IRC 2026 Brings Industry & Policy Leaders Together To Shape The Next Digital Era In M’sia

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

This Spotlight is sponsored by MCMC.

As technology continues to evolve, conversations around digital safety, artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible regulation are becoming increasingly important

The International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2026 will return on 21 and 22 July, bringing together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to discuss the future of digital regulation in an increasingly connected world. 

Hosted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, this year's conference carries the theme "Shaping the Next Digital Era: Regulation, Resilience and Trust".

The event will be officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil

Building on previous editions since 2024, IRC 2026 aims to provide a platform for discussions on the digital economy and regulatory developments within the communications and multimedia sector, while reinforcing Malaysia's role in shaping international telecommunications and regulatory policy.

Admission to IRC 2026 is by invitation only, and will include regulators, stakeholders, and industry players.

The first day of IRC 2026 will focus on helping Malaysia to build a safer and more trusted digital ecosystem

The opening day will take on the theme "Digital Horizons: Safeguarding, Empowering and Thriving in the Connected Age", with discussions centred on strengthening digital trust and online safety.

Throughout the day, panel discussions will cover topics including platform accountability, child protection, data sovereignty, consumer privacy, and the role of regulation in strengthening trust in Malaysia's digital future.

Another session will examine the balance between regulatory ambitions and economic realities as governments and industries adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.

Among the speakers are Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Child Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki; United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) chief of child protection Saskia Blume; Tune Talk founder Gurtaj Singh Padda; Ericsson head of security Dr Connie McIntosh; Touch 'n Go Digital chief regulatory officer Foo Yeong Jin; Maxis head of cloud solutions Chin Kok Loon; as well as representatives from Southeast Asia, Shopee Malaysia, the Australian High Commission and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

IRC 2026 will also explore how AI and emerging technologies can be guided through responsible regulation

AI and emerging technologies will feature prominently throughout the conference, with industry experts discussing how innovation can be supported while ensuring responsible governance.

Sessions will examine AI from both technological and societal perspectives, including its capabilities, vulnerabilities and broader impact across industries.

Other discussions will focus on cybersecurity, robotics regulation and quantum communication technologies as governments prepare for the next phase of digital transformation.

The programme will feature speakers from organisations including PwC Southeast Asia Consulting, CyberSecurity Malaysia, IBM Quantum, AGI Bot, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, bringing together expertise from academia, technology and industry.

The second day of IRC 2026 will focus on innovation, sustainability, and future-ready regulation

The second day will shift its focus towards strengthening collaboration and preparing societies for future digital challenges under the theme "Innovation, Sustainability and Future-Ready Regulation".

Discussions will examine digital dependency and mental wellbeing, the impact of technology on human autonomy, regional regulatory cooperation, digital healthcare innovation, as well as strategies to develop future-ready talent and digital skills.

Speakers from the Asean Secretariat, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Internet Society (ISOC), Huawei Malaysia, U Mobile, Health Ministry, Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body, and other organisations will share perspectives on building resilient digital ecosystems through stronger partnerships and innovation.

Those interested in learning more about IRC 2026 can visit MCMC's official website for the latest information on the conference

Got some cool brand news to share?

Take a look at all of our Spotlight stories to date here.