EIC 2026: EIC Forum Examines Youth Preparedness for Malaysia’s Ageing Nation Status

By, Mohamad Zahirulhaq

GOMBAK, 17 October 2026: The Economics Intervarsity Carnival (EIC) 2026 hosted the EIC Forum titled “Are Malaysian Youth Ready for an Ageing Society?” at Lecture Theatre 1, KENMS, IIUM Gombak, running from 8 am to 5 pm. The session addressed the urgent challenges of Malaysia’s transition into an ageing nation and questioned whether current youths are financially and socially prepared for the future.  

The discussion highlighted that Malaysia is ageing rapidly, with 12 out of 16 states already crossing the 7% ageing threshold by 2025. Failure to act risks severe economic and healthcare burdens. Currently, 42% of household heads aged 65 and above live in relative poverty. Meanwhile, over half of active formal workers earn below RM3,000 monthly leaving only 38.9% on track to achieve EPF’s Basic Savings benchmark of RM390,000. 

People nowadays prefer to live for “TODAY” rather than be prepared for “TOMORROW”. To counter the “YOLO” mindset and present bias such as choosing a daily RM15 treat over long-term savings that grow through compounding. The speakers urged students to plan for Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). Making mandatory 11% EPF contributions, starting early, avoiding early fund leakages, and adopting smart saving habits were highlighted as necessary steps to avoid severe financial strain later in life.  

Beyond personal finance, the forum warned of the collapsing traditional care model. Youths face the reality of the “sandwich generation,” trapped between caring for ageing parents and supporting their own families amid high private nursing costs. Panelists concluded that youths must cultivate proactive healthcare habits, build multiple income streams, and take charge of retirement planning today to age with dignity tomorrow. ***