Strengthening Communities, Shaping Malaysia’s Future
Since its launch in Singapore in 2023, Community Engagement Asia has rapidly evolved into the region’s leading platform, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, NGOs, corporates and changemakers committed to driving meaningful community impact. What began as a gathering has grown into a movement—one defined by deeper, more honest conversations and a clear shift from ideas to execution.
In 2026, Community Engagement Asia reaches another important milestone with its expansion into Malaysia. More than geographic growth, it reflects the increasing demand for practical, trust-led community engagement across the region.
As communities face growing complexity and rising expectations, Malaysia presents a critical landscape where engagement must move beyond good intentions to real-world implementation.
To ensure these conversations are accessible to as many practitioners as possible, Community Engagement Asia Malaysia 2026 will be held as a live virtual conference on 19 November 2026. By removing geographical barriers, practitioners from across Malaysia —from major cities to smaller communities — can participate without the time and cost of travel.
The virtual format also enables the conference to be HRDC Claimable under the SBL-Khas Scheme (up to the cost allowable matrix), making professional development more accessible for organisations investing in their people.
The move online does not change what Community Engagement Asia stands for. Delegates will still benefit from practical case studies, honest discussions, interactive panel sessions and live Q&A with practitioners who have successfully navigated real community challenges.
More importantly, the conference creates a national platform for practitioners across Malaysia to learn from one another—sharing lived experiences, navigating cultural and social nuances and addressing challenges unique to their communities. By bringing these conversations together virtually, Community Engagement Asia aims to move beyond inspiration into action, equipping delegates with practical frameworks, tested approaches and the confidence to design, deliver and measure engagement initiatives that create lasting impact.
TESTIMONIALS
SG Enable
Assistant Director
Nexus, MINDEF
Assistant Director
MINDEF
Manager
KidSTART
Manager
SG Enable
Assistant Manager
National Library Board
Assistant Director
SG Enable
Manager, Partnerships
Total Recall
Director
National Council of Social Services
Manager
National Environment Agency
Senior Assistant Director
Singapore International Foundation
Manager, Communications & Engagement
Manpower Branch, MINDEF
Head
PAssion Wave, People’s Association
Assistant Director
Specialist CC, People’s Association
Assistant Director
MINDEF
Manager, Engagement
NEXUS, MINDEF
Director
MINDEF
Community Engagement Officer
Singapore Polytechnic
Manager
NSD, MINDEF
Head, Communications & Engagement Sector
CPF Board
Assistant Director
Outreach, URA
Senior Manager
Community & Youth
Senior Manager, Ministry of Culture
Why Community Engagement Matters in Malaysia
Malaysia is at a crossroads. Practitioners are navigating increasingly complex challenges while striving to build trust, inclusivity, and resilience.
Bridging divides
Over 60% of Malaysians believe racial unity is worsening (Merdeka Center, 2023), making authentic trust-building more urgent than ever.
Digital inclusion gaps
Despite 97% internet penetration (MCMC, 2023), rural and low-income communities remain excluded from meaningful participation.
Youth as changemakers
With 43% of Malaysians under 25 (DOSM, 2024), empowering youth is not optional—it’s essential for Malaysia’s future.
Resilient practitioners
A 40% increase in community-linked mental health cases (MOH) highlights the need to support practitioner wellbeing.
Community Engagement Asia: Malaysia Edition 2026 is designed to equip practitioners with practical solutions—from harnessing partnerships to leveraging technology—so they can drive meaningful impact in their communities.
What Makes Community Engagement Asia: Malaysia Edition 2026 A Must-Attend
Practical, Action-Oriented Learning
Go beyond theory with real case studies, proven frameworks and practical strategies you can apply immediately in your own organisation and community.
Learn from Anywhere in Malaysia
Attend live on 19 November without the time and cost of travel. Join practitioners from across the country in one national conversation on community engagement.
HRDC Claimable
Eligible organisations can attend under the HRDC SBL-Khas Scheme (up to the cost allowable matrix), making professional development more accessible and cost-effective.
Connect Across Sectors
Hear directly from government agencies, NGOs, foundations, corporates and community organisations as they share practical lessons, challenges and successful engagement approaches.
Malaysia-Focused, Regionally Informed
Explore community engagement through the lens of Malaysia’s unique social landscape while learning from regional best practices and proven models across Asia.
Interactive Virtual Experience
Participate in live presentations, panel discussions and Q&A sessions with speakers, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical insights in real time.
8 Content Pillars
Trust & Social Cohesion
Build trust across differences and strengthen social cohesion.
Partnerships & Ecosystems
Create partnerships that deliver collective impact.
Digital Enablement
Use technology to engage more people, more meaningfully.
Active Listening
Turn community feedback into visible action.
Participation & Co-Ownership
Co-create with communities, not just for them.
Navigating Complexity
Handle sensitive issues with confidence and care.
Measuring Impact
Show what works and why it matters.
Sustainability & Wellbeing
Sustain the work by sustaining yourself.
Who Should Attend
Public Sector
Mid–senior level officers and managers working in community development, social programmes, stakeholder engagement, public communications, and partnership building across ministries, statutory boards, and local agencies.
Non-Profit, Social Service & Civil Society
Leaders and practitioners from NGOs, charities, foundations, social enterprises, and service providers delivering programmes on the ground and working closely with communities.
Corporate / Private Sector
Professionals overseeing corporate citizenship, ESG, sustainability, CSR, community partnerships, and social impact initiatives.
Healthcare, Education & Social Services
Practitioners engaging directly with families, youths, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
Grassroots & Community Organisations
Community leaders, organisers, and practitioners embedded within neighbourhoods and local networks.
SPEAKERS
If you would like to suggest a speaker/topic, or apply to speak, please drop us an email at [email protected]
Yu Shen Saw
Head of Corporate Responsibility
Anna Chew
Founder
Wan Seri Rahayu
Head of Communications & Social Impact
GALLERY
ABOUT US
Part of the Forum Media Group which has offices in 26 countries around the world, Lighthouse Independent Media is the publisher of the market-leading media and events brands MARKETING-INTERACTIVE and Human Resources Online. Lighthouse Independent Media has a fast-paced, high-performance culture and the company’s products are market-leaders, driven by a team of high-achieving professionals.
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Established in June 2002, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE is Asia’s leading source of advertising, marketing and media intelligence reaching out to CMOs across Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. Credible, fiercely independent, and always first with industry-breaking news. We reach out to more advertising and marketing professionals across Asia than any other publication.
For more than a decade, we have produced many flagship events across Asia, bringing together thousands of thought leaders, marketing and communications practitioners, agencies, mar-tech enablers and business leaders. Our high profile and prestigious awards are celebrated by both brands and agencies across Asia.
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Human Resources Online is a media & events brand that is passionate about the progression of HR, through our platforms ranging from digital content to in-person events, roundtables, and webinars, for Asia’s HR practitioners and solution providers. Established in 2004, we have since expanded throughout Asia which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Human Resources Online is Asia’s leading HR platform for CHROs and decision makers who are passionate about affecting positive change in their organisation. We are complemented by a portfolio of events, that includes two-day conferences, one-day interactives, award shows, masterclasses, online learning, and bespoke event partnerships.
