Sunway iLabs Hosts FutureX Ventures Fest 2026, Driving AI and Startup Innovation in Malaysia
May 19, 2026Sunway iLabs, the innovation lab and corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Sunway Group, brought together more than 200 founders, investors, government representatives, and corporate leaders at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, for the FutureX Ventures Fest 2026.
The event centred on discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, emerging investment trends, and Malaysia’s growing role in Southeast Asia’s technology landscape.
Officiating the forum, Malaysia’s Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo highlighted the importance of such platforms in advancing the nation’s AI ambitions. He also pointed to key national frameworks such as the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 and the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap as foundational efforts supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation.
“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. As the country works towards its ambition of becoming an AI Nation by 2030, platforms such as Sunway iLabs and FutureX Ventures Fest play an important role in bringing together founders, investors, industries, researchers and government to help ideas move from discussion to execution, and position Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asia’s next wave of growth,” he said.
Now in its second year, FutureX Ventures Fest 2026 explored practical AI adoption, emerging investment trends, and the evolving Southeast Asian innovation ecosystem through cross-sector dialogue involving founders, investors, and innovation leaders from across the region.
Held at a beachside venue within Sunway Lagoon, the forum encouraged open exchange between investors, founders, and technology leaders, moving beyond traditional conference formats to unlock investment opportunities in AI and deep tech.
The event also reflected Sunway’s broader commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s startup ecosystem through strategic partnerships with regional venture capital firms, AI talent development initiatives, and global innovation networks.
Sunway Group Deputy President Evan Cheah said the group is focused on building Malaysia’s technology ecosystem in collaboration with global investors and innovation partners.
“For some time now, Sunway has been focusing on building up Malaysia’s technology and startup ecosystem, one step at a time. To ensure we bring the best insights to Malaysia as AI adoption accelerates, we are collaborating directly with major venture capital firms from the world’s AI and innovation hubs. 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.
Among the speakers and panellists were representatives from leading global venture capital firms including a16z Perennial and VenCap International, alongside ecosystem leaders from China, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia.
Discussions throughout the forum focused on AI adoption across industries such as healthcare, venture capital, and startup growth, as well as the key factors needed to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for AI and deep tech.
Building on the FutureX platform, Sunway iLabs reaffirmed its commitment to working with investors, technology leaders, and ecosystem partners to expand opportunities for Malaysian startups across Southeast Asia’s AI and deep tech landscape.
