Malaysia must be ‘Sang Kancil’ to navigate economic challenges, says Khazanah

Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir emphasized the necessity of preserving Malaysia's heritage to attract foreign visitors, encourage longer stays, and showcase the country to the world. Speaking at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2026, Amirul likened Malaysia to the legendary mouse-deer, Sang Kancil, known for its resourcefulness in navigating challenges.

He pointed out that while financial markets were buoyant, this prosperity may not have trickled down to the real economy, particularly in wealthier nations. Moreover, despite significant investments in artificial intelligence, a study by MIT revealed that 95% of AI pilots have yet to yield tangible results. Amirul highlighted the ongoing supply chain disruptions, questioning how long financial market exuberance could persist.

He noted that countries like the US, Europe, and China have substantial domestic markets and public capital to cushion against global supply chain issues. However, Malaysia lacks such a cushion, making it imperative for the nation to adopt a resourceful and connected approach, akin to Sang Kancil. Amirul stressed that Malaysia must become a well-connected trading nation with diverse capital sources, export destinations, and supply-chain relationships.

He also underscored the importance of preserving Malaysia's heritage, asserting that it would entice foreign visitors to stay longer and explore the country, ultimately serving as a powerful asset for Malaysia as a trading nation.