FEM 2026 to shape Malaysia’s economic narrative amid global uncertainty - Minister

 

The government wants “clear accountability” from the upcoming Malaysia Economic Forum 2026 (FEM 2026) to serve as the country’s principal platform for charting progress, driving delivery, and demonstrating real economic outcomes.

This comes as global uncertainties reshape economic priorities and Malaysia enters its first year of implementing the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Set to take place on Feb 5 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, FEM 2026, themed “Accelerating Growth, Advancing Malaysia” will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, and civil society to discuss Malaysia’s socioeconomic trajectory and report early indicators of the nation’s policy execution under 13MP.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir said the central expectation is that FEM 2026 must produce measurable, reviewable outcomes within a year, not merely discussions.

“In one year, we want to show measurable progress that government strategies under 13MP produce real economic results. Whether it is complexifying the economy, strengthening energy transition, improving talent pathways, or narrowing the income gap, the outcomes must be visible,” he told a media briefing in Putrajaya today.

Beyond aspirations

Akmal Nasrullah said FEM 2026 must move Malaysia beyond aspirational planning into actual delivery.

“Malaysia's plans are often seen as aspirational. This year, under 13MP, we want to actually track, deliver, and show that we are moving in the right direction,” he said, adding that FEM must galvanise concrete actions across ministries, industries, and knowledge partners.

FEM 2026, according to him, will also become the main platform for the government to set the country’s economic narrative throughout the year, especially as Malaysia faces geopolitical uncertainty and a slowdown in the global economy.

“Like it or not, we have to strengthen our base here in Malaysia. That is why the FEM must be our core annual platform,” he said, adding that this year’s forum continues the momentum of FEM 2025 with greater depth and wider participation.

The minister said that he expects this year’s event to attract at least 5,000 participants.

Key initiatives to be presented

The forum is organised by the Economy Ministry with the support of Maybank and Bursa Malaysia as main strategic partners, with HSBC, AIIB, and MBSB as supporting partners.

Akmal Nasrullah also said that several key initiatives, including the JS-SEZ, trade strategy, sustainable energy, housing, talent, and productivity, will be presented and updated during FEM 2026.

Regarding negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, he said this would be explained by the invited panel members, including Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, the chief negotiator from the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.

The forum will feature major sessions on the AI Nation, sustainability and energy transition, the Made by Malaysia plan, healthcare reform, trade and investment strategies, talent, housing reform, and an ageing nation.

- Bernama