KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8: CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. kicked off its 18th Annual Malaysia Corporate Day 2026, themed “Racing Towards Singularity”, the event brought together corporate leaders, capital market players, fund managers, and government officials to discuss key structural reforms and developments shaping Malaysia’s economic and investment landscape amidst ASEAN’s energy transition priorities and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
As Malaysia enters a critical transition year following its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, the conference explored the concept of an economic singularity – the point at which technological advancement, particularly AI, becomes a fundamental and irreversible driver of productivity, competitiveness, and capital allocation. For Malaysia, 2026 represents a decisive execution phase as national policies move from planning stage to implementation, aligned with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan 2026–2030 (13MP)’s AI Nation framework.
The conference also featured a keynote address on titled “Racing Towards Singularity, Investing in Future Intelligence” by Yang Berbahagia (YBhg.) Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata Group Berhad and Independent Non-Executive Director at CGS MY. The event’s panel sessions and presentations on the Ringgit boost, carbon tax, data centres and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) featured CGS MY’s award-winning research team, listed corporates, and industry experts across technology, energy, and services sectors.
YBhg. Tan Sri Shahril Ridza in his keynote address said, “Technology today is not merely enhancing how we work; it is fundamentally redefining how value is created. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the next great multiplier for productivity and economic growth. For the capital market, we are seeing how investors value and reward future-ready organisations – from their ability to demonstrate scalable intelligence, operational agility, and robust digital infrastructure, AI-driven processes and capacity for long-term innovation.
But more importantly, AI is not about replacing people but about augmenting human capabilities to create new jobs and competencies. It is about enabling mobility, resilience and greater participation in a rapidly evolving economy. People are a critical pillar in the AI strategy, and this means empowering people with intelligent tools to ensure our teams understand not only how AI works but also its implications on governance, risk and long-term performance to sustain participation, competitiveness and value.
Nationally, it demands forward looking policies, public–private collaboration, and strategic investment in digital infrastructure to move up the value chain, attract high-quality investments and strengthen regional competitiveness. As Malaysia positions itself within the wider regional transformation, we need to ensure our investments in intelligence – in people, data and technology – translates to durable, long-term value for our customers, shareholders and employees.”
Khairi Shahrin Arief bin Baki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CGS MY, said, “Racing Towards Singularity reflects a fundamental shift in how economies, industries, and capital markets are evolving. CGS MY too, has been transforming as an organisation. Our aspirations to be Asia’s global investment house has seen us shift from a traditional stockbroker to offer integrated financial services including investment banking, private wealth and asset management, with deeper advisory capabilities, stronger sector expertise, and wider regional connectivity. We focus on providing access and insights needed to navigate structural shifts in technology, sustainability, and high-value industries, whether from a G2G, B2G or retail perspective. Backed by our direct China heritage and extensive ASEAN and global networks, CGS MY is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted partner that connects capital with opportunities, links businesses to markets, and supports stakeholders across the full spectrum of their investment and financing needs in Malaysia and the wider region.”
CGS MY also noted that while global uncertainties persist, Malaysia’s outlook is underpinned by structural reforms, improving investment quality and a clear policy direction toward innovation-led growth. As the country races toward economic singularity, collaboration between government, businesses, and capital markets will be essential to translate technological progress into sustainable value creation.
