Malaysia is entering a period of profound transformation. From artificial intelligence and digitalisation to healthcare, sustainable development, workforce readiness, governance and quality of life, the challenges facing the nation are becoming increasingly interconnected and require collaboration beyond the boundaries of individual professions.
Recognising the importance of bringing together diverse expertise to address these challenges, Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) will organise the inaugural Professional Conference & Exhibition (PROFEX) 2026, a national platform that unites professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, academia, students and the wider community to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and explore solutions for Malaysia's future.
The event will be held from September 29–30, 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme "Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia's Future."
As Malaysia's first large-scale multi-professional conference and exhibition, PROFEX 2026 will bring together experts from diverse fields including healthcare, engineering, architecture, science, technology, law, finance, business, environmental management, logistics and many other professional disciplines.
The two-day conference will feature distinguished speakers and thought leaders addressing key issues that impact Malaysia's future. Among the confirmed speakers are Datuk Dr. Mahathar Abd Wahab, Director General of the Ministry of Health, who will share insights on healthcare transformation and the future of the nation's health ecosystem, and Datuk Mary Lim, President of AIAC Court of Arbitration, who will provide perspectives on governance, dispute resolution and the evolving professional landscape.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive forums, PROFEX 2026 will explore critical topics including:
* Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation; The Future of Professional Practice and Workforce Development; Healthcare, Wellbeing and an Ageing Society; Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development; Affordable Housing and Liveable Cities; Public-Private Collaboration in Nation Building; Ethics, Governance and Public Trust; Building Future Talent for Malaysia.
Andrew Tan, Organising Chairman of PROFEX 2026, said Malaysia's complex challenges require professionals from different fields to work together and share their expertise.
"No single profession has all the answers to the challenges we face today. Whether it is healthcare, digital transformation, sustainable development, infrastructure or preparing our future workforce, progress can only happen when professionals from different disciplines come together. PROFEX was created to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and meaningful conversations that can contribute to Malaysia's future."
Recognising that continuous learning is essential in today's rapidly evolving environment, delegate registration fees for PROFEX 2026 are HRD Corp Claimable under the SBL Khas scheme, enabling employers to utilise their HRD Corp training levy to invest in employee development while gaining valuable insights from leading experts across multiple professional disciplines.
"The HRD Corp claimable status allows organisations to maximise their training investment while providing employees with the opportunity to learn
from industry leaders, exchange ideas across professions and gain knowledge that can be applied in their respective fields," said Tan.
Beyond the conference, PROFEX 2026 will feature an interactive exhibition designed to bring professional expertise closer to businesses, students and the wider community. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 3,000 visitors, offering opportunities for the public to discover innovations, explore career pathways and engage directly with professionals.
One of the key highlights will be the Meet the Professionals initiative, where members of the public can interact with professionals from different fields and gain general guidance on issues that affect everyday life.
Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with professionals such as doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers, accountants, scientists and other specialists to better understand their expertise and how professional services contribute to society.
For example, homeowners who encounter issues such as cracks or defects in their properties can learn from engineers, architects or building professionals about possible causes and the appropriate steps to take. Individuals with health-related concerns can engage healthcare professionals to better understand available healthcare services and possible next steps. Visitors can also gain insights into areas such as legal processes, financial literacy, environmental sustainability and other practical matters.
For students and young people planning their future, PROFEX will provide a unique opportunity to explore different career pathways through direct interaction with experienced professionals.
Aspiring doctors, for example, can learn about various medical specialties, the education and training journey, as well as the realities of working in the healthcare profession before making important career decisions. Similar opportunities will be available across other professions, helping young people make more informed choices about their future.
The exhibition will also showcase innovative technologies, products and professional services while providing businesses with opportunities to connect with industry leaders, explore collaborations and discover emerging trends.
Andrew Tan said the public engagement element reflects BIM's commitment to making professional knowledge more accessible to society.
"PROFEX is not just a conference for professionals. It is a platform that connects professionals with the community. We want students to be inspired,
businesses to discover new opportunities, and the public to better understand the expertise available to help them make informed decisions. By opening the doors of the professions, we hope to strengthen trust and appreciation for the important role professionals play in building Malaysia."
PROFEX 2026 is expected to attract 500 conference delegates and more than 3,000 exhibition visitors, making it a significant gathering of Malaysia's professional community and a platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange.
For the record, PROFEX 2026 is organised by Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM), the apex body representing 23 professional institutions and more than 120,000 professionals nationwide.
