REHDA Institute Launches National Youth Initiative at CEO Series 2026 as Leaders Chart Economic Direction

A Strategic Forum for National and Regional Dialogue

REHDA Institute convened its flagship CEO Series 2026 in Petaling Jaya, bringing together more than 400 senior leaders from government, finance, industry, academia, and the international business community. Held at Le Méridien Petaling Jaya, the annual conference set an early tone for policy and industry engagement in 2026, focusing on Malaysia and ASEAN’s economic outlook amid shifting global conditions, evolving capital flows, and heightened regional competition.

Strong Ministerial and Multisector Participation

Reflecting its national significance, CEO Series 2026 featured ministerial participation from YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II; YB Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport; and YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Organised through a joint secretariat with multiple supporting industry bodies, the conference provided a neutral platform for substantive dialogue between policymakers and senior decision-makers across diverse sectors.

Economic Direction, Investment and Regional Competitiveness

Discussions centred on Malaysia’s economic trajectory within ASEAN, with a focus on innovation-led growth, investment readiness, recurring-income assets, and cross-border integration. Participants examined policy clarity and regional competitiveness, including Johor–Singapore collaboration and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, and urban development. Visit Malaysia Year 2026 was also a key theme, particularly tourism-led development and the role of private investment in supporting sustainable economic returns.

International Perspectives and Regional Benchmarking

CEO Series 2026 featured international economists, researchers, and industry leaders from ASEAN, Australia, and Europe, reinforcing Malaysia’s engagement with global stakeholders. Speakers included representatives from the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) and Moody’s Analytics, alongside senior industry figures with global market experience. Delegates from Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, and Singapore contributed comparative insights on investment flows, capital markets, and regional development trends, allowing Malaysia to benchmark itself realistically against regional peers.

Launch of the REHDA Institute Youth Initiative

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the REHDA Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI), a national human capital development programme aimed at bridging academia and industry. Launched by YB Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook, RIYI brings together more than 13 universities nationwide with corporate leaders and practitioners, focusing on structured mentorship, early industry exposure, and career guidance for high-potential students.

Investing in Talent for Long-Term Resilience

REHDA Institute Chairman Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip emphasised that economic resilience depends not only on policy and investment, but also on talent development. As part of the Institute’s broader role as an independent think tank and social enterprise, RIYI reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s future workforce. As the country enters 2026 amid global uncertainty and regional transition, CEO Series 2026 served as a platform for alignment, reflection, and forward planning on Malaysia’s economic and human capital priorities.