CNS Communications

As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation journey under the MyDIGITAL blueprint and National Cloud Computing Policy, international companies are playing a critical role in enabling this shift. One such player is CNS, a French IT infrastructure and services firm that has steadily expanded its presence in Malaysia over the past decade. Through a combination of technical expertise, local talent development, and sustainable practices, CNS is positioning itself as both a contributor to Malaysia’s economy and a bridge between European and Asian business ecosystems.

What initiatives has CNS introduced to strengthen its role in Malaysia?

CNS has been instrumental in supporting Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. Over the years, the company has helped local firms modernize IT systems, adopt new technologies, and navigate complex mergers and acquisitions. A flagship example is the migration of a Malaysian energy company's network infrastructure following an M&A with a global IT multinational, a project that aligned local operations with international standards.

More recently, CNS led a critical data center migration for a major regional bank in Malaysia, ensuring secure and redundant connectivity during a multi-step transition. This project not only enhanced cybersecurity and service resilience but also aligned with national priorities on digital sovereignty and data residency. By introducing an innovative NetDevOps approach, CNS minimized risks and showcased how advanced migration strategies can support Malaysia’s goal of becoming a regional data center hub.

Beyond technical delivery, CNS actively engages with the Malaysian ecosystem through industry events such as Network Automation Days and the Data Center & Cloud Summit, where it shares insights and strengthens ties with key stakeholders. CNS also recently participated in the France-Malaysia Business exchanges to strengthen collaboration with meetings with Khazanah, Ministry of Economy, MATRADE, MITI and MIDA and shared CNS’ views on Digital Transformation at a France-Malaysia Business Forum panel.

How is CNS demonstrating its commitment to developing local talent?

At the heart of CNS’s strategy is a clear focus on empowering Malaysian talent. Over the past decade, the company has consistently hired skilled local professionals across different levels of seniority. This includes not only roles in Malaysia but also opportunities abroad such as a Malaysian engineer who has worked in CNS’s Paris office for the past six years.

CNS has already exceeded the RMK13 target for women workforce empowerment, showcasing the company's commitment to inclusive growth and advancing local talent development through initiatives such as appointing a Malaysian manager to a newly established role.

To build a sustainable talent pipeline, CNS has created pathways for Malaysian students studying in France, offering them internships in French offices or full-time positions in Kuala Lumpur upon their return. Two young Malaysian graduates have already begun their careers this way, highlighting CNS’s dedication to nurturing future leaders.

Training and professional development are central to the company’s culture. CNS sponsors technical certifications for employees, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation. This commitment has driven steady growth: from just two locally hired employees during the pandemic to a 12-person team today, including eight Malaysians, expatriates, and V.I.E. trainees from headquarters.

Looking forward, CNS plans to strengthen its recruitment of Malaysian graduates with French education backgrounds and welcome internships from top Malaysian universities to deepen cross-cultural collaboration and align local talent with global standards.

What sustainability and community projects is CNS driving in Malaysia?

While technology transformation is its core business, CNS also recognizes its responsibility to promote sustainability. The company is exploring collaborations in circular IT practices, aiming to reduce electronic waste by refurbishing and recycling hardware instead of replacing it unnecessarily. This approach aligns with Malaysia’s broader sustainability agenda while helping clients reduce their environmental footprint.

CNS also continues to deepen partnerships within Malaysia’s business ecosystem. It maintains active collaborations with leading technology providers in Malaysia, while being part of the FrenchTech network and the newly created Malaysia Network Automation Forum (MYNAF). These engagements reinforce CNS’s role as both a thought leader and an enabler of joint innovation between French and Malaysian stakeholders.

From a small representative office to a growing regional hub serving clients across Asia, CNS has demonstrated what it means to build a long-term, sustainable presence in Malaysia. By combining international expertise with local empowerment, the company is not just expanding its business footprint: it is actively contributing to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a global leader in digital transformation.