Global financial and non-financial reporting is undergoing a transformation. As digital standards like XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) replace outdated legacy systems, company secretaries in Malaysia and around the world are facing increasing pressure to modernize their compliance processes. Simultaneously, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is becoming a critical corporate obligation. The future of corporate reporting is integrated, digital, and data-driven—and company secretaries stand at the helm of this evolution. 

In Malaysia, the MBRS 2.0 mandate has become a defining moment. With expanded filing obligations under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), secretarial firms must shift from traditional methods to intelligent, automated tools. At the same time, they must prepare for a future where ESG disclosures become as mandatory and structured as financial reports. 

The Global Shift: From Legacy to Digital 

Across the globe, governments and regulators are ditching manual, document-based filings in favor of XBRL-based digital reporting. Here’s why: 

• Standardization: XBRL ensures data comparability, enabling regulators and investors to analyze large volumes of information efficiently. 

• Transparency: It enhances data transparency and auditability. 

• Accuracy: Automated validations minimize human errors. 

• Speed: Filings can be processed faster, cutting down reporting timelines. 

Countries like India, the United States, the UK, South Africa, Japan, and the EU member states are already implementing or expanding XBRL frameworks. This global shift indicates not just a trend, but a fundamental evolution in how businesses communicate with regulators and stakeholders. 

Malaysia is no exception. With the roll-out of MBRS 2.0, the transition is underway—and company secretaries in Malaysia must adapt swiftly. 

MBRS 2.0: The Time for Action is Now for Company Secretaries in Malaysia 

Why MBRS 2.0 Demands Immediate Attention 

The MBRS (Malaysian Business Reporting System) framework now covers more reports, requires faster filing, and demands higher accuracy. The challenge? Many company secretaries in Malaysia are still manually keying in and preparing reports, often spending two man-days per XBRL filing, risking costly errors and regulatory penalties. 

The Challenges for Company Secretaries in Malaysia 

1. Heavy Filing Workload: Secretarial firms handle hundreds of clients—manual tagging quickly becomes unsustainable. 

1. Seasonal Spikes: Filing periods create staff shortages and burnout. 

1. Outsourcing Risks: Even if outsourced, compliance responsibility still lies with the firm. 

1. Training Costs: Hiring temps during peak seasons leads to quality issues and higher operational overhead. 

IRIS Instant: The Future-Proof Solution for MBRS 2.0 

Enter IRIS Instant, an AI-powered XBRL tagging and compliance automation platform designed specifically for Company Secretarial Firms and Company Secretaries in Malaysia. 

Why IRIS Instant? 

• Fully Automated XBRL Tagging: From PDF to XBRL in minutes. 

• Smart Review Interface: Compare PDF and XBRL side-by-side. 

• AI-ML Accuracy: Learns from your inputs to auto-suggest correct tags over time. 

• Expert Validation Services: Opt for human review to ensure 100% accuracy. 

• Secure Cloud-Based Platform: Allows multiple users to collaborate simultaneously. 

Fastest MBRS XBRL Tagging Tool

Powered by the same XBRL validation engine used in MBRS mTool and mPortal, IRIS Instant is an officially aligned and efficient platform for MBRS 2.0 compliance. 

IRIS: Your Global RegTech Partner 

IRIS Business Services is a global RegTech leader with: 

• 23+ years of experience in regulatory and financial reporting 

• Clients in 54+ countries 

• 6,500+ enterprises onboarded 

• 31.5+ million XBRL filings processed globally 

• Active XBRL International member 

• Multiple awards including “Best RegTech” by Central Banking London 2024 

In Malaysia, IRIS has: 

• Co-developed the MBRS taxonomy 

• Powered the MBRS mTool and mPortal validation engines 

• Delivered trusted support services to SSM and the Securities Commission 

• Launched MyeInvois for e-invoicing with LHDN 

IRIS is not just a vendor. It’s your partner in compliance innovation. 

The Next Frontier: ESG Reporting 

Just as XBRL revolutionized financial reporting, ESG disclosures are the next domain ripe for transformation. 

Why ESG is Becoming Mandatory 

• Investor Pressure: Stakeholders are demanding greater transparency on sustainability performance. 

• Regulatory Trends: EU’s CSRD, ISSB’s IFRS S1 and S2 standards, and GRI are becoming the norm. 

• Global Alignment: Governments are aligning ESG disclosures with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

As Malaysia matures in XBRL reporting, ESG disclosures will soon follow. Already, regulators are considering structured data submissions for non-financial reports. 

Why Company Secretaries in Malaysia Must Be Ready 

Company Secretaries in Malaysia and must not only ensure accurate, timely MBRS 2.0 compliance—but also lay the foundation for future ESG compliance. Here’s how MBRS readiness sets you up for ESG: 

The systems, practices, and platforms you use today will directly influence your readiness for ESG mandates tomorrow. 

The journey from MBRS compliance to ESG leadership starts with one smart step—automating your XBRL filings with IRIS Instant. 

As global compliance requirements continue to evolve, company secretaries in Malaysia will play an increasingly strategic role. By embracing platforms like IRIS Instant, you’re not just ticking a regulatory box- you’re future-proofing your firm for a world of intelligent, integrated, and impactful reporting.