AS global trade fractures, AI adoption accelerates, and workplaces grow increasingly complex, Malaysian business leaders are being forced to confront a pressing question: how do organisations sustain both people and performance in an era of constant change?
The answer may lie at the upcoming People & Culture Conference (PACC) 2026, set to take place on Aug 5–6 at the CCEC in Bangsar South.
Now in its third edition, the flagship human capital conference organised by the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals (MIDP) is positioning itself as more than just another corporate gathering.
Instead, it aims to challenge how organisations think about leadership, workplace culture and long-term sustainability.
This year’s conference comes at a critical juncture, with 300 senior leaders, decision-makers and human capital professionals expected to attend.
The focus has shifted beyond reactive diversity initiatives toward deliberate, values-driven strategies that place people at the centre of business performance.
MIDP chief executive officer Emellia Shariff said organisations must move away from the outdated belief that high performance comes at the expense of employee wellbeing.
“One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that performance and wellbeing sit at opposite ends,” she said.
“In reality, neglecting people management creates what I call ‘people debt’ — disengagement, burnout and silence — which eventually impacts the organisation’s bottom line.”
Since its debut, PACC has built a reputation as a platform for honest, high-level conversations on human capital strategy, bringing together senior leaders willing to engage beyond surface-level discussions.
This year’s programme is anchored on two key pillars: leadership and organisational resilience, as well as employee experience and psychological safety — themes that reflect the mounting pressures facing today’s workforce.
Across nine curated sessions, participants will engage directly with 24 C-suite leaders from major organisations including CIMB, PETRONAS, Sunway, DHL Express and Proton, among others.
The conference promises practical insights drawn from real transformation journeys rather than theoretical frameworks.
Organisers are also emphasising depth over scale. With attendance capped at 300, the event is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and peer-to-peer exchange, rather than passive listening.
Beyond the sessions, PACC has also gained traction for its focus on intentional networking, enabling senior leaders to build genuine connections within a curated environment.
The conference is supported by organisations advocating for inclusive and sustainable workplaces, including LeadWomen, Women in Tech and the 30% Club Malaysia.
Driving it all is MIDP, a human capital development institute that has been championing workplace transformation in Malaysia since 2010.
Through PACC, the organisation aims to translate conversation into action — and ultimately reshape how companies approach people and culture.
Registration for PACC 2026 is now open, with group and MSME discounts available. – June 14, 2026
.jpg)
