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ss2024 - program list

Programme


Day 1 (12 June 2024)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Panel Session 1A

Ringgit, Bonds, and Equity Markets

Beginning 2022, emerging markets in Asia have undergone significant pressure throughout the monetary policy tightening cycle. Ringgit, bonds and equity markets have been heavily influenced by these external factors. This session attempts to discuss the different drivers of the local financial assets, including its medium to longer-term prospects.

Panel Session 1B

Value-Based Finance: From Vision to Validation

The session will delve into the roles of ecosystem stakeholders in advancing VBI implementation. It aims to deliberate strategies and challenges of increasing VBI adoption within the financial sector, with a focus on optimising Islamic finance in supporting socio-economic developments, as well as advancing green and sustainable financing in Malaysia.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Panel Session 2A

Diversifying Funding Sources in the Economy

Traditional debt-based financing, funded from bank deposits, is better suited for firms with regular repayments and well-understood risks. However, relying solely on this type of financing may not be sufficient to meet the diverse needs across a business lifecycle, particularly for innovative firms and those engaged in new growth ventures. Access to a more diverse range of funding instruments is key to supporting the growth of such firms and promoting longer-term financial stability. This includes alternative finance solutions, such as equity-based instruments, blended finance, which are critical in complementing bank-led debt financing to fund the economy. Therefore, this session aims to discuss current national priorities and the variety of financial instruments that can be deployed to fuel growth of these sectors. The session also aims to explore ideas on overcoming challenges and limitations in creating a more vibrant funding ecosystem beyond bank financing. The discussion will draw insights from the perspectives and experiences of other jurisdictions.

Panel Session 2B

Weathering Global Challenges: Buffers Against External Vulnerabilities

Malaysia’s international reserve adequacy has gained increasing attention in the media and among analysts in recent periods, particularly against the backdrop of the strengthening US dollar. This session aims to showcase Malaysia’s reserves, which is ample and sufficient on different adequacy matrices. This session will also look into the decentralisation of international reserves and how this provides an additional buffer against external shocks.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Panel Session 3

Navigating Economic Cycles: Interactions Between Monetary and Fiscal Policies

Monetary and fiscal policies play key roles in navigating the ups and downs of economic cycles. With an emphasis on these two policies, this session will discuss the interactions between different macro policies, the implications of these interactions to the broader economy, and strategies to secure long-term macroeconomic stability.

Fireside Chat 1

Solidifying MIFC’s Propositions as an International Gateway for Islamic Finance

A conversation with the Chairman of MLC to gain insights into MLC's priorities and strategies following the recent publication of the Position Paper.

3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (retimed)

Plenary Session

Structural Reforms: Making it a Reality for Malaysia

Keynote Address

YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan
Minister of Finance II
Welcoming Address

Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour
Governor, BNM
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Panel Session 4A

Guarding the Security of Digital Payment

Combating financial scams demands a multi-faceted approach. It involves sound risk management and robust fraud detection capabilities leveraging advanced technology. Heightened public awareness to cultivate more discerning users, as well as intensified inter-agency and public-private sector collaboration, are also critical. We can only create a comprehensive defence against the evolving and complex nature of financial fraud through these multi-faceted strategies. This session aims to share insights on efforts undertaken domestically and internationally in combating fraud, works in the pipeline, and the challenges faced. The session will also explore the use of technology and greater collaboration that can be pursued to bolster the defence measures.

Panel Session 4B

Charging Towards a Resilient Tomorrow

With critical policies and frameworks in place, this session aims to discuss issues, opportunities and priorities to support a just and orderly transition to a climate-resilient economy (including how we unlock new growth opportunities through R&D and roles of various stakeholders, including the Government).

Day 2 (13 June 2024)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Panel Session 5A

The Future of Payments

Since the successful launch of bilateral payment linkages in the region, a push for multilateral payment connectivity is a natural next step for ASEAN. BNM along with the central banks of Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, is participating in the next phase of Project Nexus which aims to translate the current Nexus, which solution into an operationally and commercially viable model by 2025. This session aims to share insights from various multilateral payment infrastructures (both that are already in operation or under development) on the key considerations for a successful implementation of a multilateral payment infrastructure globally, and their future directions moving forward.

Panel Session 5B

MSME Growth: Supporting the Backbone of Malaysia’s Economy

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) make up 97% of total businesses in Malaysia and are thus referred to as the backbone of the country’s economy. Malaysia has adopted a whole-of-nation approach to realise national aspirations of transitioning Malaysia into a high-income economy, including fostering the upscaling of MSMEs through a supportive and conducive ecosystem.

Workshop 1

Measuring Financial Literacy of Malaysians

Financial literacy plays a critical role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to individual financial well-being and contributing to national economic growth. BNM measures Malaysia's financial literacy level and benchmarks our progress against other countries to ensure evidence-based intervention in financial education initiatives.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Panel Session 6A

The Role of Finance in Implementing Structural Reforms

The Government has reiterated the importance of structural reforms to ensure the resilience of the economy against future shocks and megatrends. In order to achieve this, the financial sector must also be ready and equipped to support the changing needs of businesses. This includes greater funding channelled towards investments in new technologies as well as automation. This session aims to delve deeper into what more could be done by the financial sector in this space.

Panel Session 6B

Know Your Rights - Fair Treatment of Vulnerable Consumers

This session aims to highlight BNM's role and expectations for financial service providers (FSPs) to protect the interest of diverse financial consumers through the introduction of new measures to treat vulnerable consumers fairly. The session will also explore the specific challenges faced by vulnerable consumers in their dealings with FSPs and provide an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing and future efforts by the industry to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable consumers in Malaysia.

Fireside Chat 2

Saving Up for Retirement

Having enough retirement savings should be on everyone’s mind, especially as everyone is living longer and cost of living is only expected to increase. Bearing this in mind, this session intends to increase public awareness on how to maximise retirement savings, with an emphasis on the strategies, policies and products that can help achieve retirement goals.

Workshop 2

Is Your Money... Fake?

Learn about security features of currency notes and coins and how to authenticate genuine currency.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Panel Session 7A

Addressing Medical Inflation: A Whole-of-Nation Approach

Addressing medical inflation requires a whole-of-nation approach. The session will focus on the drivers of medical inflation in Malaysia and the role of different stakeholders to ensure healthcare remains sustainable and affordable for all Malaysians in the long term in line with the aspiration of the Health White paper.

Panel Session 7B

Social Finance (iTEKAD): Propelling Growth of Businesses

The session intends to discuss the various social finance initiatives such as iTEKAD, myWakaf, myZakat and other philanthropy fund (waqf/zakat/CSR-related) programmes available for businesses and individuals as an enabler of social development to narrow inclusion gaps.

Fireside Chat 3

Empowering Youth in the Digital Payment Landscape: Decoding Mule Accounts

Youth are often more comfortable using digital payments due to their familiarity with technology, but are they using it safely? Additionally, youth are more willing to pursue opportunities for higher financial returns. In doing so, how can they protect themselves from exploitation by criminals? The discussion aims to equip youth with the necessary knowledge for the safe use of e-payments. It also intends to raise awareness of mule accounts and the associated risks. By understanding the connection between e-payments and mule accounts, youth can take measures to protect themselves and prevent financial crime.

Workshop 3

A Helping Hand for SMEs' Green Journey

Ways SMEs can embrace green and sustainability practices and practical support provided by BNM and the financial institutions for SMEs.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Panel Session 8

Labour Market Reforms in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities

The labour market has long-standing structural issues despite the recovery and improvements seen post-pandemic. Emerging megatrends are expected to further exacerbate these issues. At the same time, these megatrends and various national strategic initiatives present opportunities for deeper labour market reforms. This session will discuss existing and future challenges as well as opportunities for both labour demand and supply in Malaysia. It also aims to explore key strategic reform initiatives to address these challenges and future-proof the Malaysian workforce to maximise employment and income prospects.

Fireside Chat 4

Ensuring Compliance: BNM’s Enforcement Approach Explained

The session intends to enhance the public’s awareness of BNM’s enforcement regime in administering its enforcement powers against financial institutions and other parties that contravene the laws administered by us. This includes:
- overview of BNM’s enforcement objectives, approach and practice on disclosure of enforcement actions
- intended outcomes vis-à-vis unintended consequences from the disclosures of BNM’s enforcement actions
- key expectations moving forward for regulated entities to drive changes within their compliance culture
- acknowledging key-notable industry-led initiatives in parallel with BNM’s efforts in driving change in compliance culture through effective enforcement regime and transparency

Workshop 4

A Guide to Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policymaking

If you've ever been curious about the process behind the setting of Malaysia's monetary policy, look no further! This workshop is designed to unpack the workings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). We will shed light on its mandate, the broad areas it covers when assessing the economy, and the pivotal decision-making process that ties it all together. You'll also gain insights into how these decisions are communicated to the public. Seize this unique opportunity and interact firsthand with BNM experts on these topics.

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Panel Session 9

Subsidy Rationalisation: Charting the Course Towards Economic Transformation

Reforms on the prevailing subsidy and price control mechanisms towards a targeted approach are crucial to secure a more sustainable and equitable future. Learning from experiences from our past and our peers tells us that a move towards market prices would not lead to permanently high inflation – though it may entail a higher cost of living in the short-term, especially for vulnerable households. Here, effective targeted assistance would alleviate some of the burden. The discussion would touch on some of the near-term hurdles, including the short-run impact on growth and inflation, and their implications on monetary policy. It would also discuss how the reforms, if done well, would promote greater inclusion and efficiency while paving the way for broader economic transformation.

Workshop 5

How Do We Supervise Banks?

Learn about the inner workings of BNM in supervising the banks and the importance of having a resilient financial system.

Day 1 (12 June 2024)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Panel Session 1A

Ringgit, Bonds, and Equity Markets

Beginning 2022, emerging markets in Asia have undergone significant pressure throughout the monetary policy tightening cycle. Ringgit, bonds and equity markets have been heavily influenced by these external factors. This session attempts to discuss the different drivers of the local financial assets, including its medium to longer-term prospects.

Panel Session 1B

Value-Based Finance: From Vision to Validation

The session will delve into the roles of ecosystem stakeholders in advancing VBI implementation. It aims to deliberate strategies and challenges of increasing VBI adoption within the financial sector, with a focus on optimising Islamic finance in supporting socio-economic developments, as well as advancing green and sustainable financing in Malaysia.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Panel Session 2A

Diversifying Funding Sources in the Economy

Traditional debt-based financing, funded from bank deposits, is better suited for firms with regular repayments and well-understood risks. However, relying solely on this type of financing may not be sufficient to meet the diverse needs across a business lifecycle, particularly for innovative firms and those engaged in new growth ventures. Access to a more diverse range of funding instruments is key to supporting the growth of such firms and promoting longer-term financial stability. This includes alternative finance solutions, such as equity-based instruments, blended finance, which are critical in complementing bank-led debt financing to fund the economy. Therefore, this session aims to discuss current national priorities and the variety of financial instruments that can be deployed to fuel growth of these sectors. The session also aims to explore ideas on overcoming challenges and limitations in creating a more vibrant funding ecosystem beyond bank financing. The discussion will draw insights from the perspectives and experiences of other jurisdictions.

Panel Session 2B

Weathering Global Challenges: Buffers Against External Vulnerabilities

Malaysia’s international reserve adequacy has gained increasing attention in the media and among analysts in recent periods, particularly against the backdrop of the strengthening US dollar. This session aims to showcase Malaysia’s reserves, which is ample and sufficient on different adequacy matrices. This session will also look into the decentralisation of international reserves and how this provides an additional buffer against external shocks.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Panel Session 3

Navigating Economic Cycles: Interactions Between Monetary and Fiscal Policies

Monetary and fiscal policies play key roles in navigating the ups and downs of economic cycles. With an emphasis on these two policies, this session will discuss the interactions between different macro policies, the implications of these interactions to the broader economy, and strategies to secure long-term macroeconomic stability.

Fireside Chat 1

Solidifying MIFC’s Propositions as an International Gateway for Islamic Finance

A conversation with the Chairman of MLC to gain insights into MLC's priorities and strategies following the recent publication of the Position Paper.

3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (retimed)

Plenary Session

Structural Reforms: Making it a Reality for Malaysia

Keynote Address

YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan
Minister of Finance II
Welcoming Address

Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour
Governor, BNM
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Panel Session 4A

Guarding the Security of Digital Payment

Combating financial scams demands a multi-faceted approach. It involves sound risk management and robust fraud detection capabilities leveraging advanced technology. Heightened public awareness to cultivate more discerning users, as well as intensified inter-agency and public-private sector collaboration, are also critical. We can only create a comprehensive defence against the evolving and complex nature of financial fraud through these multi-faceted strategies. This session aims to share insights on efforts undertaken domestically and internationally in combating fraud, works in the pipeline, and the challenges faced. The session will also explore the use of technology and greater collaboration that can be pursued to bolster the defence measures.

Panel Session 4B

Charging Towards a Resilient Tomorrow

With critical policies and frameworks in place, this session aims to discuss issues, opportunities and priorities to support a just and orderly transition to a climate-resilient economy (including how we unlock new growth opportunities through R&D and roles of various stakeholders, including the Government).

Day 2 (13 June 2024)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Panel Session 5A

The Future of Payments

Since the successful launch of bilateral payment linkages in the region, a push for multilateral payment connectivity is a natural next step for ASEAN. BNM along with the central banks of Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, is participating in the next phase of Project Nexus which aims to translate the current Nexus, which solution into an operationally and commercially viable model by 2025. This session aims to share insights from various multilateral payment infrastructures (both that are already in operation or under development) on the key considerations for a successful implementation of a multilateral payment infrastructure globally, and their future directions moving forward.

Panel Session 5B

MSME Growth: Supporting the Backbone of Malaysia’s Economy

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) make up 97% of total businesses in Malaysia and are thus referred to as the backbone of the country’s economy. Malaysia has adopted a whole-of-nation approach to realise national aspirations of transitioning Malaysia into a high-income economy, including fostering the upscaling of MSMEs through a supportive and conducive ecosystem.

Workshop 1

Measuring Financial Literacy of Malaysians

Financial literacy plays a critical role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to individual financial well-being and contributing to national economic growth. BNM measures Malaysia's financial literacy level and benchmarks our progress against other countries to ensure evidence-based intervention in financial education initiatives.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Panel Session 6A

The Role of Finance in Implementing Structural Reforms

The Government has reiterated the importance of structural reforms to ensure the resilience of the economy against future shocks and megatrends. In order to achieve this, the financial sector must also be ready and equipped to support the changing needs of businesses. This includes greater funding channelled towards investments in new technologies as well as automation. This session aims to delve deeper into what more could be done by the financial sector in this space.

Panel Session 6B

Know Your Rights - Fair Treatment of Vulnerable Consumers

This session aims to highlight BNM's role and expectations for financial service providers (FSPs) to protect the interest of diverse financial consumers through the introduction of new measures to treat vulnerable consumers fairly. The session will also explore the specific challenges faced by vulnerable consumers in their dealings with FSPs and provide an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing and future efforts by the industry to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable consumers in Malaysia.

Fireside Chat 2

Saving Up for Retirement

Having enough retirement savings should be on everyone’s mind, especially as everyone is living longer and cost of living is only expected to increase. Bearing this in mind, this session intends to increase public awareness on how to maximise retirement savings, with an emphasis on the strategies, policies and products that can help achieve retirement goals.

Workshop 2

Is Your Money... Fake?

Learn about security features of currency notes and coins and how to authenticate genuine currency.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Panel Session 7A

Addressing Medical Inflation: A Whole-of-Nation Approach

Addressing medical inflation requires a whole-of-nation approach. The session will focus on the drivers of medical inflation in Malaysia and the role of different stakeholders to ensure healthcare remains sustainable and affordable for all Malaysians in the long term in line with the aspiration of the Health White paper.

Panel Session 7B

Social Finance (iTEKAD): Propelling Growth of Businesses

The session intends to discuss the various social finance initiatives such as iTEKAD, myWakaf, myZakat and other philanthropy fund (waqf/zakat/CSR-related) programmes available for businesses and individuals as an enabler of social development to narrow inclusion gaps.

Fireside Chat 3

Empowering Youth in the Digital Payment Landscape: Decoding Mule Accounts

Youth are often more comfortable using digital payments due to their familiarity with technology, but are they using it safely? Additionally, youth are more willing to pursue opportunities for higher financial returns. In doing so, how can they protect themselves from exploitation by criminals? The discussion aims to equip youth with the necessary knowledge for the safe use of e-payments. It also intends to raise awareness of mule accounts and the associated risks. By understanding the connection between e-payments and mule accounts, youth can take measures to protect themselves and prevent financial crime.

Workshop 3

A Helping Hand for SMEs' Green Journey

Ways SMEs can embrace green and sustainability practices and practical support provided by BNM and the financial institutions for SMEs.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Panel Session 8

Labour Market Reforms in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities

The labour market has long-standing structural issues despite the recovery and improvements seen post-pandemic. Emerging megatrends are expected to further exacerbate these issues. At the same time, these megatrends and various national strategic initiatives present opportunities for deeper labour market reforms. This session will discuss existing and future challenges as well as opportunities for both labour demand and supply in Malaysia. It also aims to explore key strategic reform initiatives to address these challenges and future-proof the Malaysian workforce to maximise employment and income prospects.

Fireside Chat 4

Ensuring Compliance: BNM’s Enforcement Approach Explained

The session intends to enhance the public’s awareness of BNM’s enforcement regime in administering its enforcement powers against financial institutions and other parties that contravene the laws administered by us. This includes:
- overview of BNM’s enforcement objectives, approach and practice on disclosure of enforcement actions
- intended outcomes vis-à-vis unintended consequences from the disclosures of BNM’s enforcement actions
- key expectations moving forward for regulated entities to drive changes within their compliance culture
- acknowledging key-notable industry-led initiatives in parallel with BNM’s efforts in driving change in compliance culture through effective enforcement regime and transparency

Workshop 4

A Guide to Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policymaking

If you've ever been curious about the process behind the setting of Malaysia's monetary policy, look no further! This workshop is designed to unpack the workings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). We will shed light on its mandate, the broad areas it covers when assessing the economy, and the pivotal decision-making process that ties it all together. You'll also gain insights into how these decisions are communicated to the public. Seize this unique opportunity and interact firsthand with BNM experts on these topics.

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Panel Session 9

Subsidy Rationalisation: Charting the Course Towards Economic Transformation

Reforms on the prevailing subsidy and price control mechanisms towards a targeted approach are crucial to secure a more sustainable and equitable future. Learning from experiences from our past and our peers tells us that a move towards market prices would not lead to permanently high inflation – though it may entail a higher cost of living in the short-term, especially for vulnerable households. Here, effective targeted assistance would alleviate some of the burden. The discussion would touch on some of the near-term hurdles, including the short-run impact on growth and inflation, and their implications on monetary policy. It would also discuss how the reforms, if done well, would promote greater inclusion and efficiency while paving the way for broader economic transformation.

Workshop 5

How Do We Supervise Banks?

Learn about the inner workings of BNM in supervising the banks and the importance of having a resilient financial system.

Day 2 (13 June 2024)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Workshop 1

Measuring Financial Literacy of Malaysians

Financial literacy plays a critical role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to individual financial well-being and contributing to national economic growth. BNM measures Malaysia's financial literacy level and benchmarks our progress against other countries to ensure evidence-based intervention in financial education initiatives.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Workshop 2

Is Your Money... Fake?

Learn about security features of currency notes and coins and how to authenticate genuine currency.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Workshop 3

A Helping Hand for SMEs' Green Journey

Ways SMEs can embrace green and sustainability practices and practical support provided by BNM and the financial institutions for SMEs.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Workshop 4

A Guide to Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policymaking

If you've ever been curious about the process behind the setting of Malaysia's monetary policy, look no further! This workshop is designed to unpack the workings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). We will shed light on its mandate, the broad areas it covers when assessing the economy, and the pivotal decision-making process that ties it all together. You'll also gain insights into how these decisions are communicated to the public. Seize this unique opportunity and interact firsthand with BNM experts on these topics.

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Workshop 5

How Do We Supervise Banks?

Learn about the inner workings of BNM in supervising the banks and the importance of having a resilient financial system.

Day 1 (12 June 2024)

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Fireside Chat 1

Solidifying MIFC’s Propositions as an International Gateway for Islamic Finance

A conversation with the Chairman of MLC to gain insights into MLC's priorities and strategies following the recent publication of the Position Paper.

Day 2 (13 June 2024)

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fireside Chat 2

Saving Up for Retirement

Having enough retirement savings should be on everyone’s mind, especially as everyone is living longer and cost of living is only expected to increase. Bearing this in mind, this session intends to increase public awareness on how to maximise retirement savings, with an emphasis on the strategies, policies and products that can help achieve retirement goals.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Fireside Chat 3

Empowering Youth in the Digital Payment Landscape: Decoding Mule Accounts

Youth are often more comfortable using digital payments due to their familiarity with technology, but are they using it safely? Additionally, youth are more willing to pursue opportunities for higher financial returns. In doing so, how can they protect themselves from exploitation by criminals? The discussion aims to equip youth with the necessary knowledge for the safe use of e-payments. It also intends to raise awareness of mule accounts and the associated risks. By understanding the connection between e-payments and mule accounts, youth can take measures to protect themselves and prevent financial crime.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Fireside Chat 4

Ensuring Compliance: BNM’s Enforcement Approach Explained

The session intends to enhance the public’s awareness of BNM’s enforcement regime in administering its enforcement powers against financial institutions and other parties that contravene the laws administered by us. This includes:
- overview of BNM’s enforcement objectives, approach and practice on disclosure of enforcement actions
- intended outcomes vis-à-vis unintended consequtences from the disclosures of BNM’s enforcement actions
- key expectations moving forward for regulated entities to drive changes within their compliance culture
- acknowledging key-notable industry-led initiatives in parallel with BNM’s efforts in driving change in compliance culture through effective enforcement regime and transparency

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