Who It Brings Together
A cross-sector design conversation.
Design LeadersIndustry PlayersAcademicsProfessional DesignersEntrepreneursSupport Agencies
Loading KLDS 2026
Preparing the page for you.
Main Activity 02
Design Sharing Session
Knowledge exchange with design leaders, industry experts, academics and policymakers through keynote sessions, panels and future-focused conversations.
Keynotes · Panels · Insights
2
Main Activity
Design Sharing Session
The KLDS 2026 Design Sharing Session is a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic insights, bringing together design leaders, industry players, academics, professional designers, entrepreneurs and support agencies to discuss the role of design in driving innovation, industrial growth and national economic competitiveness.
Themed “Designers Driving Industry Forward”, the session features discussions and sharing on design trends, product development, branding, technology, industry collaboration and future opportunities within Malaysia's design ecosystem.
Through this session, participants will gain inspiration, build strategic networks and understand how design can serve as a catalyst for more innovative, commercially valuable and industry-relevant products for the future market.
Design Sharing Session
Ideas, insight and industry experience on one stage.
Discussion Focus
Ideas that move industry forward.
Design TrendsProduct DevelopmentBrandingTechnologyIndustry CollaborationFuture Opportunities
Proposed Programme
Program Flow
Four connected sessions moving from national direction to practical industry value and future opportunities.
Keynote Session
Design as an Economic Multiplier: Malaysia’s Next Competitive Edge
Industry Talk
From Design to Revenue: How Design Drives Business Growth
Panel Discussion
AI vs Human Creativity: Who Shapes the Future of Design?
Future Talk
The Future of Design in Asia: Trends, Talent & Opportunities
Proposed Schedule
Programme Itinerary
A participant-facing schedule. Final timing and speaker line-up will be confirmed by the organiser.
8:00 am – 9:00 am
1 hour
Registration + Networking Breakfast
QR check-in, light breakfast, KLDS teaser and speaker highlights.
9:00 am – 9:10 am
10 minutes
Opening
Emcee opening and context setting for MRM and KLDS positioning.
9:10 am – 9:40 am
30 minutes
Keynote Speech
Design as an Economic Multiplier: Malaysia’s Next Competitive Edge
A big-picture view of policy, the economy and direction for Malaysia’s design sector.
9:40 am – 10:10 am
30 minutes
Industry Talk
From Design to Revenue: How Design Drives Business Growth
A practical case study connecting design decisions with commercial growth.
10:10 am – 10:25 am
15 minutes
Coffee Break + Networking
Refreshments and networking.
10:25 am – 11:10 am
45 minutes
Panel Discussion
AI vs Human Creativity: Who Shapes the Future of Design?
Moderator introduction, 30-minute discussion and 10-minute audience Q&A.
11:10 am – 11:35 am
25 minutes
Future Talk
The Future of Design: Trends, Talent & Opportunities
Forward-looking trends, opportunities and direction.
11:35 am – 11:50 am
15 minutes
Audience Engagement
Open Q&A with speakers and panellists.
11:50 am – 12:00 pm
10 minutes
Closing + Call to Action
Key insights and direction to the exhibition, networking and next KLDS component.
Meet the Contributors
Speaker & Panel Introduction
Official portraits and full biographies will be added after final confirmation.
AZ
Named Speaker
Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr Ahmad Hj Zainuddin
MITI / Policy / Design Leader
Keynote Session
Design as an Economic Multiplier: Malaysia’s Next Competitive Edge
ZA
Named Speaker
Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad
CEO, Perodua · Industry Practitioner
Industry Talk
From Design to Revenue: How Design Drives Business Growth
ADS
To Be Confirmed
Speaker to be confirmed
International / ADS Network Representative
Future Talk
The Future of Design in Asia: Trends, Talent & Opportunities
04
To Be Confirmed
Panel line-up to be confirmed
International ADS · Industry · Academia
Panel Discussion
AI vs Human Creativity: Who Shapes the Future of Design?
Expected Value