Not too long ago, a company secretary in Malaysia was seen largely as an administrator — someone who kept records in order, ensured documents were filed on time, and stayed in the background of boardroom affairs. That picture has changed entirely.
In upcoming years, the company secretary will have become one of the most trusted figures in corporate Malaysia. No longer limited to clerical duties, they are now at the heart of how companies are run — offering guidance to directors, ensuring governance standards are upheld, and helping organisations navigate a complex web of compliance, ethics, and digital expectations.
This shift did not happen overnight. It stems from years of tightening regulations, the growing weight of investor confidence, and a broader call for accountability across all sectors. As businesses adopt technology and sustainability becomes a boardroom priority, the company secretary’s insight and judgement carry more influence than ever before.
This article looks at how the role has evolved, the pressures and opportunities that shape it today, and what companies in Malaysia must understand to make the most of this vital position.
What is the Current Role of a Company Secretary in Malaysia in 2025?
Under Section 235 of the Companies Act 2016, every company in Malaysia must appoint a qualified company secretary registered with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
However, the role’s function in 2025 extends far beyond statutory compliance. The modern company secretary acts as a bridge between the board, management, regulators, and shareholders, ensuring decisions align with both legal obligations and long-term business strategy.
Key Responsibilities of a Company Secretary in Malaysia
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Corporate Governance | Advising the board on best governance practices and ensuring ethical standards are maintained. |
| Compliance Oversight | Ensuring timely lodgement of returns, filings, and adherence to the Companies Act. |
| Board Support | Managing board meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining accurate minutes. |
| Stakeholder Communication | Acting as the communication link between directors, regulators, and shareholders. |
| Strategic Advisory | Guiding the board on risk management, ESG compliance, and corporate restructuring. |
How Has the Company Secretary Evolved from Compliance Officer to Strategic Advisor?
Over the past decade, the role of the company secretary in Malaysia has grown far beyond the confines of statutory compliance. Once viewed mainly as the officer who ensured forms were filed and registers maintained, the modern company secretary has become an indispensable part of corporate strategy and governance.
In 2026, the position carries real influence within the boardroom. Company secretaries are now involved in shaping policy, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring that governance frameworks keep pace with both regulatory expectations and market realities. They act as the connecting bridge between the board, management, and regulators — translating legal obligations into practical guidance that supports long-term business objectives.
Boards today look to their company secretaries for more than procedural assurance. They rely on their judgement to interpret complex rules, evaluate risks, and anticipate how evolving laws or governance trends could affect corporate strategy. In many ways, the company secretary has become a strategic advisor — helping businesses balance compliance responsibilities with forward-thinking decision-making.
This evolution reflects a broader shift in how governance is perceived. Across global markets, strong governance is now recognised not as an administrative burden but as a pillar of resilience and trust. Malaysia’s corporate landscape has followed suit, elevating the company secretary from a background figure to a visible, respected voice in shaping sustainable business success.
What Digital Trends are Reshaping Governance and Compliance in Malaysia?
The digitalisation of corporate governance is one of the most significant transformations influencing company secretaries today. From virtual board meetings to electronic document management, technology is changing how governance is executed.
Digital Tools Commonly Used by Malaysia’s Company Secretaries
| Technology | Function | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Management Platforms | Automates statutory filings and document tracking. | Reduces administrative workload and error risk. |
| Board Portals | Securely distribute board materials and manage minutes. | Enhances efficiency and communication. |
| E-Signatures | Enables remote signing of official documents. | Speeds up approval processes. |
| Governance Analytics | Tracks compliance performance and risk exposure. | Supports data-driven decision-making. |
As businesses adopt remote and hybrid work models, company secretaries are responsible for ensuring that digital governance practices comply with the Companies Act and data protection laws such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Why is ESG Compliance Becoming a Core Part of the Company Secretary’s Duties in Malaysia?
The rise of ESG reporting and sustainability standards has transformed how organisations operate. Investors and regulators now expect companies to demonstrate ethical, social, and environmental accountability.
Company secretaries play a vital role in this transition — ensuring that sustainability objectives are integrated into board discussions and that reports meet regulatory expectations.
In recent years, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations have moved from being a corporate trend to a core measure of business integrity. The modern company secretary in Malaysia now plays a critical role in ensuring that ESG values are not just discussed at the board level but translated into measurable actions.
Role of the Company Secretary in ESG Compliance
| ESG Area | Role of the Company Secretary |
|---|---|
| Environmental | Works closely with management to monitor carbon-reduction commitments, ensure accurate sustainability reporting, and verify that environmental disclosure standards are properly met. |
| Social | Guides the board on policies concerning employee welfare, workplace diversity, and community involvement, ensuring that social initiatives align with corporate values and national expectations. |
| Governance | Strengthens transparency through clear reporting structures, promotes ethical business conduct, and oversees anti-corruption and whistle-blowing frameworks. |
By 2026, a company’s ESG track record will carry increasing weight with investors, regulators, and the public alike. In this environment, the company secretary’s role becomes indispensable. Their ability to embed ethical practices, ensure accurate disclosures, and uphold accountability directly supports long-term trust and corporate credibility.
Which Regulatory Changes are Most Impactful for 2026 in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s regulatory environment continues to evolve rapidly. Company secretaries must remain alert to legislative updates, particularly those impacting governance, transparency, and digital compliance.
Key Areas of Focus in 2025 Were:
| Regulatory Area | Focus for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Data Protection (PDPA) | Strengthened rules around personal data handling and cybersecurity. |
| Anti-Corruption (MACC Act) | Enhanced corporate liability under Section 17A for corruption offences. |
| Tax Governance (LHDN) | New reporting obligations on beneficial ownership and cross-border taxation. |
| Digital Filings (SSM) | Broader use of e-lodgement systems and electronic submissions. |
These reforms require company secretaries to be proactive in compliance monitoring and to adopt a forward-looking governance approach.
How do Company Secretaries Manage Governance in Hybrid Work Environments in Malaysia?
Remote and hybrid work models are now integral to corporate operations. For company secretaries, this has meant rethinking how governance is conducted securely and efficiently across virtual platforms.
Challenges and Best Practices
| Challenge | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Maintaining confidentiality online | Utilise encrypted communication tools and secure board portals. |
| Managing cross-border meetings | Adopt virtual meeting protocols with detailed audit trails. |
| Ensuring documentation accuracy | Maintain digital minutes and secure document archives. |
While flexibility is a key benefit of hybrid operations, it also demands robust cybersecurity awareness and disciplined governance management. The company secretary’s ability to adapt and innovate has become vital to maintaining business continuity.
What Key Challenges do Company Secretaries Face in 2026 in Malaysia?
While the position has gained influence, it has also become more demanding. Below are some of the most pressing challenges facing company secretaries today:
Challenges, Descriptions, and Approaches
| Challenge | Description | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Change | Rapid legal updates require constant learning. | Attend professional courses and leverage compliance platforms. |
| Stakeholder Expectations | Balancing diverse demands from investors, regulators, and employees. | Develop strong communication and conflict management skills. |
| Cybersecurity Risks | Protecting confidential board data from breaches. | Work closely with IT teams and ensure compliance with the PDPA. |
| Globalisation | Managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions. | Partner with international governance experts or firms like 3E Accounting. |
The profession now demands adaptability, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
Why is the Company Secretary Considered a Corporate Powerhouse Today?
The company secretary’s transformation from an administrative officer to a corporate strategist reflects the profession’s growing influence. Today’s secretaries sit at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics — ensuring that every corporate decision aligns with Malaysia’s governance expectations.
Their role strengthens board accountability, enhances investor trust, and safeguards the company’s reputation. In essence, the company secretary of 2026 embodies professionalism, foresight, and leadership in governance.
Conclusion
The company secretary in Malaysia is no longer just a compliance officer. Today, the role is central to governance, guiding boards, supporting ethical practices, and helping businesses respond effectively to a complex regulatory and digital environment.
With growing expectations from regulators, investors, and stakeholders, company secretaries must combine legal knowledge, practical insight, and strategic judgment to support sustainable business growth.
3E Accounting Malaysia offers expert company secretarial services to help your business meet these demands efficiently and confidently, ensuring compliance while supporting long-term success.
The Evolving Company Secretary Role in Malaysia 2026
Discover how company secretaries are becoming strategic advisors, digital leaders, and ESG champions in Malaysia by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Through continuous professional development, industry seminars, and leveraging legal tech tools for monitoring regulatory changes.
Digital governance improves efficiency, enables secure communication, reduces administrative workload, and supports strategic board decision-making.
Extremely important; company secretaries must ensure compliance with PDPA, GDPR, and other data protection laws while safeguarding corporate information.
Yes, they will provide guidance on governance, risk, and regulatory compliance, influencing board-level strategic decisions.
Yes, modern company secretaries oversee ESG reporting, track sustainability initiatives, and ensure adherence to environmental and social standards
Strong governance ensures transparency, mitigates risks, strengthens investor trust, and supports sustainable business growth.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
