KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Philanthropy Conference 2026 (MPC 2026), themed “Catalysing Collaborative Impact: Transforming Giving for National Development,” concluded recently at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, bringing together more than 100 leaders from across Malaysia’s philanthropic ecosystem for a landmark day of dialogue, knowledge sharing and sector-building.
Jointly organised by Yayasan MySDG, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and OSK Foundation and held in collaboration with the Malaysian Philanthropic Network (MPN), the inaugural conference marked a significant step forward in convening the country’s philanthropic community around shared goals and collective responsibility. This event was also supported by Kuok Brothers and Yayasan Axiata.
The conference opened against a backdrop of growing urgency. As Malaysia prepares for the 13th Malaysia Plan and approaches the final stretch toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the philanthropic sector faces increasing pressure to do more – and do it better. Globally, the UN estimates the financing gap to achieve the SDGs has widened to between US$ 2.5 trillion and US$ 4 trillion annually, while international development assistance continues to tighten.
In his special remarks delivered via video from Oxford, the United Kingdom, Yayasan MySDG chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar highlighted that while approximately 58 per cent of Malaysia’s SDG targets are on track, significant gaps remain. More than 1.2 million Malaysians still live below the poverty line income of RM2,705 per month, with many facing overlapping challenges in income security, education, healthcare, and housing.
The keynote address was delivered by Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, founder and advocate of the #sayno2plastic, #NoMoreLitter, #BecauseWeCare and #zerofoodwastage campaigns and Board of Trustee of the Selangor Youth Community (SAY). Her address set the tone for the day, exploring philanthropy’s evolving role in Malaysia’s national development.
Five substantive sessions followed, featuring speakers and thought leaders from major foundations, corporate organisations, financial institutions, academia, social enterprises and international development networks.
“KSI has long believed that real change begins with the right conversations in the right room,” said KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.
“The Malaysia Philanthropy Conference is our commitment to giving the philanthropic sector that room – a dedicated space to be honest about where the gaps are and purposeful about how to close them together,” he said.
“The foundation of meaningful philanthropy is collaboration. Today’s conference demonstrates the growing commitment among Malaysia’s philanthropic and funding community to work together in addressing our most pressing challenges,” said Yayasan MySDG Foundation chief executive officer Anita Ahmad.
“Poverty, inequality, climate action and the SDG financing gap are issues that no single organisation can solve alone. What gives me hope is the shared recognition that collective action is not just desirable, but necessary. The real work now is to turn the connections and conversations from today into partnerships that deliver lasting impact,” she added.
“Philanthropy in Malaysia has always had heart. What it needs now is structure, collaboration and a willingness to be held accountable to real outcomes,” said OSK Foundation chief executive officer Cheryl Ong.
“That’s what we set out to build with this conference – not just a good day of conversations, but a platform for the sector to keep raising its standards together.
“OSK Foundation is proud to have been part of bringing it to life,” Ong added.
As Malaysia navigates a decisive period in its development journey, the gathering affirmed that a more connected, more accountable and more collaborative philanthropic community is not just possible – it is already taking shape.
