By: Yip Wai Fong
PETALING JAYA: Rehda Institute’s The CEO Series 2026 is expected to bring together more than 400 key stakeholders from the government and private sector to discuss critical themes shaping Malaysia’s economy, particularly the construction and real estate sectors. Aiming at strengthening talent readiness and economic resilience, the flagship annual conference is taking place on Jan 15, 2026 in Petaling Jaya.
Among others, the conference will explore the economic outlook for Malaysia and Asean in 2026 and its implications for the property sector. Discussions will be focused on themes such as attracting quality investment, unlocking the potential of recurring income streams and alternative asset classes as well as how developers are strategically adapting to shifting capital preferences and demand patterns. Expert panels will also explore cutting-edge concepts including rental living models, wellness and tourism-led developments as well as experience-driven real estate that are shaping long-term asset performance.
The conference will also include a dedicated focus on Johor–Singapore integration and Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), examining cross-border industrial ecosystems, transit-oriented development and residential demand, as regional connectivity plays an increasingly important role in investment flows and economic activity.
Rehda Institute chairman Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip said the conference welcomes business leaders at all levels, as global and regional economic forces require continuous upskilling and paradigm shifting.
“The nation's economic vitality and job creation are rooted in its dynamic, interdependent industrial ecosystem – including manufacturing, services, technology, infrastructure, construction and real estate. Crucially, the strength, innovation and future potential of this intricate value web are fundamentally powered by the continuous cultivation and strategic deployment of our talent and human capital," he said. Also present were Rehda Malaysia president Datuk Ho Hon Sang and Rehda Institute Trustees Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Datuk Seri Michael Yam, Datuk Muztaza Mohamad and Datuk Ng Seing Liong.
Alongside the conference, Rehda Institute will officially launch the Rehda Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI), a structured human capital development corporate mentorship programme 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 CEO Series 2026 is supported by 18 other organisations and will be officiated by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan while RIYI will be officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
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