Pacific Trustees hosts inaugural National Conference of Trust to spur growth of the trust ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 7): Pacific Trustees Group International (Pacific Trustees), through its subsidiaries Pacific Trustees Berhad and Pacific Trustees Islamic Berhad, will host its first ever National Conference of Trust as it sets out to boost the development of the trust industry in Malaysia.

With two sub-themes “Successful Preservation of Wealth Across Multiple Generations” and “The Significance of Family Offices’’, this landmark event will explore the pivotal role of trust as the bedrock of sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and effective governance in Malaysia.

Happening on Nov 12 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre, the conference is an epic gathering of industry heavyweights and brilliant minds, as they seek to develop the trust industry and its relevant ecosystem.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will officiate at the event, while Tan Sri Datuk Amar Steve Shim Lip Kiong, chairman of Pacific Trustees Berhad and retired Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, will present the welcoming address to the participants.

“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, complex global challenges, and increasing public scrutiny, the importance of trust in institutions, businesses, and governance has never been more critical. A thriving trust industry is an important component of the financial sector and will play a big role in enhancing nation building,” said Pacific Trustees Group chairman Paul Cheah.

“In conjunction with our 30th anniversary this year, we wanted to make a big impact by bringing together all the key players in the trust ecosystem. Together, we can make a larger impact for our clients, customers and stakeholders, and this will in turn boost the national economy.”

With a distinguished line-up of high profile speakers, the conference is a fusion of thought- provoking discussions and groundbreaking ideas, with specific focus on key developments related to wealth preservation, estate planning and tax implications of tax structures.

The conference will feature knowledge matter experts such as Dato Sri Idris Jala, president and CEO of Pemandu Associates; Datuk Iskandar Mohd Nuli, executive chairman cum CEO of Labuan IBFC Incorporated; and Datuk Stewart Labrooy, executive chairman of Area Management Sdn Bhd and chairman Alpha REIT Sdn Bhd.

The conference will serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, legal experts, and stakeholders to engage in intellectual discourse, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for wealth management, including wealth creation, preservation, and the strategic use of trust structures.

The conference will also delve into the intricacies of estate planning, wealth management, and tax structures, with particular attention on the newly introduced tax incentive that positions Family Offices in Forest City to benefit from a 0 per cent tax rate.

“The introduction of such forward-thinking policies presents a timely opportunity for family offices and high-net-worth individuals to explore how these incentives can complement trust structures for optimal wealth preservation,” said Cheah.

Other distinguished speakers include Dr Mari-Len Ngu, managing director and CEO, Global Private Clients, Pacific Trustees Labuan Limited; Syakh Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad, shariah consultant, Lote Tree Consultancy; Ho Sing Foong, head of Equity & Commodity Derivatives, Maybank Investment Bank; Edward Cheah, director and head of Private Wealth Division, Pacific Trustees Berhad; Kevin Li, chief financial officer, Country Garden Malaysia and Singapore; Sam Yeow, associate director, KPMG Malaysia; Andy Ng Yen Heng, president of Malaysian Financial Planning Council; Irene Yong, partner at Shearn Delamore; Manshan Singh, partner at Skrine; Istee Cheah, partner at Wong & Partners; Muhammad Aiman Mohamad Salmi, director/principal consultant, Tawafuq Consultancy Sdn Bhd; James Ong, managing director, Southeast Asia Business, Value Partners Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd; and Jody Goh, senior manager (Commercial & Product), Hata Digital Sdn. Bhd.

Pacific Trustees is a 30-year-old award-winning regional trust company with presence in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Labuan, and Hong Kong, and has provided trust services to more than 316 bonds and sukuk issuers in the market, with a total fund size of about RM697 billion in nominal value.

Those interested to attend the conference can book their tickets here.