Malaysia perlu jadi ‘Sang Kancil’ untuk harungi cabaran ekonomi, kata Khazanah

Malaysia must adopt the wisdom of the "Sang Kancil" – the clever mouse-deer from a famous Malay legend – to tackle the economic challenges it will face in the future, said Khazanah Nasional Bhd's Chief Financial Officer Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir. The positive outlook in financial markets does not necessarily translate into a strong economy, particularly in wealthier nations, Amirul said.

Even with massive funds pumped into artificial intelligence (AI), a study by MIT found that 95% of early AI ventures have yet to show measurable returns. "When supply chain disruptions persist, the question arises: how long can this continued optimism in financial markets last?" Amirul said during a remarks session at the Khazanah 2026 Megatrends Forum, which also featured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Amirul argued that countries like the United States, Europe, and China can attract investment and consumer demand from their domestic markets and strong public funds. Malaysia lacks such advantages, he said. "So, how will a small economy respond to such a powerful global force?" "Malaysia needs to be like 'Sang Kancil' once again: a wise trading nation and a connected community, with resilience stemming from its diversity – be it in terms of financial resources, export destinations, or a wider supply chain network," Amirul stressed.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Malaysia's connections, saying the country, as a "Sang Kancil", must have strong ties with the world. Amirul stressed the importance of preserving Malaysia's heritage, which he believes will attract international tourists, keep them longer, and help them understand Malaysia better.

"For a trading nation, becoming a destination that the world wants to visit is a source of strength."