henry tye September 13, 2026 0 Comments

RetailTech+ 2026: SAMENTA Co-Organises the Future of Retail Forum at MITEC

Kuala Lumpur, 13 September 2026 — SAMENTA is co-organising RetailTech+ 2026, the third edition of The Future of Retail Forum, which returns to MITEC Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 15 October 2026 from 8am to 6pm.

The forum was born out of the joint vision of three associations — the Malaysian Retailers Association (MRA), the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK Malaysia) and SAMENTA — to explore the innovations, tools and strategies shaping retail through AI, automation, smart retail and design. MPC and Productivity Nexus are Strategic Partners for the event.

RetailTech+ 2026 continues what the three associations began two years ago, with three stated aims: showcasing cutting-edge technology, digitalisation and AI innovation inside the retail industry; facilitating knowledge exchange through expert-led discussions; and empowering retailers and mall owners to adapt, grow and succeed as they deploy retail technology in a rapidly changing market.

Who Should Attend

The forum is designed for SME retailers, chain store owners, mall owners, franchise consultants, retail startups and retail investors. Organisers describe the day as a chance to connect with the people redefining the retail technology scene across the Asian region, and to hear from the industry’s most respected experts and analysts.

Programme Highlights

Thursday’s full-day programme opens with registration and a networking breakfast at 8:00am, followed by a welcome address and an officiating address by Guest of Honour YB Gobind Singh Deo.

The day’s two keynotes set the agenda:

  • Keynote 1 — The Future of Retail in 2026: What Shoppers Expect Now, by Mr Anson Bailey, Partner and Head of Consumer & Retail, Asia Pacific, KPMG in China
  • Keynote 2 — The Rise of AI in Retail, by Mr Marvin Tan, Centric Software

Seven sessions and two panel discussions follow through the afternoon:

  • Session 1: The role of Robotics and Automation within the Retail Landscape — Mr Edwin Yap, Mr. Robot
  • Panel Discussion 1: What it Really Takes to Deploy AI in My Stores? — moderated by Dr Wendy Chin (Intel)
  • Session 2: From Footfall to Conversion: Using Technology to Turn Visits into Revenue — Ms Lim Sook Khim, Skywave Systems Malaysia
  • Session 3: What Makes a Store Profitable Today? Empowering People with Technology to Drive Spaces that Captivate & Sell — Ms Pamy Wong, Visata Creative
  • Session 4: The Store of the Future: Automation, Convenience, and Experience — Ms Abhikhya Katreddy, Lenovo Retail Solutions
  • Panel Discussion 2: AI, Digitalisation and Automation initiatives in Retail: Practical Applications That Actually Work — moderated by Mr Timothy Liew (Visata Creative), with Ms Lim Sook Khim (Skywave), Mr Wong Kai Han (iDCP Systems) and Mr Anson Bailey (KPMG)
  • Session 5: Elevating the Future of Retail Spaces & Shopping Malls through Sight, Sound and Smell — Mr Jerry Chen, Group CEO, USEA
  • Session 6: The Role of Technology in Transforming Retail and In-store Experiences — Ms Doris Zhang, KK Group
  • Session 7: How Chinese Retailers are using AI, Digitisation and Automation — Mr Bevan Tan, Alibaba

The programme closes with acknowledgements and closing remarks at 6:10pm. The organisers note that the programme is subject to change at their discretion.

Featured Speakers

Anson Bailey, Partner at KPMG Hong Kong and Head of Consumer & Retail, Asia Pacific
Marvin Tan, Sales Manager for Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan at Centric Software
Bevan Tan, Country Head for Malaysia and Thailand at Alibaba.com

Registration & Fees

Members of the three organising associations — MRA, PPK Malaysia and SAMENTA — fall under the association member rates:

Category Fee per pax
Single Association Member RM700
Group Association Members (more than 3 pax) RM600
Single Supporting Association Member RM800
Group Supporting Association Member (more than 3 pax) RM700
Single Non-Member RM900
Group Non-Member (more than 3 pax) RM800

Prices are not inclusive of SST. The fee covers full participation in the conference, all conference presentation materials, welcome refreshments, morning and afternoon refreshments, and lunch.

HRD Corp Claimable

The conference is approved and fully claimable under HRD Corp. No. Siri Kursus 10001742149. Delegates who do not intend to apply for the HRD Corp grant may still register through the same link and will be invoiced by PPK accordingly. The organisers are also applying for CPD hours from the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP).

Key Dates

  • Registration closes: 20 September 2026
  • Delegate replacement notification: before 25 September 2026
  • Event date: Thursday, 15 October 2026, 8am – 6pm, MITEC Kuala Lumpur

Cancellations are not accepted once delegates have been registered, although a replacement may be arranged and notified before 25 September 2026.

Register

Register for RetailTech+ 2026 → https://bit.ly/RetechNow

For enquiries, contact the secretariat at Persatuan Pengurusan Kompleks Malaysia (PPKM) / Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, A608, 6th Floor, Block A (Lobby No. 2), No 1, Jalan SS 20/27, Damansara Intan, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. T: 603-7727 6202 / 603-7727 6232, E: secretariat@ppkm.org.my

Event Poster

RetailTech+ 2026 official poster — Empowering the Future of Retail through People & Technology, 15 October 2026, MITEC Kuala Lumpur
RetailTech+ 2026 — Empowering the Future of Retail through People & Technology