Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has launched a new Digital Asset Innovation Hub as part of the Sasana Symposium 2025.

The initiative aims to stimulate financial innovation in a controlled environment where applicants can test new financial solutions and provide input to refine regulatory and security frameworks.

The two-day event, held at Sasana Kijang on 17 and 18 June, brings together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society to explore reforms needed to build a more resilient Malaysia.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch of the hub, which is designed to support the development of digital assets and financial technology in the country.

The focus includes programmable money and a ringgit-backed stablecoin, according to the Prime Minister.

No additional details were provided at the time of launch, and the Fintech News Malaysia team will be reaching out to Bank Negara Malaysia for more information on the hub.

Another key initiative launched during the event was the Climate Finance Innovation Lab, led by the Joint Committee on Climate Change.

Themed “Structural Reforms: Building a Resilient Malaysia,” the symposium features 23 sessions, including panel discussions, fireside chats and workshops, covering topics such as inflation, the cost of living, social protection, healthcare costs, digital assets, and climate finance.

The event also includes Bazar iTEKAD, where 14 of over 10,000 microentrepreneurs who have benefited from the iTEKAD social finance programme are showcasing their products.

The programme offers blended financing and structured training to help small business owners scale their operations.

In line with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship next year, the symposium also hosts an immersive ASEAN Tunnel exhibition featuring sight and sound, highlighting BNM’s efforts to support ASEAN’s climate goals, promote instant payment connectivity, and strengthen local currency transactions.

BNM Governor Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said,

“Structural reforms are not something one institution or individual can tackle alone. It requires a whole-of-nation approach. Reforms and policies are not mere ideas on paper. They can make a real difference in the everyday lives of Malaysians.

Through panel sessions, fireside chats and workshops, we share not only what we do, but why we do it. From topics like financial literacy and digital assets, to climate finance and even healthcare reforms, these are the building blocks of a stronger, more resilient Malaysia.”

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by mkmult via Freepik