Nearly 40 % of Malaysian SMEs cite a lack of digital skills as their biggest barrier to transformation, even as technology becomes the defining factor separating businesses that thrive from those that fade. Across ASEAN, the digital economy is projected to triple from around USD 300 billion today to nearly USD 1 trillion by 2030, underscoring the urgency for smaller firms to adapt or risk being left behind. In Malaysia alone, the digital transformation market is expected to reach USD 10.68 billion in 2025, driven by government incentives and a wave of AI-enabled innovation.

Against this backdrop, BeyondFest 2025 arrives as more than just another marketing event. It is a timely intervention for SMEs seeking to navigate the AI era with confidence and clarity. Taking place on 1 November 2025 at Amazon Web Services (AWS) HQ, Kuala Lumpur, the one-day “anti-conference” will bring together over 120 founders, marketers and creators to explore how authenticity, storytelling and smart technology adoption can drive real business growth.

Organised by The Beyond Community, BeyondFest is designed to move away from traditional panel discussions and instead offer hands-on workshops, live case studies and interactive sessions. According to Jeremiah Su, Founder of The Beyond Community, the goal is to turn insight into execution.

“BeyondFest is not about another round of industry talk. It’s about connecting entrepreneurs with ideas they can apply the next day,” Jeremiah said.

Helping Malaysia’s SMEs navigate AI transformation

As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation journey, SMEs face both opportunities and challenges in adopting AI-driven marketing tools. BeyondFest 2025 aims to bridge this gap by providing practical frameworks for scaling, storytelling and customer engagement.

Malaysia’s SME ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with government programmes and private sector initiatives encouraging digital innovation. BeyondFest complements these efforts by helping business owners balance technology adoption with human-centred branding.

Progress is not a byproduct of comfort; it is born from dialogue, friction and vulnerability. This is the safe space that we are providing for the communities to lean into that discomfort that brings about progress not just in Malaysia, but also regionally.” Jeremiah added.

Voices shaping the future of branding and innovation

The event’s speaker line-up features some of the region’s most forward-thinking business and creative leaders, individuals who have turned ideas into measurable impact.

Among them is Ghazanfar Iqbal, Head of Business Development (Startups) at AWS, who will share his Exponential Scale Playbook– a blueprint for taking startups from six to seven figures. Low Ngai Yuen, Managing Director at AEON (M) Co Berhad, will explore Maximum Impact: The Art of the Triple Bottom Line, highlighting how empathy and AI can power sustainable business growth. Dr Azhar Ahmad, Founder of Doktor Az Academy, will unpack Career Disruption: Leveraging Your Brand for Corporate Leadership, while Crystal Lim, Corporate Storyteller and HRD Corp Accredited Trainer, will guide attendees through Ditch the Jargon: The Authentic Storytelling Playbook for B2B Influence.

Also joining the line-up is Terng Shing Chen, CEO and Founder of SYNC PR, who will share practical insights on building visibility and trust through clear, purposeful communication, drawing on over a decade of regional experience leading campaigns for a range of brands.

An “anti-conference” designed for action

BeyondFest’s format is built around one simple idea, learning by doing. Instead of long panels and passive note-taking, participants will engage in interactive workshops, live case studies and peer discussions that turn insights into immediate action. Each session is designed to deliver practical takeaways that SMEs can apply right away- from AI-powered branding frameworks and content creation strategies to marketing tools that simplify scale.

The festival also doubles as a high-impact networking hub, connecting founders, marketers and executives who are actively seeking collaborations and partnerships. Attendees can choose between general admission or a VIP experience, which includes private networking sessions, curated lunches and an exclusive after-party to deepen professional connections beyond the event.

By blending creativity, technology and community, BeyondFest aims to equip SMEs and entrepreneurs across Malaysia and ASEAN with the clarity and confidence to build brands that stay authentic, even in an age increasingly driven by automation and AI.

Event details: Get your tickets now!

Date: 1 November 2025

Venue: AWS HQ, Level 35, The Gardens North Tower, Kuala Lumpur

Tickets: You can purchase your ticket on the website and use code “TNI10” for 10% off your whole purchase.

The Next Idea is a sponsor for BeyondFest and stands to gain monetarily through ticket sales.