Business conferences are broken. That’s the view of Jeremiah Su, founder and organiser of BeyondFest, Malaysia’s self-described “anti-conference” where suits are optional, participation is mandatory, and buzzwords take a backseat to blunt truths and real connections.

Held in Kuala Lumpur, BeyondFest has grown from a series of small-scale “anti-networking” sessions into a full-fledged gathering for founders, marketers, creatives and SME owners. But it’s not just the format that sets it apart. It’s the attitude. Designed to provoke, energise and challenge attendees, the event positions itself as a platform for transformation, not just inspiration.

From sit-and-listen to move-and-learn

Su’s frustration with traditional events is personal. He believes many conferences resemble long lectures, where attendees are expected to sit still for hours and absorb information passively. BeyondFest flips that model. Participation is non-negotiable. Attendees engage in hands-on activities, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and even yoga.

Instead of sponsor-led keynotes or thinly disguised product pitches, speakers are asked to deliver sessions with at least three clear takeaways. The content ratio is deliberate, with 70 percent focused on practical execution and 30 percent set aside for motivational content. The aim is to ensure everyone walks away with more than just notes, but with new partnerships, useful insights and memorable moments.

Also read: BeyondFest 2025 is here to empower SMEs to build authentic brands in the AI era

No selling, just sharing

The speaker list spans senior leaders from organisations like AWS and AEON, as well as creators and operators. This mix wasn’t selected through open calls or corporate tie-ins. Every speaker was handpicked through personal connections built by Su over time, rooted in genuine curiosity and conversation. They were invited to share, not to sell.

There are no branded segments or sponsor-controlled panels. The event is built around the idea that sharing experience and perspective has more value than pitching a product. This ethos shapes not only the lineup, but the tone of every session.

Authenticity in an AI age

This year’s theme is “authenticity in the age of AI.” As AI tools become mainstream, many brands and individuals are producing similar outputs with the same tools. For Su, authenticity has become a counter-trend. To be real, he says, is to stand out. In a landscape where sameness is the default, being yourself is a competitive edge.

But he also acknowledges the paradox. If everyone embraces authenticity, then what does being authentic truly mean? That’s a question he wants attendees to wrestle with during the event.

Mindset over manuals

BeyondFest also tackles what Su sees as a deeper issue facing Malaysian SMEs. While digital adoption remains a focus of national initiatives, Su argues that mindset is the real obstacle, not the lack of tools or access. He believes many entrepreneurs hesitate because they feel overwhelmed by choice or complexity.

He challenges this directly. Waiting for the perfect moment or simpler tools is, in his view, a form of avoidance. BeyondFest is designed as a wake-up call, urging people to act instead of analyse. If the message feels uncomfortable, that might be the point.

Malaysia’s moment to lead

Although Su is based in Singapore, he launched BeyondFest in Malaysia intentionally. He saw drive, hunger and diversity that felt underutilised. With cultural variety across regions and a large domestic market, Malaysia is well-positioned for regional leadership.

But one trait still holds back progress. From Su’s perspective, there’s a hesitance to be different. A tendency to play it safe or not want to stand out. His message is direct: “don’t be a shy-shy butterfly, be as you wish jellyfish.” For him, Malaysia is full of potential, and BeyondFest is one way to unlock it.

A different kind of community

BeyondFest is more than a gathering. It is an attempt to reshape how entrepreneurs in the region learn, grow and connect. Su wants attendees to feel seen, challenged and energised. Not just informed, but transformed.

The event refuses to follow the usual playbook. No bland keynotes. No rigid structure. No empty networking. Instead, it offers an alternative for those tired of surface-level conversations and transactional contacts.

In a region full of ambition but short on spaces for raw, unfiltered dialogue, BeyondFest offers something rare. It reminds people that being different is not a disadvantage, and that sometimes the best way to learn is to shake the format entirely.

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.