Key Takeaways
- The Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 attracted 10,700 participants, focusing on digital innovation for ASEAN cities.
- Significant partnerships were formed to enhance AI and digital frameworks, including collaborations with major tech firms.
- A dedicated AI Cities Network and Playbook were established to foster ongoing regional cooperation and development.
Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 Highlights
The Ministry of Digital in Malaysia hosted the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL 2025) from September 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. The event gathered city leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators to collaboratively shape the digital future of ASEAN. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship and the goals outlined in the AI Nation 2030 vision.
With 10,700 participants from across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region, Kuala Lumpur has established itself as a central hub for discussions on AI and digital transformation. Delegates from 28 ASEAN cities participated, underscoring the expo’s importance as a platform for regional collaboration. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo noted the event’s critical role in furthering a people-first digital agenda.
The expo featured 146 speakers and 126 exhibitors covering vital topics like AI, digital governance, and citizen-focused innovation. Notably, business matching sessions facilitated MYR414.68 million in export opportunities, while the AI Cities Pitch Lab showcased practical solutions from eight ASEAN cities, emphasizing readiness for future challenges.
Several significant collaborations were announced, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Smart City Alliance Association (MSCA), Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) aimed at enhancing AI Cities frameworks. In a separate agreement, DNB and Ericsson partnered to introduce a 21st Century Technologies Education Program designed to upskill Malaysia’s civil service. Additionally, a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) aims to create a national AI Cities platform that will integrate advanced technologies for efficient urban management.
Another noteworthy initiative involved MDEC collaborating with Dell Malaysia for advanced Climate AI prediction capabilities in George Town, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The City Leaders Roundtable established an AI Cities Network, focusing on developing an AI Cities Playbook and forming a dedicated working group to maintain regional momentum.
The Ministry of Digital emphasizes that SCEKL 2025’s success reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in the ASEAN digital ecosystem, enhancing the country’s transition toward inclusive, smart, and sustainable urban frameworks.
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