CYBERJAYA, MALAYSIA - Malaysia has much to offer to international bodies, corporations and inter-governmental organisations if they set up base here. It has advanced technology and infrastructure, and a large pool of skilled and trained professionals, which these bodies can tap.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the World Health Organisation's (WHO) decision to set up its Global Service Centre in Cyberjaya despite "many other bidders" was testimony that Malaysia had the competitive edge, resources and expertise that world organisations look for.

"We hope with WHO operating its centre here, it will reflect on Malaysia's ability and will attract other bodies, organisations and corporations to set up base here," he said at the opening of the centre yesterday.

In March 2007, WHO decided to establish a global service centre and a month later - after going through an open tender process where other bidders comprised countries in the region - Malaysia was selected.

The centre provides services such as human resources administration, finance, global procurement and global payroll to 11,000 staff.

It is headed by Brendan Daly who is in charge of a team of 210 staff including 150 local employees.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said various ministries and agencies, including Finance, Home and Foreign ministries, the Attorney-General's Chambers, Immigra-tion and Customs department had given their co-operation to ensure that the setting up of the centre went smoothly.

Liow said his ministry and WHO had been working together for years to ensure better health for all.

WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan said the organisation went through a competitive, robust, transparent and stringent process to select the host country for the centre.

"We had to look at the capacity of the country, the commitment of its government but more importantly, its people," she said.

"The level of skills and education of its workforce and their work ethics were important in making the decision."

The Star/Asia News Network