Events

Malaysia’s corporate leaders must humanise with artificial intelligence rather than watch from the sidelines, as the gap between awareness and readiness widens across the country’s boardrooms. PIKOM CEO Ong Kian Yew, Futurefirst Co-founder Dr Chanthiran Veerasamy, Green Packet Managing Director & Group CEO Datuk Wira Shahul Hameed Shaik Dawood, MIHRM President Simon Benjamin, and Futurefirst Solutions Co-founder Shankar Nagalingam launching the Tarantula Trail at the Summit of Titans II. The distinction lies not in strategy or budget but in leaders personally getting familiar with AI and integrating it into their own work. “Leaders need to take the first step to get themselves to humanise with AI, as in familiarise, capitalise, understand, interpret and use it for their own benefit because awareness alone is no longer enough,,” Futurefirst Solutions Sdn Bhd co-founder Shankar Nagalingam said at the Summit of Titans II, themed “Decode AI. Reclaim the Future”, held yesterday. He said leaders who continued to wait and watch rather than act on AI’s impact risked falling behind. The conclave, which drew more than 300 C-suite executives, also saw the launch of Tarantula Trail, a new leadership venture by Futurefirst Solutions built on NETRA, a trademark framework centred on five traits: Neuroplasticity, Neuroempathy, Technosapient, Regenerative and Agentic.  Malaysian business, technology, and HR leaders at Summit of Titans II. Tarantula Trail is the first in the world to combine two elements in a leadership environment; technology-based assessment using EEG brainwave, AI facial recognition and voice modulation, and a cinematic experience where participants watch a film portraying distinct leadership styles to identify their own gaps.  “We are using technology that no one in the world is using in a leadership environment to connect and interpret future capabilities. Eventually, you can use this for hiring, promotion and organisational succession planning, to determine whether individuals have the traits needed for the future,” Shankar said. He added that the programme reads how leaders truly think, feel and decide, elevating human capabilities no machine can replace.  Unlike conventional assessments, he said the programme identifies individual gaps through technology rather than questionnaires and the reliability of its brainwave measurement surpassed that of a lie detector..  Meanwhile, co-founder Dr Chanthiran Veerasamy highlighted the cinematic element was key to creating the kind of self-realisation conventional training could not.  “Cinematic experience gives you that immersive learning experience, whereas the validation is through the AI app and EEG technology,” he said.  The full programme, including its cinematic production, is expected to be completed by year-end.  Summit of Titans II drew a formidable line-up of industry leadership. Academician Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Datuk Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali officiated the conclave, while Managing Director and Group CEO of Green Packet, Datuk Wira Shahul Hameed Shaik Dawood launched the Tarantula Trail publications. He was joined on stage by PIKOM Chief Executive Officer Ong Kian Yew and Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management President Simon Benjamin.  Their presence underscored the summit’s standing as a premier meeting point for Malaysia’s business, technology and human-capital leaders. Meanwhile, keynote speaker Professor Keith Carter, an AI strategist and TEDx speaker, said whether AI replaced or empowered people depended entirely on leadership intent. CEOs with vision, he said, were bringing AI into their organisations not to cut people but to unlock human potential.  Waiting gets punished in 2026, he added, saying that organisations that delayed action risked being left behind.  The Summit of Titans II comes as AI moves beyond pilot programmes into the core of business operations across Malaysia. 

Artificial intelligence is no longer coming — it is here, rewriting the rules of every creative industry on the planet. On 4 June 2026, a room in Kuala Lumpur confronted that reality head-on. Held at the Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur, Creators Circle: The Soul of Creativity — AI, Art & The Future of Human Imagination brought together a curated gathering of founders, creators, business leaders, media professionals, and changemakers for an unfiltered conversation about one of the most pressing creative challenges of our generation. Moderated by Rizal Kamal, Founder of Creators Circle and CEO of LOL Asia, the session featured candid insights from Yasmin Suleiman (CEO and Producer, Studio Voxel) and Raz Gabriel Sho (Creative Technologist and Founder, Pixel Crest) — two practitioners operating at the intersection of technology and imagination. This was not a debate about whether AI will change things — it already has. The real question posed was: What do we fight to preserve? The Questions That Stopped the Room The session did not avoid uncomfortable conversations. As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, the discussion tackled difficult but necessary questions facing today’s creative leaders: → Is AI enhancing human creativity — or quietly eroding our ability to think for ourselves? → What happens when content becomes infinite but meaning becomes scarce? → Can an algorithm replicate intuition, empathy, cultural memory, and lived experience? → How will creative industries redefine value when the act of creation becomes automated? → Are we building smarter tools — or raising a generation that no longer needs to imagine? The conclusion was clear: while AI will continue to transform the way people work, create, and communicate, it cannot replicate imagination, emotional intelligence, cultural nuance, or the irreplaceable spark of original human thought. Five Forces Reshaping Southeast Asia’s Creative Economy The discussion surfaced five major shifts already taking place across Malaysia and the wider region — and accelerating rapidly. 1. AI as Creative Collaborator — Not Replacement The most forward-thinking creators are not resisting AI — they are learning how to direct it. AI is increasingly serving as an accelerator for ideation, production, research, and design, enabling human creators to focus on higher-value creative thinking. 2. Authenticity Becomes the Premium Asset As AI-generated content floods digital platforms, human perspective, originality, and authentic storytelling are becoming increasingly scarce — and more valuable than ever. 3. A New Creative Economy is Emerging The convergence of AI, media, entertainment, gaming, and immersive technologies is not merely disrupting traditional models — it is creating entirely new opportunities. Entrepreneurs who understand this shift are likely to build the defining companies of the next decade. 4. Creativity is Now a Competitive Advantage In a future where machines increasingly handle execution, uniquely human capabilities such as critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, cultural literacy, and innovation become even more important. 5. Southeast Asia’s Moment Has Arrived With a young, digitally native population, a fast-growing creator economy, and rich cultural diversity, Southeast Asia is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for human-centred creative innovation — if the region acts decisively. A Conversation Beyond Technology A recurring theme throughout the session was that the future should not be framed as a battle between humans and machines. Instead, speakers challenged participants to think about how technology can responsibly amplify human potential rather than diminish it. “One of the key takeaways from our conversation with Raz and Yasmin was that the future isn’t about choosing between humans and AI — it’s about how we work together. AI is transforming the way we create, communicate and innovate, but it also challenges us to think more deeply about what makes human creativity valuable. The qualities that drive meaningful progress — imagination, empathy, critical thinking and cultural understanding — remain uniquely human. At Creators Circle, we believe these conversations are essential because the decisions we make today will shape the future of creativity, business and society. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, our responsibility is to ensure that technology amplifies human potential, rather than replaces it,” said Rizal Kamal, Founder of Creators Circle and CEO of LOL Asia.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM), in partnership with SME Corp. Malaysia, has launched the NextLevel CEO Programme, a high-impact executive development initiative designed to support Malaysian SME leaders in scaling their businesses through strategic leadership, innovation and transformation. The programme, developed under SME Corp. Malaysia’s PRESTIGE 2.0 initiative, offers a RM22,500 executive education experience, with 80% funding provided by the Malaysian Government, reducing the participant investment to RM4,500 (payment plans and bursaries are available). Designed specifically for CEOs, founders and senior decision-makers of high-growth SMEs (with Electrical & Electronics; Drone & Aerospace; Oil & Gas; Medical Devices; Biotechnology; Halal Technology & Smart Agriculture; Mobility; and Green Economy identified as priority sectors), the programme moves beyond traditional training to deliver a board-level, applied learning experience focused on real business outcomes. A Strategic Intervention for SME Leaders The NextLevel CEO Programme is structured as a 9-day, fully face-to-face executive journey, delivered over three months in four intensive blocks. Participants will step away from day-to-day operations to focus on building a clear, board-ready 5-Year Strategic Scale-Up Plan tailored to their business. The programme combines:• Strategic leadership and corporate governance• Innovation, digital transformation and AI• ESG, sustainability and future energy strategy• Business law and contracts for CEOs• Board simulation and applied case studies Participants will also benefit from targeted executive coaching, peer learning and facilitated challenge, ensuring that insights are translated into practical, actionable strategies. Addressing the Challenges of Scaling SMEs As Malaysian SMEs navigate increasing complexity from digital disruption to evolving regulatory and sustainability expectations, the need for structured, strategic leadership has never been greater. The NextLevel CEO Programme has been designed to help leaders:• Move from operational to strategic leadership• Identify and prioritise growth opportunities• Strengthen governance and decision-making• Build resilience through risk and ESG integration• Develop a clear roadmap for long-term, sustainable growth Delivered by Heriot-Watt University Heriot-Watt University brings extensive experience in executive education and SME leadership development, including its role as a delivery partner for the UK Government’s Help to Grow: Management programme, through which it has supported over 350 SME leaders. The programme will be delivered at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s Putrajaya campus. Head of School, Edinburgh Business School, HWUM, Dr Jimmy Tam, said, “This programme is designed to give SME leaders the space, structure and challenge they need to step back from daily operations and think strategically about growth. It’s not about theory, it’s about building a clear, actionable plan that can take their business to the next level.” The recognition reaffirms the University’s focus on equipping students with practical skills and relevant knowledge. More than 95 percent of its graduates secure employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating, highlighting strong outcomes in career readiness. Programme Details • Duration: 9 days (7–9 August, 11–13 September, 10–11 October, 7 November)• Format: Fully face-to-face in English (with translation available)• Location: Putrajaya• Programme Value: RM22,500• Government Funding: 80%• Participant Investment: RM4,500 Places are limited and subject to eligibility criteria set by SME Corp. Malaysia. Applications Now Open Applications for the NextLevel CEO Programme are now open. SME leaders interested in participating can find out more and apply:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988753435060?aff=oddtdtcreator For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, kindly visit:https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/ For any enquiries on the programme, kindly contact Louisa Osmond, Head of Executive Education, Edinburgh Business School at [email protected]

Futurefirst Solutions returns with Summit of the Titans II on June 9 to redefine leadership in the AI era with Global Industry Titans. Malaysia has no shortage of AI roadmaps. What it may be running short of is leaders who can actually execute them, and 300 of the country’s most senior executives will gather at Summit of Titans II to address that gap head-on. The conclave on June 9 brings together some of the country’s leading business minds, not to talk about AI, but to confront whether they are truly ready to lead through it. Organised by Futurefirst Solutions Sdn Bhd, the event will be held at New Ocean World, Petaling Jaya, strictly by invitation only. The summit is expected to gather top-tier executives overseeing tens of thousands of employees across Malaysia’s largest multinationals and government-linked companies, including general managers, managing directors, and chief human resource officers. A look back at the previous launching of the Summit of the Titans 2025, with the grand unveiling of the Cheetah Chase book. Futurefirst Solutions co-founder Shankar Nagalingam said the AI era demands a different kind of leadership. “The AI era won’t be won by those who understand the technology, it will be won by those bold enough to lead through it,” he said. The summit aims to equip senior decision-makers with the capabilities needed to lead organisations through rapid AI-driven change, while strengthening collaboration, decision-making, and leadership readiness across industries. The half-day programme, running from 9am to 12.30pm, will be officiated by Academician Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Chairman of SIRIM Berhad and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia, and will begin with a live choreographed performance. Professor Keith Carter, an AI strategist, author, and TEDx speaker, will deliver the keynote address on leadership capabilities required in an AI-driven world. The session will be followed by a cross-industry panel featuring Catherine Lian, ASEAN Lead at IBM; Ang Wee Seng, President of the Semiconductor Industry Association of Singapore; and Sunderaj Nagalingam, Founder of Binacap. A key highlight of the summit is The Titans’ Fireside, an unscripted 20-minute conversation between Andy M, General Manager of Dell Technologies, and Chua Chai Peng, General Manager of Experian. The discussion is expected to address whether AI could displace 30 per cent of corporate headcount within the next 24 months, and whether senior leaders are adequately preparing their organisations for that reality. Meanwhile, co-founder Dr Chanthiran Veerasamy said the time for waiting has passed. “Waiting to see how AI unfolds is no longer a strategy. The leaders who act now will define their industries, the rest will follow them,” he said. Futurefirst Solutions Sdn Bhd co-founders, Shankar Nagalingam (right) and Dr Chanthiran Veerasam. The summit will also feature the official launch of TARANTULA TRAIL, a new leadership venture by FutureFirst Solutions. A cinematic trailer will premiere during the event, with both co-founders sharing insights into the venture’s journey. Summit of Titans II follows a successful first edition that attracted strong interest among senior leaders. The second edition comes as AI increasingly moves beyond pilot programmes into the core of business operations across Malaysia. Co-sponsored by UOA Academy and Technomech, the summit is designed specifically for senior leaders. With AI continuing to reshape how companies operate, organisers said the question is no longer whether leaders need to act, but whether they already have.

Kuala Lumpur is set to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s growing destinations for live music with the launch of KL Headline Season 2026, an initiative aimed at bringing more international entertainment acts to the capital. Developed by Live Nation Malaysia in collaboration with PR Worldwide, Tourism Malaysia, and CelcomDigi, the initiative is expected to drive concert tourism and elevate Kuala Lumpur’s profile as a regional live entertainment hub. Under the programme, 25 international music performances are scheduled to take place across six major venues throughout 2026, with an estimated 500,000 fans from Malaysia and across the region expected to attend. The concert lineup will feature arena and theatre performances by global artistes including Lany, Laufey, Bryan Adams, DAY6, TREASURE, and Daniel Caesar. Large-scale stadium shows by Post Malone, The Weeknd, and BTS are also planned, reflecting Kuala Lumpur’s increasing ability to host major international productions. (From left) Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Live Nation Malaysia managing director, Para Rajagopal, CelcomDigi Brand and Marketing Services head Chan May Ling and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy during the official launch of KL Headline Season 2026 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The initiative was launched at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, alongside Live Nation Malaysia managing director Para Rajagopal. Para said concerts today have become strong tourism drivers, encouraging fans to travel, extend their stays, and engage more deeply with destinations. “Through KL Headline Season, the fan experience will go beyond the concert venue and become part of a wider lifestyle and cultural journey. “Visitors can experience the best of Malaysia, from its food and attractions to its vibrant city life. Each concert becomes more than a performance — it becomes a gateway to experiencing Kuala Lumpur,” he said. He added that beyond ticket sales, the initiative is expected to generate economic benefits for sectors such as hotels, airlines, retail, and food and beverage, while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh said the initiative aligns with Visit Malaysia 2026, supporting Malaysia’s ambitions to become a leading destination for high-value tourism. “Major concerts and events attract international visitors and contribute to the broader tourism ecosystem. Kuala Lumpur is well-positioned to support this growth, and we welcome continued collaboration with industry partners to expand the country’s live events landscape,” she said. Para added that KL Headline Season 2026 aims to create a consistent calendar of live performances, helping establish Kuala Lumpur as a regular stop for major Asian concert tours. Among the artistes set to perform in Kuala Lumpur are TREASURE (May 30), Anson Seabra (May 30), Laufey (June 2), Kodaline (Aug 26), Post Malone (Sept 27), Lany (Nov 1), The Weeknd (Nov 4–5), and BTS (Dec 12–13). Tickets are available at www.livenation.my.

AIROD Sdn Bhd, a leading Malaysian military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider and a subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI), hosted a reciprocal appreciation ceremony with Lockheed Martin Corporation, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the C-130 Hercules aircraft operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), at its facility in Subang. The event commemorated a successful 40 years of enduring cooperation between both organisations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustaining the operational readiness, reliability, and long-term support of the global C-130 Hercules fleet. AIROD was established in 1976 as Malaysia’s first in-country depot-level maintenance facility dedicated to supporting the RMAF C-130 Hercules and other aircraft types. Since its inception, AIROD has played a central role in ensuring fleet availability through comprehensive airframe, engine, avionics, structural, upgrade, and engineering support services. Over the past five decades, the company has delivered heavy maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for more than one hundred and fifty (150) RMAF C-130 aircraft, contributing significantly to the operational readiness of Malaysia’s strategic airlift capability in support of military operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief missions, and national security requirements. In 1984, AIROD was corporatised through a joint venture between Aerospace Industries Malaysia (now National Aerospace & Defence Industries – NADI) and Lockheed Aircraft Systems International (LASI), further strengthening technical cooperation and industrial collaboration between both organisations. AIROD became a recognised Lockheed Martin Authorised Hercules Service Centre (HSC) on 12 November 1986 and became a wholly Malaysian-owned aerospace company in 1995. It is among the most extensively certified HSCs, with capabilities covering C-130 depot-level maintenance, landing gear repair and overhaul, fuselage stretch conversion, and air-to-air tanker conversion. Today, the company provides sustainment support to both military and commercial operators worldwide, including across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and other international regions. “The partnership between AIROD and Lockheed Martin is not only enduring but foundational to our success as a global MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) leader,” said Major General Dato Ir. Ibrahim bin Bahari, CEO of AIROD. “For four decades, we have shared knowledge, technology, and commitment to excellence, ensuring the operational readiness of the C-130 fleet for Malaysia and our international clients.” “Celebrating four decades of partnership with AIROD highlights the enduring strength of our collaboration and the shared commitment to keeping the C-130 Hercules fleet at the forefront of operational readiness,” said Mark Jarvis, Lockheed Martin Director and Program Manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions International Sustainment Programs. “Together, we have built a foundation of trust, technical excellence, and innovation that supports Malaysia’s air capabilities and our global customers. As we look ahead, Lockheed Martin remains dedicated to deepening this relationship, expanding our commitment, and delivering the next generation of MRO solutions that will sustain the Hercules, ensuring readiness in the Pacific region and beyond.” Over the course of its four-decade collaboration with Lockheed Martin, AIROD has expanded its technical capabilities and international footprint while continuing to support the RMAF C-130 fleet and other aircraft types. Building upon this strong domestic foundation, AIROD has broadened its support to numerous global operators of the C-130 platform. Among its notable international engagements was the repair and maintenance support provided for the Royal Thai Air Force’s C-130 aircraft in 2011, following the severe flooding at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which caused significant operational disruption. In 2015, AIROD was also entrusted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to recover a major C-130 programme that had previously been abandoned under an earlier arrangement with an international MRO provider. The company successfully completed the recovery and upgrade programme for five aircraft, which involved retrofit works, outer wing replacement, and major structural restoration, within the stipulated contractual timeline. The programme significantly enhanced the operational availability and extended the service life of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) fleet. Between 1990 and 2005, AIROD supported the United States Air Force (USAF) Pacific Air Forces C-130H fleet through programmed depot maintenance, inspections, and structural repairs, covering more than 120 aircraft over a 15-year period. From 2015 to 2019, the company also executed a five-year maintenance programme for the United States Marine Corps KC-130J fleet based in Iwakuni, Japan, which included scheduled and drop-in maintenance, landing gear replacement, and structural repair activities for 15 aircraft. In addition to depot-level maintenance, AIROD has developed a Global Line Services (GLS) capability, deploying specialist teams internationally to support operators with crash recovery, battle damage repair, structural refurbishment, in-country technical assistance, and modification programmes. These services have been delivered across multiple countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Libya, Mali, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Headquartered in Subang, Selangor, AIROD has served more than 76 customers across 35 countries and is recognised as one of the region’s leading aerospace MRO providers. The company delivers a full spectrum of services, including heavy maintenance, upgrades, modifications, component support, engineering services, and global field operations for both military and commercial sectors. Lockheed Martin is a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. The company is the OEM of the C-130 Hercules Tactical Airlifter, one of the most widely used military transport aircraft in the world.

AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”) launched the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, an exclusive card created to honour members of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, retired fire and rescue personnel, and their eligible family members. The launch was held on 9 May 2026 at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall in conjunction with the Karnival Sambutan Hari Anggota Bomba Sedunia 2026, and was officiated by YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government Malaysia. The AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard reflects the Group’s continued focus on developing progressive and innovative banking offerings that connect financial solutions with everyday lifestyle needs. The card is designed to be relevant to how customers live, transact and engage, while offering access to banking convenience and lifestyle privileges, including: • Lifetime Annual Debit Card Fee Waiver.• Seamless Digital Banking – fully integrated with AffinAlwaysX Mobile Banking Application (“app”), offering real-time transaction tracking, instant alerts, and smart spending tools to keep customers in control anytime, anywhere.• Lifestyle Privileges – access to travel, hotel and loyalty rewards. The card design features an artistic interpretation of an emergency response helicopter, inspired by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia’s air rescue and emergency response capabilities. The design reflects the courage, readiness and professionalism of Malaysia’s fire and rescue personnel, while honouring their service and commitment to protecting communities across the nation. Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said, “We are proud to launch the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, created exclusively for Malaysia’s fire and rescue community. This card reflects AFFIN’s commitment to delivering personalised, segment-focused banking experiences that are more relevant and closely connected to the communities we serve.” He added, “As customer expectations continue to evolve, AFFIN is focused on building innovative offerings that connect financial solutions with everyday lifestyle. The Group is expanding its reach across wider communities and states to meet the dynamic needs of customers, while advancing the AFFIN Axelerate 2028 Plan, anchored on Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership and Responsible Banking with Impact.” The AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard forms part of the Group’s expanding, differentiated card portfolio, designed to reflect the identity, lifestyle, and aspirations of diverse customer segments. The portfolio includes state- and community-centric cards, such as the AFFIN Selangor Visa Debit Card, AFFIN Kinabalu Visa Debit Card, AFFIN Kenyalang Visa Debit Card, and AFFIN Borneo Credit Card, as well as dedicated cards for institutional and uniformed personnel, including the AFFIN LTAT Affiliate Debit Mastercard, with further additions in the pipeline. The launch further strengthens AFFIN’s ongoing engagement with the fire and rescue community, following the Group’s contribution of van jenazah in support of their welfare needs. Reinforcing this commitment on the ground, AFFIN participated as a Strategic Partner in the Karnival Sambutan Hari Anggota Bomba Sedunia 2026. This presence provided a valuable platform for the Group to engage directly with fire and rescue personnel, their families, and the wider community. The Group also wishes to congratulate YBhg. Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah on the conferment of Pangkat Penguasa Kanan Bomba (Kehormat) on 28 April 2026, marking a milestone in the deepening relationship between AFFIN Group and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. For more information or to apply for the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, please visit www.affinalways.com or any AFFIN branch nationwide.

In Malaysia’s fast-evolving digital and consumer landscape, beauty is no longer confined to aesthetics. It is increasingly operating as a form of cultural and social currency — influencing identity, visibility, and even economic opportunity. This was the central premise of Being, Human KL: Is Beauty the New Cultural Currency?, a curated conversation by Think Geek Media and Arcc Spaces, bringing together voices across aesthetics, media, community, and identity to examine how perceptions of beauty are shifting in a hyper-visible world. From Aesthetics to Influence Malaysia’s digital economy provides a compelling backdrop to this conversation. With over 89% internet penetration and social media usage among the highest in Southeast Asia, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have accelerated the commodification of visibility — where image, presence, and perception directly translate into influence and monetisation. Against this context, the discussion explored how beauty has evolved into a form of social capital — shaping not just how individuals are perceived, but how they participate in modern economic and cultural systems. Moderated and curated by Ethel Da Costa, Founder of Think Geek Media, on April 29, she shared: “We’re living in a time where beauty is no longer passive. It is constructed, performed, and constantly negotiated. What we’re seeing today is not just a shift in aesthetics, but a shift in how value itself is assigned — socially and culturally.” Confidence, Identity and the Visibility Economy For Eleen Yong (National Director Miss Universe Malaysia 2024, Principal, Elpis Models Academy), the conversation around beauty is inseparable from self-definition in a world driven by external validation. “Confidence today is often interpreted through visibility,” she shared. “But real confidence is rooted in self-awareness — understanding who you are beyond how the world responds to you. What works in Malaysia does not necessarily work in Milan.” Her perspective reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where identity is increasingly shaped in public spaces — often blurring the line between authenticity and performance. The Pressure to Be Seen As a digital-native voice, Sanjna Suri (Miss Supranational Malaysia 2018, Actor) addressed the realities of navigating constant visibility. “The pressure isn’t just to be seen,” she noted. “It’s to be seen in a way that resonates — that feels aspirational, but still believable.” Her insight highlights a growing paradox within the creator economy: while platforms enable self-expression, they also create implicit standards shaped by algorithms and audience expectations. Aesthetic Medicine and Cultural Perception From a clinical perspective, Dr Hew Yin Keat (Founder, Medical Director, The M∙A∙C∙ Clinic) highlighted how these societal pressures are increasingly reflected in aesthetic practice. “When patients say they want to ‘look better,’ it often goes beyond physical features,” he explained. “It’s shaped by what they are exposed to daily — curated images, idealised standards, and constant comparison.” Malaysia’s aesthetic and wellness sector has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by rising disposable income and increasing acceptance of non-invasive procedures — underscoring how beauty intersects with both personal identity and consumer behaviour. Curating Cultural Conversations At its core, the session was less about defining beauty and more about interrogating the systems that give it value. As a cultural and communications platform operating across India, the UAE, and Malaysia, Think Geek Media continues to position itself as a curator of culturally relevant narratives — creating spaces where conversations around identity, behaviour, and modern life can unfold with depth. Through initiatives like EMPOWER, Ethel Da Costa is not just moderating discussions — she is shaping dialogue at the intersection of culture, media, and society. A Broader Cultural Shift What emerged from the session is a recognition that beauty today is neither fixed nor neutral. It is dynamic — shaped by platforms, industries, and evolving social norms. In this context, the idea of beauty as currency reflects a broader shift in how value is created and exchanged — not just economically, but culturally. As Malaysia continues to grow as a digital-first society, conversations like these signal an important transition: From consuming culture… to consciously questioning it. The Takeaway If visibility is the new power, then beauty — in all its evolving forms — becomes one of the currencies through which that power is negotiated. The question is no longer whether beauty matters, but how deeply it shapes the way we see ourselves — and how we perceive one another — in the process. Will this shift lead to the democratisation of beauty, creating more inclusive, self-aware, and humane communities? Or will it accelerate a more standardised, systemic commodification of human perception — where identity, worth, and connection become increasingly filtered through curated ideals? Perhaps the real question is not what beauty has become, but what we are becoming because of it.

BeingONE 2026, a two-day entrepreneurship and mentorship event dedicated to empowering women-led businesses through inspiring conversations, actionable strategies and holistic well-being practices, was successfully held on 10–11 April 2026 at WORQ, Bandar Utama, the event’s official venue partner. The event received support from established Malaysian women-led brands and industry leaders who contributed as speakers, mentors and ecosystem partners. This collective backing reflected growing recognition of the economic potential of women-led enterprises and signalled stronger private-sector collaboration in strengthening this important growth segment within Malaysia’s entrepreneurial economy. Women-led businesses continue to be a growing force in Malaysia’s economy. The Department of Statistics Malaysia reports that women-owned establishments make up 20.1% of registered businesses, generating RM136.9 billion in gross output. More recent coverage also notes that roughly 21% of Malaysian SMEs are women-led, reflecting continued entrepreneurial momentum and increasing economic participation. BeingONE 2026 brought together 100 women founders and aspiring leaders through programming designed to support strategic business growth while strengthening personal well-being and enabling participants to define their own version of success in life and business through community-based mentoring. BeingONE set a new benchmark for women-focused events by moving beyond conventional keynote formats and standalone activities, integrating structured mentorship designed to initiate a sustained growth journey for female entrepreneurs. “As founders ourselves, we understand the realities of building businesses while managing life’s demands. BeingONE is our commitment to creating a platform where women-led businesses are supported not only in scaling their ventures, but in sustaining themselves as leaders. We see this as the beginning of a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial community,” shared a representative of BeingONE. Anchored on three core pillars — Optimistic (business strategy and leadership), Nurturing (mental resilience and sustainable performance) and Energized (physical vitality and well-being) — BeingONE combined practical business insight with personal development to support women in building sustainable, high-impact ventures. The programme featured a lineup of industry leaders and experts, including business builder and innovation strategist Aireen Omar, TEDx Speaker Kuti Biazid, leadership facilitator Michelle Ann Iking, corporate leader Low Ngai Yuen and other specialists in brand strategy, investor readiness and executive performance. Sessions explored topics such as access to capital, scaling business models, strategic communications as well as perimenopause and its impact on business performance. BeingONE was co-organised by six established female entrepreneurs — Grace Tan, Alleena Abdullah, Emily Chin, Lily Sim, Yan Lim and Lina Tan — who together bring extensive expertise across communications, production, coaching, community building and enterprise development. Through their networks and partnerships, the organisers reach more than 110,000 women across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, catalysing broader engagement and long-term ecosystem support. Beyond the successful event, BeingONE 2026 now serves as the foundation of a year-round ecosystem focused on inspiring conversations, actionable business strategies and mentorship initiatives aimed at strengthening women-led businesses and fostering inclusive economic participation.