Be part of Penang's next growth story.
The Penang Economic Forum 2026 is a joint initiative by RHB Banking Group, Penang Institute and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
Bringing together high-potential SMEs and mid-sized corporates with key stakeholders across government, capital markets and industry.
Gain actionable insights, unlock financing opportunities and connect with the right partners to accelerate your growth.
Honourary Speakers at RHB Progress Series: Penang Economic Forum 2026
YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow
Chief Minister of Penang
YB Steven Sim Chee Keong
Minister, Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development
PROGRAMME
8:30 AM
Registration & Welcome Refreshments
9:30 AM
Welcome Remarks
YBhg Dato’ Mohd Rashid Bin Mohamad
Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer
RHB Banking Group
Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer
RHB Banking Group
9:35 AM
Welcome Remarks
YBhg Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Executive Director, Penang Institute
Executive Director, Penang Institute
9:40 AM
Opening Speech & Keynote Address
YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow
Chief Minister of Penang
Chief Minister of Penang
10:00 AM
Panel Session 1
Economic Outlook: Opportunities for SMEs in Penang
Economic Outlook: Opportunities for SMEs in Penang
Key Discussion Points:
Panelists:
Moderator:
- Malaysia’s near-term economic outlook and key growth sectors
- Penang’s position as a regional hub for manufacturing, E&E and global supply chains
- Opportunities emerging from supply chain diversification and nearshoring
- Cost pressures, interest rate environment and financing outlook
- How SMEs can position themselves for the next phase of growth
Panelists:
- YBhg Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai
President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) - Suzaizi Mohd Morshid
Group Treasurer, RHB Banking Group
Moderator:
-
Barnabas Gan Sheng Chong
Group Chief Economist, RHB Banking Group
11:00 AM
Coffee / Tea Break & Networking
11:10 AM
Panel Session 2
Financing the Future: Green Capital Opportunities for SMEs
Financing the Future: Green Capital Opportunities for SMEs
Key Discussion Points:
Panelist:
Moderator:
- Rising investor demand for sustainable and ESG-aligned businesses
- Green and sustainability-linked financing solutions available to SMEs (incl. Green loans/SJPP Scheme)
- Securities Commission Malaysia’s Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs and practical adoption approaches
- How SMEs can begin integrating ESG into operations and reporting
- Case studies of businesses accessing sustainability-linked funding
Panelist:
- Dr. Mary Ann Harris
Group Chief Financial Officer, PBA Holdings Berhad
- Navina Balasingam
General Manager, International Affairs, Securities Commission Malaysia
Moderator:
- Angus Salim Amran
Group Chief Sustainability Officer, RHB Banking Group
12:10 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:40 PM
RHB Reflex: Current Capabilities and What’s Next
1:50 PM
Panel Session 3
Elevating SMEs to the Next Level of Growth
Elevating SMEs to the Next Level of Growth
Key Discussion Points:
Panelists:
Moderator:
- Current challenges of SMEs in Malaysia
- Strategies for SME talent recruitment
- How can local SMEs become the preferred Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers for MNCs?
- How can SMEs tap into financial resources to scale?
Panelists:
- YBhg Datuk William Ng
National President, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) - Bernard Yap
Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting - Ooi Lay Pheng
Executive Director, Berjayapak Sdn Bhd - Dev Raaj Shanmugam
Head, Group Transaction Banking, RHB Bank Berhad
Moderator:
- Ong Wooi Leng
Head of Socioeconomics and Statistics Programme, Penang Institute
3:20 PM
Panel Session 4
Building Malaysia’s Next Generation of Listed Companies
Building Malaysia’s Next Generation of Listed Companies
Key Discussion Points:
Panelists:
Moderator:
- Penang’s position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic SME ecosystems
- The strength of Penang’s pipeline in manufacturing, E&E and technology as a driver of future listings
- How capital markets can support Penang companies as they scale globally
- Transitioning Penang’s SMEs from family-run businesses to institution-ready companies
- How the ACE and LEAP markets can support emerging Penang corporates
Panelists:
- Muhd Farrish Ishak
Head, Emerging Markets Development, Bursa Malaysia Berhad - Lim Teik Hoe
Managing Director/CEO, Coraza Berhad - Clarence Leong
Founder and CEO, EasyParcel Sdn Bhd
Moderator:
- Tommy Har
Co-Head, Corporate Finance, RHB Banking Group
4:35 AM
Coffee / Tea Break & Networking
4:45 PM
Fireside Chat
Empowering the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Empowering the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Guest Speaker:
Moderator:
- YB Steven Sim Chee Keong
Minister, Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development
Moderator:
-
YBhg Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Executive Director, Penang Institute
6:00 PM
End of Programme
