Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to host the International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2026 on July 21 and 22. The event will provide a global platform for dialogue on the digital era and reinforce Malaysia's position in international regulatory discussions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the theme for the two-day event is "Shaping the Next Digital Era: Regulation, Resilience and Trust." It will take place at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and will bring together regulators, industry leaders, and experts to explore key issues in the digital economy and regulatory space, specifically focusing on the communications and multimedia sector.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil is expected to inaugurate the conference. The event aims to position Malaysia as a leader in global telecommunications policy and increase MCMC's involvement in international regulatory matters. Key discussion topics will include emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks, balancing freedom of expression with national security on social media, data privacy, digital innovation, and the future of global communication governance through content moderation.
The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including MCMC commission member Derek John Fernandez, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) child commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) chief of children commissioner Saskia Blume, and Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke.
Additional speakers include Ministry of Health deputy director Dr Vivek Jason Jayaraj, Asia-Pacific at the Internet Society (ISOC) senior director for Regional Affairs Noelle de Guzman, University of Malaya clinical psychologist and lecturer Dr Lai Siew Tim, and head of IBM Quantum Sales for APAC and Japan Rizwan Hussain.
Building on its inaugural edition in 2024, IRC 2026 continues to serve as a crucial platform for regulators, industry leaders, and experts to share insights on digital economy and regulatory issues, while charting the course for the next digital era.