Themed ‘Bijak Labur Hidup Makmur’, ISF returns this year in its 12th instalment.

ISF 2025 is held in conjunction with the Financial Education Network’s (FEN) Financial Literacy Month. This follows the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2026–2030 (NSFL 2026-2030) that was recently launched by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

NSFL 2026-2030 aims to equip Malaysians with the skills to manage money wisely, safeguard against financial shocks, and prepare for long-term stability. This will enable them to make informed financial decisions as well as the ability to access financial products and services with confidence.

ISF 2025 is aligned with the NSFL 2026 – 2030’s strategic priorities, particularly in encouraging investment for wealth creation.

Rising Trend in Scam Complaints

Financial literacy and investor protection remain pressing national concerns. In 2024, the SC received 3,602 public complaints and enquiries on unlicensed activities and scams, a 100% increase from 2020.

For the first six months of 2025, the SC has already recorded 2,039 public complaints and enquiries on unlicensed activities and scams, up about 51% compared to the same 2024 period.

The SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said that due to the ever-evolving nature of scams driven by technology, Malaysians must equip themselves with the right knowledge and skills to stay alert.

“While the SC and other enforcement agencies are strengthening our detection and enforcement capabilities, the public must also play an active role in ensuring the legitimacy of investments. Hence, they ought to verify investment opportunities before committing,” he said.

“Initiatives such as InvestSmart® Fest raise awareness to help investors detect red flags. This is done via various interactive sessions and talks that highlight common scam tactics,” he added.

Visitors will also learn how to detect and identify characteristics of scams and ways to verify if an investment opportunity is legitimate by using the Investment Checker portal made available on the SC’s website.

The SC is currently a member of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), which groups most enforcement and regulatory bodies to strengthen the country's scam response mechanism. Through the NSRC, the SC plays a key role in addressing capital market-related fraud.

InvestSmart® Fest 2025 (ISF 2025)

Open to the public at Hall 3, Midvalley Convention Centre (MVEC) in Kuala Lumpur, ISF 2025 will feature panel sessions, fireside chats, interactive exhibitions and over 45 exhibitors showcasing capital market products and services.

Visitors can also sign up for free one-on-one financial planning services under the #FinPlan4u with over 500 sessions available.

An anti-scam zone will also feature the #JanganKenaScam initiative and NSRC. This zone will serve as a central point for visitors to learn about the latest scam tactics, how they operate, and ways to safeguard themselves against such threats.

Entry to ISF 2025 is free. The event is open from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm during the three days.

For more details, visit www.investsmartsc.my and follow InvestSmart® on all official social media platforms.