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MALAYSIA is shifting decisively from policy formulation to execution, with economic progress now to be judged by results on the ground rather than announcements, Economy Minister Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said at the opening of the Malaysia Economic Forum 2026 on Thursday.
Addressing nearly 5,000 participants at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Akmal said the forum marked a pivotal moment in aligning government, industry, investors and academia around a shared commitment to deliver tangible economic outcomes for the rakyat.
“FEM 2026 is set to make 2026 the ‘Year of Implementation’, where success is measured not by announcements, but by the delivery of real outcomes, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting impacts that are felt by the rakyat within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Growth, Advancing Malaysia”, the forum brings together policymakers, corporate leaders, academics, professionals and civil society representatives as the country navigates global uncertainty, rapid technological change and structural economic reforms.
“It is a great privilege to host this important gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, academia, professionals and experts from the public and private sectors who share a common commitment to advancing Malaysia’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity,” Akmal said, stressing that collaboration and strategic dialogue were essential in an increasingly complex global landscape.
He said the Malaysia Economic Forum, first launched in 2025, was conceived as a platform to unite diverse stakeholders in shaping the country’s economic direction.
The inaugural forum drew more than 3,000 participants and focused on strengthening trade, safeguarding jobs and building resilience amid rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, including those affecting the global semiconductor industry.
“FEM 2025 reminded us that our economic progress isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people, partnerships, and planning for a shared future,” Akmal said.
Momentum has since accelerated, with this year’s forum attracting institutional investors managing a combined US$7.3 trillion in assets under management and corporates with a total market capitalisation of US$226 billion, reflecting strong international and domestic interest in Malaysia’s economic trajectory.
“Alhamdulillah, we continue to witness strong interest from investors, corporates, SMEs and the wider public in attending FEM, demonstrating the collective desire to build a stronger, more dynamic economy,” he said.
Akmal said FEM 2026 is firmly anchored to the MADANI Economy framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, with an emphasis on inclusive, sustainable and innovation-led growth across key sectors such as trade, artificial intelligence, energy transition, housing, healthcare and workforce development.
“Guided by the MADANI Economy and anchored by the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, it’s about moving forward together, creating opportunities, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that Malaysia’s growth is inclusive, sustainable, and truly for our rakyat,” he said.
Beyond dialogue, Akmal said the forum has evolved into a mechanism to strengthen accountability and delivery across government and industry.
“FEM strengthens delivery discipline through data-driven transparency, positioning itself as the national ‘report card’ on implementation,” he said, adding that systematic monitoring would ensure policy recommendations translate into actionable initiatives with measurable impact.
Discussions at FEM 2026 span fiscal and monetary policy, trade and global market expansion, the AI-driven economy, sustainability and energy transition, future-ready talent, affordable housing, equitable healthcare reform and readiness for an ageing population.
The forum also features plenary speaker Tom Gruber, co-founder and head of design of the team behind Siri, whom Akmal described as “a visionary in technologies that enhance human intelligence”.
“He continues to advise organisations in leveraging AI to foster collaboration, learning, and promoting a positive impact on humanity,” Akmal said.
In his welcoming remarks, Akmal expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for officiating the forum, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Cabinet ministers, state leaders, diplomats and industry representatives in attendance.
He also thanked principal strategic partners Maybank and Bursa Malaysia, strategic partner HSBC, supporting partners MBSB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Ministry of Economy team for their role in organising the event.
“It is of my fervent hope that we’ve had a productive, inspiring, and engaging forum,” Akmal said. “Once again, thank you very much for your time and participation in FEM 2026.” - February 5, 2026
