Q&A – John Tait, Global Managing Director, Payments Market at TNS

Why was Malaysia chosen as the location for TNS’ new regional hub, and what makes it so important in today’s digital economy?

    Malaysia was chosen because it represents one of the most promising digital growth markets in Southeast Asia. TNS has had a presence in Malaysia since 2013, which began with one global client and has since experienced consistent double-digit growth. We put that down to the country’s business-friendly environment, skilled local workforce, and strategic geographic position and made it the logical choice for a regional hub.

    We believe that Malaysia offers a strong foundation from which to serve both mature and emerging digital economies across the APAC region, enabling TNS to get closer to its clients and strengthen its regional service delivery.

    Can you explain what “Complete Commerce” means in simple terms and how it changes the way we pay?

      “Complete Commerce” is TNS’ integrated payment and managed connectivity solution – it’s also a new way of thinking about how businesses interact with digital payments.

      We launched Complete Commerce to provide everything a company needs to accept, connect, orchestrate and secure payments both online and in-person, removing the need to juggle multiple vendors. From managed networks and payment terminals to cloud-native payment orchestration and 24/7 support, it’s a full-stack infrastructure tailored to modern commercial demands. By maintaining continuous uptime with reliable device connectivity, as well as systems and cloud connectivity, businesses can avoid service disruptions, which are increasingly common.

      It allows organisations to connect POS systems, streamline payments to any processor, and extract meaningful insights from transaction data. For consumers, it means faster, safer, and more seamless transactions. For businesses, it helps to reduces friction, cuts operational complexity and supports global expansion. Complete Commerce represents a move away from fragmented systems toward a cohesive, agile platform capable of evolving with the market.

      How will the new Kuala Lumpur hub benefit local businesses and consumers in the Asia-Pacific region?

        The Kuala Lumpur hub will deliver direct benefits to local businesses by bringing TNS’ infrastructure and expertise closer to home. This translates into faster response times, tailored support, and lower latency for payment processing, all of which are essential in today’s fast-moving digital economy. The presence of a 24/7 Network Operations Centre (NOC) within the hub ensures around-the-clock monitoring and immediate mitigation of any technical issues, which is a game-changer for uptime and service continuity.

        For consumers, this means improved payment experiences – fewer failed transactions, faster checkouts, and better security. Local businesses will also have easier access to TNS’ advanced tools like payment orchestration and business analytics, giving them enterprise-grade capabilities without needing to build these systems themselves.

        As the region’s economy expands, this hub will be instrumental in future-proofing local digital infrastructure.

        What kinds of jobs and opportunities will this new investment create for people in Malaysia?

          The Kuala Lumpur office will be home to over 50 employees, and this number is expected to grow. TNS is hiring across a wide range of roles including sales, engineering, network operations, project management, and finance.

          This diversity of roles means that people at different stages of their careers, from entry-level staff to seasoned specialists, will find opportunities at TNS. More importantly, most hires are local, reflecting TNS’ investment not just in infrastructure, but in talent development. Employees often come through recommendations, highlighting a strong internal culture to be proud of. It’s one that rewards merit, fosters inclusion, and encourages professional growth. Our commitment to expanding our regional presence ensures that employees in Malaysia will have the opportunity to shape and grow with the company’s future.

          With more people shopping online and using digital wallets, how is TNS helping businesses keep up?

            The payments landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. Consumers now expect to pay with cards, mobile wallets, and QR codes.

            TNS helps businesses stay ahead by providing infrastructure that can accept all these payment types seamlessly, regardless of whether the transaction happens online, in-store, or through unattended terminals. Through solutions like TNS Accept and Complete Commerce, merchants can integrate global payment methods, adapt to local preferences, and stay compliant with ever-changing regulations.

            TNS also supports cross-border transactions, giving local businesses the tools they need to go global. Crucially, security is built into every part of the offering, protecting merchants and consumers alike from breaches and fraud.

            What does a 24/7 Network Operations Centre do, and why is it important for global payment systems?

              A 24/7 Network Operations Centre (NOC) is the nerve centre of a modern payments ecosystem, our new Kuala Lumpur NOC continuously monitors global payment and network infrastructure, detecting anomalies and responding to incidents in real-time. This includes identifying network outages and ensuring the uptime of mission-critical services. Without this kind of round-the-clock vigilance, even minor disruptions could spiral into serious outages – costing businesses money, damaging reputations, and eroding customer trust.

              For global companies operating across time zones and regions, a 24/7 NOC is non-negotiable. We understand it gives clients peace of mind, knowing that every transaction is protected, and every issue is met with immediate, expert response. This level of operational reliability is a key reason why banks, acquirers, fuel retailers, and financial institutions across more than 50 countries trust TNS with their infrastructure.

              How is TNS making sure its technology is secure, especially as cyber threats become more common?

                Cybersecurity is not an add-on for TNS, it’s embedded in every layer of its technology stack. As payment systems become more interconnected and cyber threats grow in sophistication, TNS has invested heavily in fortifying its infrastructure. This includes real-time monitoring through its global NOCs, encryption of all sensitive data, and rigorous compliance with international standards like PCI DSS.

                TNS’ cloud-native architecture also allows for rapid deployment of security updates and patches across its global network. Moreover, the company maintains strict access controls and conducts regular security audits. But technology is only part of the picture, we back this with human expertise, continuously training staff to stay ahead of threat trends. In an era where cybercrime doesn’t sleep, TNS’ proactive approach means clients can rely on robust, always-on protection for their data and their customers.

                Can you share how TNS supports small businesses and not just large retailers or banks?

                  TNS understands that every business—regardless of size—needs access to modern, secure, and flexible payment solutions. That’s why our services are designed to be highly scalable. A small café or market stall can use the same core infrastructure as a multinational retailer, just tailored to their scale. This includes accepting diverse payment methods, staying compliant with regional regulations, and accessing business intelligence tools that help them grow.

                  Solutions like TNS Connect and Unattended Payment Orchestration allow even the smallest merchants to punch above their weight. Importantly, TNS also offers managed services—meaning that small businesses don’t need in-house tech teams to benefit from high-performance infrastructure.

                  What role does innovation play in TNS’ long-term strategy and what exciting developments are on the horizon?

                    Innovation is the backbone of TNS’ growth strategy. The company started over 30 years ago serving the POS market and has since evolved into a global IaaS powerhouse. But evolution isn’t passive—TNS actively seeks to shape the future of payments through R&D, product innovation, and strategic expansion. The launch of its cloud-native payment orchestration platform and investments in AI-driven analytics are just two examples.

                    Looking ahead, TNS plans to expand into more countries, using its new Malaysian hub as a springboard into high-growth APAC markets. It will continue developing solutions that address emerging customer needs – from IoT payment integration to frictionless checkout experiences. Internally, TNS fosters a culture where ideas are tested, iterated and scaled rapidly, ensuring it remains at the forefront of an industry that rewards agility and foresight.

                    What should readers and potential partners know about how behind-the-scenes companies like TNS help their transactions happen smoothly and safely?

                      Every digital transaction is powered by a complex web of infrastructure, and companies like TNS operate quietly at the heart of it. When a customer taps a card or checks out online, it triggers a chain of processes – from verification to routing to final approval. TNS ensures these steps happen in milliseconds, securely and without failure.

                      As a managed service provider, we remove the burden of managing infrastructure from businesses, letting them focus on customers instead. TNS handles the plumbing: the secure networks, the data routing, the compliance checks, and the protection against cyberattacks.

                      We like to think of ourselves as a hidden but essential partner in global commerce, enabling even small businesses to operate with the reliability of a multinational. Readers should understand that when things just work, it’s rarely by accident – companies like TNS make sure they do.