Kuala lumpur: The International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2026 is set to serve as a key platform for discussions on current digital regulatory issues, reflecting Malaysia's shift from studying international best practices to implementing its own policies and legislation, including the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Deputy Managing Director (Development) Eneng Faridah Iskandar said the development reflects the country's evolution in digital regulation, from studying international best practices to implementing policies tailored to Malaysia's needs. "When the IRC was first held, online safety was among the issues most frequently discussed, and at the time we did not yet have the ONSA. We invited keynote speakers with expertise in the relevant fields. Last year, we saw the drafting of the new Act, and this year we can announce that what we discussed two years ago has become a reality," she said when met ahead of Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme on IRC 2026 last night.
IRC 2026, organised by the MCMC, will be held in the capital on July 21 and 22 under the theme, "Shaping the Next Digital Era: Regulation, Resilience and Trust". It will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry players and academics to discuss the future direction of the digital ecosystem, including online safety, artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of policies that benefit the public.
Elaborating, Eneng Faridah said one of the conference's key focuses would be discussions on the responsibilities of digital platforms and how different countries are addressing online safety issues, including the protection of children and adolescents. She added that Malaysia would also have the opportunity to share its experience in developing digital policies based on local needs while taking into account international best practices.
"We can develop policies or regulations based on our own framework, with objectives that reflect what we want to achieve, rather than simply replicating what is being done internationally," she said, adding that more than seven countries from Asia and beyond are expected to participate in IRC 2026.
Meanwhile, Eneng Faridah said that the MCMC would continue intensifying efforts to improve digital literacy among the public, as technology continues to evolve and requires users to be more informed and responsible. She said the success of any technology depends not only on innovation but also on public trust and the benefits it delivers to people.
"What matters is that the steps we take must be followed by action. It is not enough to simply listen to and understand the issues and then fail to act. So, we hope that those attending the conference will take home new ideas and put them into practice through initiatives or services that can deliver greater benefits to the people," she said.