Malaysia is set to host the inaugural Southeast Asia Smart City Expo.

      Malaysia is set to host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25), marking the inaugural edition of Southeast Asia's version of the internationally recognized Smart City Expo World Congress Barcelona. This significant event will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center and aims to establish the country as a leading center for smart city innovation, digital advancement, and sustainable urban development.

      Scheduled for September 17 to 19, 2025, SCEKL25 will feature the theme “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future,” which embodies Malaysia’s ambitious goal of creating intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments utilizing advanced technologies. Co-organized by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for the Ministry of Digital, the Expo aims to unite global leaders, investors, tech innovators, and policymakers to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming urban life in ASEAN.

      With four key pillars—AI Cities, Sustainable and Resilient Cities, Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, and Community Empowerment through Digital Solutions—SCEKL25 highlights Malaysia’s pivotal role in promoting smart city development and aligns with the national goal of becoming a Smart Nation by 2040 as stated in the Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP4).

      “SCEKL25 marks a significant advancement in Malaysia’s goal of becoming a primary digital hub in the region. It fosters transformative discussions about the future of urban innovation. As ASEAN's digital economy is poised for rapid growth, this Expo provides a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies and engage in meaningful conversations about how AI and digital transformation will influence future cities,” stated Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.

      Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, echoed these sentiments, describing SCEKL25 as a driving force for the smart city movement in Southeast Asia. "This initiative underlines our country's dedication to leading the region in creating intelligent, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities driven by AI—where technology enhances human capability and fuels urban transformation," he remarked.

      Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB, mentioned, "As we approach SCEKL25, DNB is honored to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s ambitions for smart and AI-driven urban development through our comprehensive 5G network. This next-generation connectivity is essential for innovation, enabling real-time data exchange, intelligent systems, and sustainable urban solutions that will shape the cities of the future."

      With Malaysia currently holding the ASEAN Chairmanship, SCEKL25 is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025, enhancing physical, institutional, and inter-personal connections across the region. The event aims to attract over 2,000 delegates and 10,000 visitors, encompassing international participants and stimulating trade, foreign investment, and cross-border collaborations.

      Additionally, the event revealed its key partners, which include Diamond Partners Dell Technologies and Intel, Official Innovation Partner Huawei, and Gold Partner Ericsson. Strategic partners such as the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance (MSCA), Smart Cities Network, and the Malaysia PropTech Association further showcase the industry’s strong adherence and collective commitment to advancing smart city innovation and digital transformation in both Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region.

      For further details, please visit: https://www.smartcityexpokl.com/