Kuala Lumpur Series
Where People’s Decisions Shape the Generation of Businesses
Overview
PeopleNXT Asia 2026: Leaders’ Dialogue & Networking Evening is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering of HR leaders from government, MNCs and SMEs, alongside technology innovators and business decision-makers. Under the theme “Humanising Technology, Empowering Talent”, it explores how AI, automation and data are reshaping leadership, skills and the employee experience.
Set against Malaysia’s RMK-13 and Budget 2026 priorities, the evening moves from national workforce direction to the practical questions every organisation now faces: how to lead people as AI becomes part of everyday work, how to build a coaching culture that helps people grow, which skills matter next, and how to unite four generations in one workforce.
As Malaysia advances its ambition to become a regional AI hub, this intimate dialogue oers a focused setting to exchange insights, build connections with peers and get a first look at PeopleNXT Asia 2027.
Registration
Registration for PeopleNXT Asia 2026 Leaders’ Dialogue & Networking Evening
Opening Address
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Selva Nagappan
Organising Chairman, PeopleNXT Asia 2026 and Managing Director, Knowledge Group of Companies
Panel Discussion
Leading People in the Age of AI – Empowering Employees Without Outsourcing Their Thinking
As AI becomes part of everyday work, CHROs face a new leadership challenge: raising productivity without eroding judgement, ownership and critical thinking. Panellists discuss how to set clear guidelines for AI use, keep people accountable for decisions, and build a culture where AI strengthens human capability rather than replacing it.
Moderator
Sarala Santhirasekaranathan
Regional HR Director, Frost & Sullivan
Panellists
Kasmariza Kassim
Chief People Officer, Sapura Energy Berhad
Zaidil Annuar Zaludin
Chief People Officer, HRSB Holdings
Panel Discussion
Coaching for Performance – Building a Culture Where People Grow
Training alone rarely changes behaviour; coaching is what makes it stick. This session shows how organisations can equip managers to coach, turn classroom learning into on-the-job performance, and measure the impact of training on engagement and retention.
Panellists
Haikal Akmar
Chief Human Resources Officer, UOA Group
Sarah Yon
Chief People Officer, Boost
Panel Discussion
Updating the Human Soware – Developing the Skills Your Workforce Needs Next
Technology, new business models and changing employee expectations are reshaping the capabilities organisations need. Panellists discuss which skills matter most, from leadership and critical thinking to digital literacy, and how to close skills gaps through targeted training, on-the-job learning and reskilling.
Panellists
Badrol Izam
Chief Human Resources Officer, Boustead Holdings Berhad
Paije Penley
Chief People Officer, Xendit
Fireside Chat
High-Skill, High-Wage Malaysia – How Government and Employers Can Build It Together
Malaysia’s next phase of growth depends on a workforce that is more skilled, more productive and better rewarded. This fireside chat gives the Honourable Minister a platform to share the government’s workforce priorities under RMK-13 directly with senior employers. It also invites industry to play a stronger role as partners in national workforce development.
Presentation
Trust by Design – Keeping Employee Data Safe in an AI-Enabled Workplace
HR holds some of the most sensitive data in any organisation: pay, performance, health leave and grievances. With AI tools now in everyday use, that data is only a copy-and-paste away from leaving the company. Drawing on AI projects in healthcare and public services, where privacy and security rules are strict, this talk shows HR leaders how to protect people data while still benefiting from AI.