THE Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) will host its 12th annual InvestSmart® Fest (ISF 2025) from 24 to 26 October at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, aiming to strengthen investor education and protection amid a surge in investment scams.
Themed ‘Bijak Labur Hidup Makmur’ (Invest Smart, Live Prosperously), ISF 2025 will be held in conjunction with the Financial Education Network’s Financial Literacy Month, supporting the recently launched National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2026–2030 (NSFL 2026–2030).
The NSFL, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, seeks to equip Malaysians with essential financial skills to manage money prudently, prepare for future uncertainties, and make informed financial decisions. ISF 2025 aligns with this national agenda by encouraging responsible investing as a tool for long-term wealth creation.
SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi highlighted the urgency of strengthening financial literacy, noting the sharp rise in scam-related complaints.
“In 2024, the SC received 3,602 public complaints and enquiries on unlicensed activities and scams — a 100 per cent increase from 2020. For the first six months of 2025 alone, we have already recorded 2,039 complaints, up about 51 per cent from the same period last year,” he said.
He cautioned that the evolving sophistication of scams, often fuelled by technology, requires Malaysians to be vigilant and well-informed.
“While the SC and other enforcement agencies are strengthening our detection and enforcement capabilities, the public must also play an active role in ensuring the legitimacy of investments. Hence, they ought to verify investment opportunities before committing,” he said.
Faiz added that initiatives like InvestSmart® Fest are crucial in educating investors to identify red flags through interactive talks and exhibitions. “Initiatives such as InvestSmart® Fest raise awareness to help investors detect red flags. This is done via various interactive sessions and talks that highlight common scam tactics,” he said.
Visitors to ISF 2025 will learn how to verify the authenticity of investment schemes through the SC’s online Investment Checker portal. The event will also feature an anti-scam zone under the #JanganKenaScam initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), where the SC plays a leading role in combating capital market fraud.
Open to the public with free entry, ISF 2025 will run daily from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm. The event will include panel sessions, fireside chats, interactive exhibitions, and over 45 exhibitors showcasing capital market products and services.
Attendees can also participate in the #FinPlan4U programme, which offers more than 500 free one-on-one financial planning sessions conducted by licensed financial planners. - October 23, 2025
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