Malaysia is set to take the lead in Southeast Asia’s digital future when it hosts its inaugural international event, the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25), this September. This international expo will spotlight Malaysia’s growing role in driving artificial intelligence (AI)-led urban development—prioritising the well-being of the rakyat while promoting sustainable, inclusive growth with Asean neighbours.
SCEKL25 marks the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress and is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital through its agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and welcome more than 10,000 visitors from 17 to 19 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Malaysia’s minister of digital, Gobind Singh Deo, said the initiative provides a strategic platform for technology providers and AI-focused smart city solution players, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for digital innovation.
“At its core, SCEKL25 is about accelerating a new urban vision—one that is green, efficient, and inclusive, with the rakyat at the heart of every innovation,” Gobind said in a statement.
“As Asean chair, Malaysia continues to lay strong foundations for AI-driven, people-centric cities across the region. SCEKL25 supports this mission by aligning with national initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, regional collaborations through the Asean Smart Cities Network, and Malaysia’s aspiration to become a smart nation by 2040,” he added.
“SCEKL25 amplifies these efforts by positioning Malaysia—and Kuala Lumpur in particular—as a rising hub for smart city innovation and digital transformation in Southeast Asia. This leadership is timely, as the region’s digital economy is projected to reach US$1 trillion in gross merchandise value by 2030, driven by rapid urbanisation and a dynamic, tech-savvy workforce,” he said.
Under the Ministry of Digital, MDEC is currently leading the development of a smart city ecosystem through the AI Cities initiative by implementing targeted, high-impact pilots in selected cities across the country.
MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil, said, “Through SCEKL25, we are turning national ambitions and regional priorities into tangible urban transformation. From predictive traffic and road closure systems in Penang to smart traffic optimisation in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial intelligence in Sabah, Malaysia is paving the way for AI to become an everyday enabler of smarter, more connected lives.”
“Our smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious—delivering faster, more adaptive public services. With strong digital infrastructure to support inclusive growth, startups and SMEs will also be empowered to scale across borders,” he added.
He further explained that by building a collaborative ecosystem and advancing digital inclusion, Malaysia is shaping a future where the digital economy drives equality and shared prosperity.
“Anchored by MDEC’s commitment to accelerating high-value digital innovation, AI Cities will serve as the nexus of policy, innovation, and public purpose—propelling Malaysia towards its vision of becoming a leading AI nation,” Anuar said.
Digital Nasional Berhad CEO, Azman Ismail, said that hosting SCEKL25 presents both strategic opportunities and broad national benefits.
“SCEKL25 will raise Malaysia’s global profile in smart city innovation, while driving economic growth through business tourism and foreign investment,” he said. “More than just an expo, it will be a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and policy development—bringing together global leaders to tackle urban challenges and shape smarter, more sustainable cities.”
“By showcasing breakthrough technologies, smart infrastructure, and future-ready mobility solutions, SCEKL25 will help cities move towards a better, more inclusive future—where innovation serves both people and the planet,” he added.
Held under the theme ‘AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future’, SCEKL25 will take place from 17 to 19 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. For more information, visit www.smartcityexpokl.com.
Source: Digital News Asia (DNA)
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