PETALING JAYA: Policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and educators will gather on Aug 26 at the 2nd Youth Economic Forum 2026 (YEF 2026) to provide participating youths with real-world perspectives on business, finance, education, public policy, entrepreneurship and the future of work.
With the theme “Redefining Success for Youth: Careers, Money and Growth in the Changing Economy”, the forum, to be held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Setapak Campus, will be officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who also chairs the TARC Education Foundation's Board of Trustees.
In a statement on Saturday (Aug 15), YEF26 said Dr Wee's presence underscored the importance of developing future-ready Malaysian youth who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.
Organising Chairman Dr Eric Yeoh said the second edition of the forum was designed to move beyond conventional motivational talks.
"The future economy will reward people who can adapt, learn continuously and create value.
"Our responsibility is to give young people the exposure, knowledge and confidence to prepare for that future," he said.
Dr Yeoh added that young Malaysians should not only be prepared to look for employment, but also encouraged to become creators of economic value through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
"When we invest in young people, we are investing in Malaysia's future. The students sitting in the audience today will eventually become our entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate leaders, policymakers and community leaders,” he said.
YEF26 Executive Adviser Dr Chris Daniel Wong said the forum would provide an important platform to connect young Malaysians with experienced leaders from different sectors while helping them better understand how major economic transformations will affect their future.
Wong said technological disruption, artificial intelligence, sustainability, new business models and changing financial landscapes mean that young people must develop skills that go beyond academic qualifications.
"Young people today are entering an economy very different from the one experienced by previous generations. Success will increasingly depend on adaptability, financial intelligence, entrepreneurship, digital capabilities and the ability to understand how economic and technological changes create both risks and opportunities,” he said.
Programme Director Ng Zi Teng said the forum's four panel discussions - finance, AI, entrepreneurship and the green economy - fireside chat and town hall session were specifically selected to address issues that matter most to young Malaysians.
"We picked these four topics because these are areas young people are following closely and need to understand.
"My hope is that participants leave not just motivated, but with a clearer understanding of what is driving today’s economy and what they can do to prepare themselves for the future,” he said.
The statement says YEF26 aims to give young Malaysians greater exposure to the forces shaping their economic future while encouraging them to take greater ownership of their careers, finances and personal development.
The full-day forum will conclude with a lucky draw. The organising committee is expecting about 300 participants for the forum.
For more information and ticket purchase (RM60 each) visit https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/51186/youth-economic-forum-2026.
