More than 200 founders, investors, government representatives and corporate leaders gathered at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, for FutureX Ventures Fest 2026, organised by Sunway iLabs, the innovation lab and corporate venture capital arm of Sunway Group.
Now in its second year, the forum focused on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, emerging investment trends and Malaysia’s growing role within Southeast Asia’s evolving technology ecosystem.
Officiating the event, Gobind Singh Deo highlighted the importance of industry-driven platforms in supporting the nation’s aspiration to become an AI-powered economy. He pointed to the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 and the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap as key foundations driving the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“Malaysia is now becoming a place where technology is being built, where partnerships are being formed, and where ideas are being transformed into real opportunities,” he said during his opening address.
He added that platforms such as FutureX Ventures Fest play a critical role in connecting founders, investors, industries, researchers and government stakeholders to accelerate innovation and position Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asia’s next phase of growth.
Held in a beachside setting at Sunway Lagoon, the forum encouraged open dialogue between investors, founders and technology leaders, creating opportunities for collaboration and investment discussions in AI and deep tech.
According to Evan Cheah, Sunway Group has been steadily investing in Malaysia’s startup and technology ecosystem through venture capital partnerships, AI talent development and global innovation collaborations.
“With our talent pipeline and global venture capital network in place, I believe we now have the right ingredients to build some of the most impactful AI companies right here in Malaysia,” he said.
Discussions throughout the forum explored AI adoption across sectors including healthcare, venture capital and startup growth, while speakers also examined the importance of stronger regional partnerships and international collaboration in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional AI and deep tech hub.
Among the speakers and panellists were Michel Del Buono, Tim Cruttenden, as well as venture capital and innovation leaders from China, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.
Other notable attendees included Andy Zain, Syed Haizam Jamalullail, Karen Lau, Dato’ K.L. Tan, Matt van Leeuwen and Jamaludin Bujang.
Building on the FutureX platform, Sunway iLabs said it will continue collaborating with investors, technology leaders and ecosystem partners to strengthen regional innovation networks and expand opportunities for Malaysian startups across Southeast Asia’s AI and deep tech landscape.