Key Takeaways
- Malaysia will host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 from September 17-19, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in digital innovation.
- The event will feature over 2,000 delegates and focus on AI-driven urban development for sustainable growth.
- It aligns with Malaysia’s vision to become a smart nation by 2040, promoting collaboration and technological advancements across the region.
Malaysia to Host Pioneering Smart City Expo
Malaysia is poised to become a leader in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape with the upcoming Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25), taking place from September 17 to 19. This inaugural event emphasizes Malaysia’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable urban development. The expo is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors and more than 2,000 delegates, showcasing the nation’s role as a driving force behind innovative city solutions that prioritize the well-being of its citizens (rakyat).
The Ministry of Digital, along with its agencies—Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad—spearheads SCEKL25, which is the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally recognized Smart City Expo World Congress. Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, highlighted that this event serves as a critical platform for technology providers, offering opportunities for AI-led developments. He noted that “SCEKL25 is about accelerating a new urban vision—one that is green, efficient, and inclusive.”
As the chair of ASEAN, Malaysia continues to lay the groundwork for AI-powered, citizen-focused cities in the region. SCEKL25 supports this by aligning with initiatives such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and regional cooperation through the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. The Minister further outlined that the expo positions Kuala Lumpur as a vital hub for digital innovation, with the Southeast Asian digital economy projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030.
MDEC is actively developing a smart city ecosystem through its AI Cities initiative, which includes high-impact pilot projects in various Malaysian cities. MDEC’s CEO, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, emphasized that SCEKL25 transforms national ambitions into actionable urban change. These projects aim to improve public services and empower startups to scale their operations across borders.
Digital Nasional Berhad’s CEO, Azman Ismail, remarked that hosting SCEKL25 offers significant strategic advantages, elevating Malaysia’s global standing in smart city innovation. The event is expected to stimulate economic growth through business tourism and foreign investment while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst global leaders.
Themed ‘AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future,’ SCEKL25 not only presents breakthroughs in technology and infrastructure but also aims to create a sustainable, inclusive future where innovation serves the needs of both people and the planet. For more details, visit www.smartcityexpokl.com.
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