Malaysia Economic Forum 2026 Outlook

On 29 January 2026, the MICCI Central Branch co-organised a half-day Malaysia Economic Forum 2026 Outlook, held at the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce and the Chartered Institute of Digital Economy (CIDE).

The forum was graced by YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. The session commenced with opening remarks by Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Organising Chair of the Malaysia Economics Forum 2026, followed by Ms. Christina Tee, President of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI). Special remarks were also delivered by Mr. Eldrick Koh, President of the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce.

The forum officially kicked off with the first panel discussion titled “Navigating 2026: The New Economic Playbook”, moderated by Mr. Azrani Rustam, EXCO Member of MICCI Central Branch and Regional Head of Public Policy at Bolt. The panel featured Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid (Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad), Dr. Carmelo Ferlito (Centre for Market Education and Fellow, London School of Economics), and Dr. Oh Ei Sun (Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs).

The second plenary session, “Supply Chains Under Pressure: Building Resilient and Sustainable Manufacturing & Logistics in 2026,” featured distinguished panellists from renowned chambers of commerce and industry associations in Malaysia, namely Dato’ Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM; Ir. Ter Leong Leng, Vice President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM); and Mr. Benjamin Schatzl, representing the Italian Chamber of Commerce (Savino Del Bene). The session was moderated by Mr. Shaun Edward Cheah, Vice-Chair II of the MICCI Central Branch.

The subsequent session was honoured by the presence of Madam Zalina Zainol, Deputy CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), who shared insights on Malaysia’s investment outlook.

The final plenary, entitled “Digital, Green or Geopolitical? What Will Actually Drive Productivity Growth in Malaysia,” featured Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Deputy Director of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC); Mr. Karl Godderis, CEO of EUROCHAM; and Mr. Matthew Barsing, Economic Advisor on ASEAN Growth. The session was moderated by Mr. Samuel Quek, Council Member of the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce.

The MICCI Central Branch would like to express its sincere appreciation to all members and participants for their support and participation in the forum, and looks forward to organising more impactful engagements in the future