PETALING JAYA: Policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and educators will gather on Aug 26 for the Youth Economic Forum 2026 (YEF 2026), which aims to give young Malaysians real-world perspectives on business, finance, education, public policy, entrepreneurship and the future of work.
Themed “Redefining Success for Youth: Careers, Money and Growth in the Changing Economy”, the forum will be held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Setapak Campus.
It will be launched by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who chairs the TARC Education Foundation board of trustees.
In a statement, the organiser said Dr Wee’s presence underscored the importance of developing future-ready Malaysian youth 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.”
Yeoh said young Malaysians should not only be prepared to seek 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.
The event’s executive adviser, Dr Chris Daniel Wong, said the forum would provide a platform to connect young Malaysians with experienced leaders from different sectors while helping them understand how major economic transformations could affect their future.
“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 – covering finance, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and the green economy – as well as a fireside chat and town hall session were selected to address issues most relevant 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.”
The full-day forum will conclude with a lucky draw, with the organising committee expecting about 300 participants.
Tickets are priced at RM60 each.
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/51186/youth-economic-forum-2026.
