Budget Talk 2026 – Insights from MRCA Industry Leaders presented by AFO Radio and McMillan Woods Worldwide

McMillan Woods Worldwide, in collaboration with AFO Radio through its flagship programme – The Daily MAG Show, hosted an exclusive Budget 2026 discussion featuring two distinguished guests from the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA): Mr. Henry Low, Managing Director of Spectrum Outdoors and Dato’ Liew Bin, Deputy President of MRCA. The two sessions explored how the government’s new fiscal strategies are expected to impact Malaysia’s media, advertising and retail sectors, as well as the broader implications for national economic growth.

Media & Advertising Outlook: Insights from Mr. Henry Low

Representing the media and billboard advertising sector, Mr. Henry Low provided an in-depth analysis of how Budget 2026 will impact the outdoor advertising and digital media ecosystem.

He highlighted key areas including:

• The expected regulatory adjustments affecting billboard placements, licensing and compliance requirements.
• Potential government incentives for digital transformation, which may accelerate the adoption of data-driven advertising technologies.
• The influence of budget allocations on infrastructure development, particularly in high-growth economic zones where advertising demand is projected to rise.

Mr. Henry emphasised that Budget 2026 encourages innovation within the advertising industry, calling for businesses to adapt to evolving consumer behaviours while leveraging modern display technologies.

Retail Sector Perspective: Insights from Dato’ Liew Bin

From the retail industry viewpoint, Dato Liew Bin addressed the challenges and opportunities retailers may face under Budget 2026.

Key areas, Dato’ Liew Bin discussed include:

• The role of consumer spending patterns in shaping retail growth  as the budget introduces new policies to strengthen purchasing power.
• The importance of digitalisation, omnichannel presence, and supply chain resilience, especially for SMEs navigating a competitive market.
• How Budget 2026 can enhance business confidence through targeted allocations for domestic trade, SME empowerment, and innovation.

Dato’ Liew Bin also touched on the government’s strategic push for Visit Malaysia 2026, noting that the initiative will stimulate increased footfall in retail zones, boost tourism-linked spending and expand opportunities for local brands to engage international visitors. He stressed that retailers must prepare early to capture the momentum created by this nationwide campaign.

Encouraging Cross-Industry Dialogue

The Budget 2026 radio talk session offered an insightful platform for cross-industry discussion — bridging the perspectives of media, advertising, and retail. Both speakers underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability as Malaysia continues to move toward a more digitally advanced and globally competitive economy.

McMillan Woods remains committed to supporting thought leadership initiatives that strengthen industry awareness, empower businesses and contribute to national development.