The return of the BICSI Southeast Asia Malaysia Conference & Exhibition 2026 marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a primary digital infrastructure hub for the region. Recently introduced via a soft launch officiated by Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Resources, the event is set to take place on July 21 and 22 at Sunway Resort Hotel. This second edition builds upon the momentum of previous successful gatherings in Johor Bahru and Vietnam, specifically targeting the advancement of ICT infrastructure within a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Mary Elizabeth Cheng, Founder of TECLA and Executive Director of BICSI Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of investing in specialized training and global certifications to build a sustainable, future-ready talent pipeline for the ICT industry.
At the heart of this initiative is a focus on human capital. With the ICT sector currently contributing nearly a quarter of Malaysia’s national economy and supporting over 1.25 million jobs, the demand for specialized talent has never been more pressing. Datuk Azman highlighted that with RM342 billion in digital investments approved in recent years, the industry is poised to create over 114,000 new roles. However, the complexity of these roles—ranging from data center management to AI network design—requires a workforce equipped with globally recognized certifications. By aligning with international bodies like BICSI, Malaysia aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure its professionals meet the highest global standards.
Organized by Tecnoviq Learning Academy (TECLA), the conference serves as a strategic intersection for industry-driven training and national policy, such as the Dasar TVET Negara 2030. Dr. Garies Chong, Executive Chair of BICSI Southeast Asia, emphasized that the organization’s mission remains focused on nurturing a resilient ICT ecosystem through regional collaboration and standardized excellence. This commitment was evident at the soft launch, which saw participation from key government and digital agencies including MDEC, Invest Selangor, and Cyberview, as well as major technology associations like PIKOM.
The BICSI SEA Beyond 2026 Forum hosted an insightful session where industry partners explored the future of digitalization within today’s AI-driven landscape.
The upcoming July event is set to be a significant gathering of regional policymakers, educators, and technology providers. Supported by an array of international corporate sponsors—including Softing AG, SENKO Advanced Components, and Datwyler AG—the exhibition provides a unique platform for organizations to showcase innovation and engage directly with the stakeholders driving the digital economy. As preparations continue, the organizers remain open to corporate partnerships, inviting industry leaders to help shape the future of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.
The 4th Northern International Audio & Visual Show (NIAVS) 2026 is set to return to Penang from 17–19 April at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, solidifying its position as a leading platform for high-fidelity audio and visual innovation. This edition marks a major step forward, showcasing the show’s growing recognition on the global stage.
Building on previous successes, NIAVS 2026 will host over 30 exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, and Taiwan. Attendees can explore world-renowned brands from the United States, Japan, Taiwan, China, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, and Singapore, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
Organised by Gryphon Production with support from the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, NIAVS has evolved into more than just a regional exhibition. It is now a key meeting point for industry players, brands, and enthusiasts seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia’s growing premium audio-visual market.
The exhibition will feature a curated selection of high-end hi-fi systems, cutting-edge home theatre solutions, and innovative audio technologies designed to elevate listening and viewing experiences. Visitors can expect immersive demonstrations that showcase the latest trends and technical advancements.
This year, NIAVS 2026 will also emphasise cross-border collaboration, enabling brands to connect with distributors, industry professionals, and consumers. Local talent and homegrown innovations will take centre stage alongside international names, highlighting Malaysia’s growing footprint in the audio-visual industry.
Visitors can look forward to an engaging programme of talks, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions. These activities will provide insights into sound engineering, emerging trends, and the future of immersive audio-visual experiences.
With global brands, next-generation technologies, and a vibrant community all under one roof, NIAVS 2026 promises its most dynamic edition yet—a celebration of innovation, sound, and vision in Penang.
PolicyStreet has secured RM84 million (US$21 million) in the first close of its Series C funding round, marking a significant step forward in its regional growth ambitions. The round is led by Cool Japan Fund, with participation from existing investors Altara Ventures and Gobi Partners, alongside other contributors. This latest investment brings added momentum to the company’s expansion strategy, particularly as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading insurtech player across Asia.
The funding milestone follows PolicyStreet’s strong financial performance in FY2025, where the company reported over RM4 million (US$1 million) in profit—an important achievement in its journey towards building a sustainable and profitable insurtech platform. With fresh capital in hand, PolicyStreet plans to accelerate its regional footprint, enhance its technology infrastructure, and deepen strategic partnerships within Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The company’s focus on embedded insurance solutions is expected to play a key role in driving long-term growth and improving accessibility to insurance services.
According to Co-Founder and Group CEO Yen Ming Lee, the participation of Cool Japan Fund means PolicyStreet is now backed by two sovereign wealth funds, further validating its business model and long-term potential. This development underscores growing confidence in embedded insurance as a critical component of Asia’s digital ecosystem. By integrating insurance seamlessly into digital transactions, PolicyStreet aims to address trust gaps and provide consumers with greater confidence in cross-border e-commerce activities.
The investment also aligns with Cool Japan Fund’s broader mission to support the international expansion of Japanese products and services. By enhancing trust and risk management frameworks in digital commerce, PolicyStreet is helping to create a more secure environment for businesses and consumers alike. This, in turn, supports the growth of cross-border trade and strengthens the adoption of high-quality offerings from Japan across Asian markets.
Since its previous funding round led by Khazanah Nasional in 2023, PolicyStreet has demonstrated rapid growth under the leadership of Yen Ming Lee, Wilson Beh, and Winnie Chua. The company has doubled its customer base from 5 million to over 10 million, while increasing its total sum insured from RM24 billion (US$6 billion) to more than RM40 billion (US$10 billion). This growth has been supported by strategic partnerships across key sectors such as gig economy platforms, mobility, travel, logistics, and telecommunications.
Investors continue to express strong confidence in PolicyStreet’s trajectory. Altara Ventures highlighted the company’s disciplined execution and consistent performance since its Series A investment in 2021, while Gobi Partners emphasised its ability to deliver both commercial success and meaningful social impact by addressing protection gaps across the region. These endorsements reinforce PolicyStreet’s standing as a high-growth insurtech company with strong fundamentals and a clear vision for the future.
The company’s achievements have also been recognised internationally, including its inclusion in the Financial Times and Statista’s High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2026 list and its win at The Asset’s Triple A Digital Awards for Best Digital Insurance Project. As PolicyStreet continues discussions with potential investors for the remainder of its Series C round, it remains focused on scaling its technology platform, strengthening partnerships, and expanding its presence across Asia’s dynamic digital landscape.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 12 March 2026: Health Summit Asia (HSA) 2026 is set to become a major regional platform uniting healthcare, wellness, and innovation stakeholders to support integrated and sustainable healthcare solutions across Asia. Scheduled from 20 to 22 May 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the summit will feature a high-level Conference track offering critical insights on market trends, investment opportunities, and emerging technologies, complemented by curated networking sessions for healthcare leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors.
Organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia in partnership with Green Wellness Malaysia, HSA 2026 merges SEACare, Malaysia’s premier B2B healthcare platform, and the International Wellness Expo (IWE), the nation’s leading wellness showcase. This expanded focus on wellness reflects a regional shift toward preventive care, holistic wellbeing, and lifestyle-driven health solutions, aligning with the Malaysian government’s Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat and its emphasis on accessible, equitable, and sustainable healthcare.
YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Health
At the event’s soft launch, Deputy Minister of Health YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib highlighted the summit’s importance in fostering dialogue on innovation, investment, and emerging technologies, which are key to building a resilient healthcare system. Malaysia’s healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, driven by digital health adoption, AI-enabled diagnostics, and stronger public–private partnerships, mirroring broader regional trends in integrating technology to improve health outcomes and ease systemic pressures.
HSA 2026 addresses these needs by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, deal-making, and partnerships, helping policymakers, healthcare leaders, and industry innovators translate ideas into actionable solutions. The summit will feature an exhibition showcasing medical devices, wearable diagnostics, hospital infrastructure, automation, and digital health platforms, alongside business matching sessions to facilitate regional market access and strategic collaborations.
Richard Teo, Executive Chairman, Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Richard Teo, Executive Chairman of Qube Integrated Malaysia, emphasised that HSA 2026 aims to “Discover. Connect. Collaborate.”, positioning the summit not only as a showcase of innovation but as a catalyst for investment, partnerships, and tangible progress across Southeast Asia’s healthcare and wellness ecosystem. Green Wellness Malaysia, co-organiser and Country Partner of the Global Wellness Institute, will bring its expertise in sustainable, toxin-free wellness solutions to complement the healthcare discussion, ensuring a holistic approach to the sector’s growth.
Over the three-day summit, HSA 2026 is expected to attract around 15,000 trade visitors, host 250 targeted B2B meetings, and generate up to RM1.5 billion in commercial opportunities, strengthening ASEAN’s position as a hub for healthcare and wellness innovation.
For more information about HSA2026 and to register for the summit, please visit https://healthsummitasia.com/
Amid the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, a significant cultural and economic initiative was unveiled in Changsha, Hunan. The Let’s Go Malaysia Cultural, Trade & Tourism Promotion Event, held at the Saint Tropez Hotel Changsha on 6 March 2026, marked an important step in strengthening bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
The event also aligned with the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor Year 2026, reinforcing ongoing efforts to attract international visitors and investors to Malaysia. Jointly organised by KMA Production and Hunan TV International, the event officially launched the cross-border travelogue programme “Let’s Go Malaysia,” a project designed to promote cultural exchange, tourism development and economic cooperation between China and Malaysia.
Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration
The launch ceremony gathered prominent representatives from government agencies, tourism organisations and the private sector from both countries. Among the distinguished guests were Puan Sri Nur Qistina Lim, Chairman of KMA Production; Radzlan Shah Ramlan, Regional Director (South China) of Tourism Malaysia; Safwan Nizar Johari, Acting Investment Consul of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in China; and Farhana Kamaruddin, Trade Consul of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) at the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou.
Senior officials from the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce and the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism were also present, alongside representatives from tourism and business sectors.
More than a programme launch, the event served as a strategic platform connecting stakeholders across industries. Participating organisations included Tourism Malaysia, MIDA, MATRADE, Tourism Johor, as well as the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce and the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Corporate partners such as EcoWorld Development Group Berhad, R&F Princess Cove and IFOOD Expo also took part, while nearly 100 mainstream media organisations attended the event, reflecting strong interest in expanding Malaysia–China collaboration across tourism, culture and trade.
“Let’s Go Malaysia” as a Cultural Bridge
At the heart of the initiative is the travelogue series “Let’s Go Malaysia,” jointly produced by KMA Production and Hunan TV International. The programme goes beyond traditional travel shows by serving as a cultural bridge connecting audiences from both countries.
Through immersive storytelling, the series highlights Malaysia’s diverse cultures, rich culinary traditions and unique tourism attractions, with particular focus on the historical and cultural heritage of Johor. The programme aims to introduce Chinese audiences to Malaysia’s vibrant lifestyle and travel experiences while strengthening people-to-people connections.
In her remarks during the launch ceremony, Puan Sri Nur Qistina Lim expressed appreciation for the support from Tourism Johor and emphasised the programme’s role in promoting the state as a key tourism destination.
“As this year marks Visit Johor Year 2026, we hope today’s launch will attract more visitors, especially from China, to experience the unique attractions of Johor,” she said.
Celebrity Participation and Cultural Highlights
The launch event featured several engaging highlights that captured the spirit of the programme. Hunan TV host Tong He and Malaysian Chinese representative Nigel entertained guests through lively interactions, reflecting the cross-cultural friendship at the centre of the travel series.
Adding to the excitement, Malaysian badminton star and Olympic mixed doubles silver medallist Goh Liu Ying shared a special pre-recorded video message that was played during the ceremony. Although she was unable to attend in person, she expressed enthusiasm about participating in the programme and shared her positive experiences filming in Johor, describing several of the destinations as offering “a whole new level of experience.”
Guests were also introduced to authentic Johor flavours during a culinary showcase by Hock Kee Kopitiam founder Nick Ng. Signature treats including egg tarts, traditional herbal tea and the unique beverage known as “Tiger Bites Lion” were served, offering attendees a taste of Nanyang culture and Malaysian heritage.
Expanding Investment and Business Opportunities
Beyond tourism and culture, the event also highlighted investment and business collaboration opportunities between Malaysia and China. With Chinese companies increasingly expanding globally, Malaysia has emerged as a strategic investment destination due to its strong infrastructure, business-friendly environment and location at the heart of ASEAN.
During the investment promotion segment, Safwan Nizar Johari of MIDA China and MATRADE Trade Consul Farhana Kamaruddin presented Malaysia’s latest investment policies, tax incentives and bilateral trade opportunities to potential investors.
Corporate representatives also introduced development opportunities to the audience. EcoWorld Development Group Berhad showcased its integrated industrial ecosystem platform, while R&F Princess Cove highlighted the strategic potential of its waterfront development along the Johor Strait.
The ongoing development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) was also emphasised as a key driver of regional investment, positioning Johor as an emerging hub for regional headquarters, logistics and supply chain operations.
Memorandum of Cooperation and Future Expo
A key highlight of the ceremony was the Memorandum of Cooperation Signing Ceremony, witnessed by distinguished guests. The agreement was signed by Puan Sri Nur Qistina Lim, Lei Ting Han representing Nine Square Media, and Dicky Lee, founder of IFOOD Expo.
The collaboration marks the official launch of preparations for the upcoming Let’s Go Malaysia Expo, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 2 August 2026. The expo is expected to serve as a platform to further strengthen trade, cultural exchange and tourism promotion between the two countries.
Building a Stronger Malaysia–China Partnership
In his closing remarks, Tan Kaiyuan, Deputy Director of Hunan Broadcasting System International Channel, highlighted that the launch event demonstrated the strong momentum of Malaysia–China cooperation. He noted that “Let’s Go Malaysia” has evolved beyond a television programme into a comprehensive platform integrating cultural exchange, tourism promotion and industrial collaboration.
As both countries celebrate more than five decades of diplomatic relations, the collaboration represents a new chapter of opportunity. Leveraging Hunan’s role as an inland gateway for international cooperation and Malaysia’s position as a strategic entry point to ASEAN, the initiative is expected to strengthen bilateral partnerships across multiple sectors.
With the official broadcast of “Let’s Go Malaysia,” a new bridge connecting culture, tourism, commerce and people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and China has been firmly established, paving the way for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
Malaysia is entering an important phase in its digital economic development, as global technology investors increasingly look to Southeast Asia as a strategic region for expansion. With its strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and strategic location within ASEAN, Malaysia is steadily positioning itself as an attractive destination for digital investments.
From data centres and artificial intelligence to financial technology and digital services, the country is witnessing growing interest from international companies seeking to establish or expand their regional presence. This momentum reflects the broader transformation of Malaysia’s economy, which is rapidly embracing digitalisation across multiple industries.
According to a report jointly published by Knight Frank Malaysia and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in February 2026, Malaysia approved more than RM342 billion in digital investments between 2022 and 2025. These investments span several high-growth sectors including cloud infrastructure, global business services, artificial intelligence, and fintech, highlighting strong confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The Talent Challenge Behind Digital Growth
While these figures reflect positive momentum for Malaysia’s digital ambitions, they also raise an important question — whether the country has sufficient skilled talent to support this rapid expansion.
The same report estimates that these digital investments could generate more than 114,000 new jobs, with nearly 97 percent classified as knowledge-based roles. Many of these positions require specialised expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital operations.
This signals a clear shift in workforce expectations. As industries evolve alongside digital technologies, future job roles will demand stronger technical competencies and digital literacy. Without a workforce equipped with these skills, sustaining long-term growth in the digital economy may become increasingly challenging.
Competing in the Global Talent Race
Across the region, countries are not only competing to attract digital investments but also striving to develop and retain highly skilled technology professionals. Nations such as Singapore, Vietnam, and India have made significant progress by strengthening digital education, investing in technology training programmes, and encouraging industry-academia collaboration.
For Malaysia to remain competitive, workforce development strategies must continue evolving alongside technological advancements. This includes strengthening collaboration between government agencies, universities, industry players, and professional training institutions.
Upskilling and reskilling initiatives will be critical in enabling both graduates and experienced professionals to adapt to emerging technologies and digital business models. Industry-relevant certifications, technology-focused training, and continuous learning programmes will play a key role in preparing Malaysians for future job opportunities.
Digital Skills Are No Longer Optional
The digital transformation taking place today extends far beyond the technology sector itself. Businesses across industries such as finance, logistics, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools into their operations.
As a result, digital literacy is no longer a niche skill reserved for technology professionals. Instead, it is becoming a fundamental competency for the modern workforce. Employees across various sectors will need at least a foundational understanding of digital systems, data usage, and emerging technologies in order to remain relevant in an increasingly digitalised economy.
Building a Sustainable Digital Future
Malaysia stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. With strong investor confidence, expanding digital infrastructure, and its strategic role within ASEAN, the country is well positioned to strengthen its status as a regional digital hub.
However, infrastructure and investment alone will not determine success. The true strength of a digital economy lies in the people who can build, operate, and innovate within it.
By prioritising talent development and equipping Malaysians with the necessary digital skills, the nation can ensure that current digital investments translate into sustainable economic growth, innovation, and long-term global competitiveness.
Ultimately, Malaysia’s digital future will depend not just on technology, but on the readiness of its workforce to lead and shape the next phase of digital transformation.
Written By;
Ts. Shashi Muniandy is the Chief Operating Officer of Skill Wave Academy and an MBOT Certified Technologist involved in digital workforce development initiatives in Malaysia
