Global Marketing Leaders Discuss Industry's Future At WMS Malaysia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The World Marketing Summit Malaysia 2026 (WMS Malaysia 2026) is themed "New Age Technology" and carries the mission "Creating a Better World Through Marketing".

The summit brings together international marketing leaders, business figures, entrepreneurs and industry experts to discuss the future of marketing in the technology era.

According to WMS Malaysia 2026 co-organiser KNKV Group, the conference, held on Nov 4 and 5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, features Kotler Impact Inc as the host and ANNEMS Leadership Solution as the main organiser, with KNKV Group as the co-organiser.

The conference focuses on the use of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), branding strategies and innovation to strengthen competitiveness and business growth.

Among the speakers sharing their views were the president and chief executive officer of Kotler Impact Inc, Sadia Kibria; the president of Kotler Impact Asia and founder and president of ANNEMS Group of Companies, Datuk Dr Faridah Hanim Haron; the founder and chief executive officer of KNKV Group, Prof (Adjunct) Adam Richman; and the chairman of KNKV Group, Datuk Seri Dr Zurainah Musa.

Faridah Hanim said that sustainable business growth requires a marketing strategy supported by strong leadership, systems and organisational structure.

"In an increasingly challenging business environment, effective marketing needs to be supported by strong leadership, a prepared organisation, functioning systems and the ability to consistently execute strategies.

"Growth that is not supported by organisational readiness can pose a challenge to the sustainability of the business itself," she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Adam Richman said that technology and AI need to be utilised as strategic tools to enhance marketing effectiveness and business competitiveness.

"Malaysian businesses need to start viewing AI and technology as capability multipliers, not just tools for generating content or reducing costs.

"With the right strategy, businesses can understand customers more deeply, make more accurate marketing decisions and maximise the impact of every investment," he said.

He said the main question was no longer whether businesses need to use technology, but rather how ready they are to leverage it to create a competitive advantage.

KNKV Group noted that WMS Malaysia 2026 also provides opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to understand the application of AI more strategically, refine marketing strategies, build stronger brands and delve into customer needs.

Exposure to the approaches and perspectives of local and international experts can help MSMEs identify growth opportunities and enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.

The World Marketing Summit, founded in 2012 in line with the vision of Prof Philip Kotler, aims to connect leaders, ideas and international communities through the mission of creating a better world through marketing.

The organisation in Malaysia continues this effort by providing a platform for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and strategic networking between local and international industry players.

-- BERNAMA