MICCI X Universiti Malaya: Post-Budget 2026 Forum

On 6 November 2025, the Taxation & Budget Council, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya (UM), successfully organized the Post-Budget 2026 Forum.

The forum was organized by Mr. Wayne Shu Guo Qui, accompanied by the MICCI team, with strong support from the Faculty of Business and Economics staff. This collaborative initiative brought together key representatives from both the public and private sectors to discuss Malaysia’s Budget 2026, exploring its implications for business growth, fiscal policy, and national competitiveness.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Ms. Renuka Indrarajah, Vice President of MICCI, followed by an Opening Remark delivered by YBhg. Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of the Treasury, Ministry of Finance Malaysia, who provided an insightful overview of the government’s fiscal direction and strategic priorities under Budget 2026. Representing Universiti Malaya, Mr. Wan Mohd Sofi Wan Mustapha, Financial Controller/Bursar, was also in attendance.

MICCI extends its heartfelt appreciation to Crowe KL Tax Sdn Bhd, Petroleum Production Sharing Contractors (PPSC), RDS Partnership, and J.M. Chong, Vincent Chee & Co. for their generous sponsorship and continued support of this meaningful initiative. Sincere thanks are also extended to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for making the MICCI–UM PostBudget 2026 Forum a remarkable success.

The first plenary session, “Budget 2026 Outlook – Balancing Growth and Fiscal Sustainability,” was moderated by Mr. Poon Yew Hoe, Senior Partner at Crowe Malaysia PLT. The panel featured YBhg. Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Dr. Juita Mohamad from Universiti Malaya, and Mr. Tai Lai Kok, Co-Chair of MICCI’s Taxation & Budget Council and Partner at KPMG. The discussion focused on Malaysia’s fiscal position, strategies to balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility, and policy measures to ensure sustainable national development.

The second plenary session, “Indirect Tax Implications of Budget 2026 – SST, Customs & Trade Facilitation,” was moderated by Ms. Dharshini Sharma, Associate at RDS Partnership. The panel comprised Tuan Roslan bin Yusoff, Deputy Director of Customs, Internal Tax Division, Royal Malaysian Customs Department; Ms. Annie Thomas from PwC and MICCI; and Encik Md. Taufiq bin Md. Ralip, Head of MyCT Unit, Tax Division, Ministry of Finance. The discussion highlighted the evolving landscape of indirect taxation, trade facilitation measures, and strategies for businesses to navigate compliance challenges in an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.

The final plenary session, “Direct Tax Implications of Budget 2026 – Strengthening Compliance and Competitiveness,” was moderated by Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh of KPMG and MICCI. Among the distinguished speakers were Datuk Dr. Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, Chief Executive Officer of the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia; Ms. Kalsumawati Mohd Aris from Shell and MICCI; and Ms. Wong Man Yee from Crowe KL Tax Sdn. Bhd. and MICCI. This closing session delved into the importance of direct taxation in enhancing Malaysia’s investment climate, fostering tax compliance, and promoting long-term competitiveness.

The forum concluded with a networking session, where government officials, industry leaders, and academics engaged in fruitful discussions, exchanging ideas and strengthening collaboration between the private sector and academia in shaping Malaysia’s fiscal and economic landscape.