Petaling jaya: The REHDA Institute CEO Series 2026, scheduled for January 15, 2026, at Le M©ridien Petaling Jaya, will focus on economic conditions and policy signals shaping Malaysia's business and investment environment in the year ahead. Marking its 10th edition, the series will be officiated by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who will examine implications for industry strategy, policy alignment, long-term workforce preparedness, and national initiatives such as Visit Malaysia 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, as global and regional economic trends increasingly influence investment flows, business confidence, and labor markets across ASEAN, Malaysia faces growing pressure to strengthen its economic resilience and talent readiness in 2026. Through this series, the REHDA Institute aims to explore how these broader developments are shaping Malaysia's economy, particularly the construction and real estate sectors.
REHDA Institute chairman Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip highlighted that the series also provides a platform for dialogue, allowing participants to raise concerns and propose potential policy refinements. The CEO Series has consistently served as a platform for bringing together the private sector and senior government officials, enabling direct engagement and constructive interaction. It reflects recognition by the public sector that, from the private sector's perspective, there are numerous issues that require attention, either through a more holistic approach or more efficient implementation.
The conference will feature Malaysia's and ASEAN's economic outlook for 2026, with a dedicated focus on Johor-Singapore integration and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Alongside the conference, the institute will officially launch the REHDA Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI), a structured corporate mentorship program aimed at strengthening workforce readiness by bridging academia and industry. The initiative is designed to provide selected university students with early exposure to industry leadership, real-world decision-making, and evolving career pathways within the built environment sector. The RIYI program will be launched during the CEO Series 2026 and officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.