishing a direct presence in Kuala Lumpur and positioning the city as our Asia Pacific headquarters. This move marked a significant milestone in our global journey and underscored our long-term commitment to the Malaysian market.
Our proudest moments in Malaysia are a testament to the strength of our team and the vibrancy of the local business ecosystem. The acquisition and seamless integration of Propay Partners in 2022 laid the foundation for our regional success. In 2023, we celebrated the grand opening of our new APAC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, an event graced by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Digital and MDEC’s CEO. During this occasion, activpayroll was honored with the Malaysia Digital Status certification - recognition of our investment and innovation in the country. We were also thrilled to be named First Runner-Up for UK-Malaysian Business of the Year at the British Malaysian Business Excellence Awards.
Malaysia stood out as the ideal location for our APAC expansion due to its skilled, English-speaking workforce, robust digital infrastructure, and strategic geographic position. The country’s supportive, tech-forward business environment made it a natural fit for our global support services hub, which now handles payroll, HR, and payment services across the region.
Since acquiring Propay Partners, our investment in Malaysia has surged by over 60%, and our Kuala Lumpur team has more than doubled in size. This growth reflects rising demand and our confidence in the local talent pool. We’ve prioritised training and development to build specialised payroll expertise, ensuring our Malaysian operations meet the high standards of our global customers.
Like any new market, Malaysia presented its share of challenges - from navigating regulatory complexities to integrating global practices into local culture. We overcame these by leaning on local expertise, investing in upskilling, and maintaining close relationships with government agencies and business networks. Our partnership with Propay Partners was instrumental in smoothing the transition and embedding our operations within the Malaysian business landscape.
For companies eyeing Malaysia, my advice is simple: embrace the local environment. Understand the regulations, respect the culture, and build strong relationships. Partnering with local experts and engaging with organisations like the BMCC and MDEC can unlock valuable insights and opportunities. Above all, be people-focused - Malaysia’s vibrant economy rewards businesses that invest in trust, talent, and long-term collaboration.