Learning opportunity: The event will feature eminent speakers from a wide range of industries who will share their experience of managing change from the perspective of CFOs.
PETALING JAYA: The role of the chief financial officer (CFO) has changed dramatically in recent years.
Once the guardian of a company’s finances, the CFO is now being called upon to be a strategist, innovator, and leader in digital transformation.
This month, some of the most influential names in finance will gather in Kuala Lumpur to discuss how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
On Aug 13 and 14, the CFO Forum 2025 will take place at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur from 8.30am to 5.30pm, bringing together over 30 senior industry leaders and nearly 100 senior finance professionals from Malaysia and the region.
Organised by Star Media Group Bhd
, the two-day event will combine high-level discussions with practical takeaways designed for today’s fast-changing business environment.
Attendees of the event can expect a line-up of keynote presentations, spotlight sessions, and panel discussions covering diverse topics such as the global economic outlook, environmental, social and governance reporting and the role of artificial intelligence and automation in finance, digital transformation strategies, and effective cash flow management.
The focus will be on real-world solutions that CFOs and finance leaders can apply immediately in their organisations.
The speaker line-up features some of the most influential names in corporate leadership.
Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram, research adviser at Khazanah Research Institute, will open the event with an overview of global political and economic trends.
François Bresson, Asia Pacific CFO at Orange Business, will discuss how the CFO’s role is evolving beyond 2025, while Aren Yip, country manager for Airwallex Malaysia, will share insights on how fintech can drive global growth.
Other notable speakers include Lionel Lim of Mamee-Double Decker, Ramanathan Amn Thiagarajan of AirAsia MOVE, Jessica Low of SAP Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Moon Vu of Carsome.
What sets this forum apart is not just the calibre of its speakers but also its diversity of perspectives.
Leaders from multinational corporations, homegrown brands, and emerging sectors will be sharing their experiences – from managing uncertainty in volatile markets to leveraging technology for long-term growth.
This diversity ensures that the conversations will be relevant to finance leaders from all sectors, whether they are navigating global expansion, adapting to new regulatory requirements, or embedding sustainability into business strategies.
Networking is another highlight of the CFO Forum 2025.
With attendees coming from industries as varied as banking, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail, and energy, the event offers a rare opportunity for finance leaders to meet and exchange ideas with their peers.
Dedicated networking sessions and informal discussions throughout the event will make it easy for participants to connect and collaborate.
Adding to the prestige of the event, Airwallex Malaysia has come on board as the Gold Sponsor.
Known for its innovative financial technology solutions, Airwallex enables businesses to manage cross-border payments, control expenses, and streamline their financial operations – making it a fitting partner for a forum that champions the future of finance.
According to Bloomberg, the Singapore-based parent company had a valuation of US$5.5bil as of last year.
CNBC reported that the company processed US$100bil in annualised transactions last year.
The CFO Forum 2025 aims to be more than a one-off conference.
It is a platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration that participants will be able to draw on long after the event ends.
With finance leaders under increasing pressure to anticipate change, manage complexity, and seize new opportunities, the insights and connections gained from the event and its speakers could be a decisive advantage.
For those who want to stay ahead in the world of finance, the CFO Forum 2025 event offers a good opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, share challenges with peers, and walk away with strategies that are ready to implement.
