Agenda for Asia Economic Forum 2026 | Asia Economic Forum

Agenda for Asia Economic Forum 2026


15 July 2026
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


PROGRAMS


*Programs are subject to change

OPENING REMARKS & WELCOME ADDRESS



KEYNOTE SESSION: THE 2030 ESG MANDATE – FROM COMPLIANCE TO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE


This session explores the strategic shift of ESG from a regulatory burden to a powerful engine for capital attraction in 2026. Delegates will gain insights into moving beyond mere compliance to leverage sustainability as a core competitive advantage that de-risks investments and accelerates long-term regional growth.

PANEL DISCUSSION: THE TALENT MAGNET – PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE “BRAIN GAIN”


This panel examines how collaborative public-private frameworks and progressive visa policies are positioning Asia as a premier destination for global tech nomads. Leaders will discuss the critical role of corporate upskilling and supportive infrastructure in transforming the “brain drain” into a sustainable “brain gain”. By aligning government policy with private sector needs, the session highlights strategies to attract and retain the specialized talent necessary to fuel a high-growth, digital-first economy.

NETWORKING BREAK



PLENARY SESSION: INDUSTRIALIZING AI – MOVING FROM PILOT TO PROFIT


This session explores how Asia’s leading enterprises are building “AI Factories”—scalable data infrastructures and repeatable delivery models that treat AI as a core operating system rather than a series of isolated projects. It addresses the 20% productivity gap faced by firms that fail to prioritize AI-ready data.

FIRESIDE CHAT: THE FUTURE OF WORK – BRIDGING THE HUMAN-MACHINE GAP


This session explores the urgent need to redesign education and corporate training to keep pace with the rapid integration of autonomous AI. By aligning institutional learning with real-time private sector demands, the session identifies how to cultivate a resilient workforce capable of thriving in a shifting, tech-driven economic landscape.

NETWORKING LUNCH



PLENARY SESSION: FROM PIPELINES TO PLATFORMS – THE SME PIVOT


This session explores how Asian SMEs are transitioning from linear supply chains to agile, digital platform models to survive a borderless economic landscape. Delegates will explore practical applications of AI in optimizing logistics and personalizing customer experiences. By focusing on “working smarter”, the session provides a roadmap for smaller enterprises to leverage emerging technologies to compete effectively against multinational conglomerates.

PLENARY SESSION: THE SCOPE 3 MANDATE – TRANSFORMING THE ASIAN SUPPLY CHAIN


This session addresses the shift from voluntary to mandatory Scope 3 emissions reporting across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Experts will explore how manufacturers are deploying AI and blockchain to achieve granular transparency across complex, multi-tier supply chains. By highlighting the link between verified ESG data and access to global trade and sustainable finance, the session emphasizes that carbon accountability is now a critical prerequisite for business survival in 2026.

CLOSING REMARKS



END