WSSF 2025 at KLCC: Setting a New Global Benchmark in Social Security Innovation
From 29 September to 3 October 2025, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) became the heartbeat of the global social security community. The World Social Security Forum (WSSF) — the International Social Security Association’s (ISSA) flagship event — unfolded across our halls in an edition that many delegates described as the most dynamic, most immersive and most globally resonant forum in ISSA’s history.
Co-hosted by Malaysia’s Social Security Organization (PERKESO) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and supported by Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP) and Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU-JPM), WSSF 2025 brought together more than 2,000 delegates from 133 countries, transforming KLCC into a thriving ecosystem of ideas, innovation and international collaboration.
The forum also hosted the 35th ISSA General Assembly, reinforcing governance and strategic decision-making for the association. With high-level participation including cabinet ministers, the forum highlighted Malaysia’s progressive social security reforms, particularly in areas such as psychological wellbeing of employees, gig economy workers, and inclusive protection coverage. KLCC’s iconic location at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers, state-of-the-art facilities, on-site hotels catering to 5–6 nights of stay for over 2,000 delegates, and expertly designed function halls were pivotal in delivering a seamless, high-impact conference experience.
ISSA is the world’s leading association for social security institutions. Its mission is to promote excellence in social security administration through global standards, capacity building and knowledge exchange. ISSA supports members in designing systems that are inclusive, sustainable and resilient to demographic, economic and technological shifts.
This edition of WSSF stands out as a global benchmark for future forums, combining scale, innovation, high-level engagement, and world-class venue support to set new standards in social security knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
First-ever Malaysian hosting with unprecedented government involvement
This was the first time WSSF was hosted in Malaysia, and it featured a historic level of high-level participation. The National Plenary brought together the Minister of Human Resources, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Minister of Health and Minister of Digital. This widened the policy lens to include youth, athletes, gig workers, digital and next-generation workforce risks.
Record attendance and global representation
More than 2,000 delegates from 133 countries made WSSF 2025 one of the most widely attended in ISSA’s history.
Programme innovation
WSSF 2025 introduced a highly curated and innovative programme, designed to provide delegates with both strategic insights and practical tools for advancing social security systems globally. This edition stood out from previous forums by integrating high-profile governance sessions, thematic plenaries, hands-on workshops, and interactive innovation showcases.
This multi-layered programme design, combining plenary thought leadership, innovation showcases, awards, and skill-based workshops, reinforced WSSF 2025’s position as the benchmark edition for future forums, demonstrating both Malaysia’s forward-thinking policies and KLCC’s capability to deliver complex, multi-track, high-profile events.
Malaysia’s Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman was re-elected ISSA President, marking a rare back-to-back tenure and signalling global confidence in Malaysia’s vision.
WSSF 2025 became a powerful endorsement of Malaysia’s position as a leader in modern social protection. Delegations viewed the destination not just as a host, but as a living example of how social security systems can evolve to meet emerging societal needs.
Malaysia’s progressive reforms that aligned with ISSA’s global agenda.
Malaysia’s Self-Employment Social Security Scheme and newly approved Gig Workers law is among the world’s most comprehensive national-level protections for gig workers, covering delivery riders, e-hailing drivers, freelancers and digital platform earners.
Malaysia’s social security institutions have embedded mental health services, psychosocial counselling and Return-to-Work rehabilitation into mainstream delivery, creating a holistic protection ecosystem admired by international observers.
Recent reforms broadened access to micro-entrepreneurs, part-time workers and persons with disabilities, aligning with ISSA’s push for inclusive and adaptive systems.
Malaysia’s leadership in automated claims, AI-driven service delivery and digital contribution management resonated strongly with the forum’s emphasis on innovation.
These advancements gave Malaysia credible bragging rights and positioned Kuala Lumpur as an ideal platform for setting the next chapter of global social protection priorities.
Deputy Chief Executive (Strategy & Corporate)
Social Security Organization (PERKESO)
What Our Client Say
"WSSF 2025 marked a defining moment for the global social security community and hosting it in Kuala Lumpur played a meaningful part in that success. Our long-standing relationship with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has always given us confidence, and once again the venue proved why it remains our choice for high-stakes international gatherings. Its iconic location at the foot of the Twin Towers creates a sense of authentic heritage appeal for delegates of how Malaysia has developed, while its direct access to multiple hotels of various categories made it possible to accommodate more than 2,000 guests for nearly a week without logistical strain.
Beyond the setting, what truly mattered was the team’s expertise and the way the halls were designed to support a multi-track, innovation-led programme. KLCC matched the scale, complexity and expectations of an event of this nature, and their partnership played a central role in delivering a forum that exceeded global standards."
