WORK is changing in ways few could have imagined just a decade ago. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how jobs are performed, flexible work arrangements have become increasingly common and growing attention is being given to mental health and psychosocial well-being in the workplace.
These changes are reshaping the way organisations think about occupational safety and health (OSH), as it is no longer confined to preventing workplace accidents. The focus is expanding towards creating environments where employees are physically safe, mentally healthy and equipped to adapt to the changing demands of work.
These issues will be among the key discussions at the 26th Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH 2026), organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), from Sept 14 to 15 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Kuala Lumpur.
Carrying the theme “Wellbeing at Work,” COSH 2026 reflects a more progressive and holistic approach to OSH, aligning with the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA)’s commitment to strengthening worker protection, improving labour standards and advancing decent, productive and sustainable employment in Malaysia.
The conference is expected to bring together more than 1,300 delegates, 2,000 visitors, 80 exhibitors and over 30 local and international speakers. Participants will explore topics ranging from workplace mental health and psychosocial risks to AI, workplace innovation and the future of work.
The programme will also examine how organisations can move beyond reactive safety measures towards comprehensive systems that protect both physical and mental health, while embedding well-being into governance frameworks and strengthening the Social and Governance pillars of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.
Among the panels on Sept 14 will be a session on “Wellbeing and Sustainability”, chaired by NIOSH Malaysia technical expert Muhammad Zaeem Mokhtar. The session will feature ESG Malaysia president Steven Lee, who will discuss Well-being at Work: Building a Culture Beyond Compliance; Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), United Kingdom senior client relationship manager Nicola Hudson, who will present Cultural Maturity and the Impact of Authentic Leadership; and The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Turkiye, technical cooperation officer Alia Serifi Ortaq, who will speak on Wellbeing and Sustainability.
On Sept 15, another panel, chaired by NIOSH Malaysia technical expert Ruzita Shariff, will focus on “Wellbeing at Work: Employers Intervention.” Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Jalil Sdn Bhd quality assurance manager Satvinder Kaur Prem Singh will share insights on Building a Sustainable Workforce Wellbeing Programme: Improving Staff Wellbeing, Engagement and Retention, while NIOSH Malaysia technical expert Siti Nurani Hassan will address Beyond Compliance: Employer Action for Psychosocial Wellbeing.
The conference comes as Malaysia advances the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026–2030 (OSHMP30), reflecting a broader national effort to strengthen workplace well-being as part of a more productive, resilient and future-ready workforce. It also supports the Madani Government and KESUMA’s wider agenda of strengthening compliance, governance and preventive risk management.
Alongside the conference, the COSH 2026 exhibition will showcase innovative products, services and solutions to industry leaders, OSH professionals and decision-makers. With 80 exhibitors, the exhibition will provide a platform for organisations to showcase cutting-edge safety technologies, equipment and solutions, connect with key stakeholders including regulators and industry leaders and strengthen their visibility within the OSH industry. It will also offer opportunities to build strategic partnerships, expand professional networks and explore practical approaches to improving OSH management systems, addressing emerging psychosocial risks and implementing targeted workplace interventions.
International speakers from organisations including the International Labour Organization (ILO), IOSH and the University of Adelaide, as well as other leading institutions are scheduled to share global perspectives, alongside Malaysian experts from various sectors such as healthcare, logistics, telecommunications, manufacturing and financial services, who will present practical experiences and case studies.
For employers, human resource practitioners, safety and health professionals, researchers and students, COSH 2026 provides an opportunity to understand how organisations are responding to some of today’s most pressing workplace challenges – and what the future of work could look like.
For further information and registration, visit www.cosh.niosh.com.my.
