Malaysia to Host Inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia is set to host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) from September 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), marking the country’s first international event dedicated to smart cities and reinforcing its emerging role as a regional hub for AI-driven urban development.
The event, expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and more than 10,000 visitors, will serve as the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. It is being spearheaded by Malaysia’s Digital Ministry through its key agencies — the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized the strategic significance of SCEKL25 in advancing Malaysia’s position as a leader in 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,” he said in a statement issued Tuesday.
He noted that the expo supports Malaysia’s goals under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, aligns with ASEAN Smart Cities Network objectives, and complements the nation’s broader ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040.
As part of ongoing initiatives, MDEC is leading AI Cities pilot projects across selected areas in Malaysia. MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil stated that the expo will highlight Malaysia’s transition to a digitally connected society, with features such as predictive traffic systems in Penang, smart traffic optimisation in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial solutions in Sabah.
“Our smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious, delivering faster and more adaptive public services,” Anuar said. “With strong digital infrastructure, startups and SMEs will be empowered to scale regionally and globally.”
DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail noted that hosting SCEKL25 will also bring tangible economic benefits.
“The expo will elevate Malaysia’s global profile in smart city innovation while driving economic growth through business tourism and strategic foreign investment,” he remarked.
Held under the theme ‘AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future’, SCEKL25 will feature the latest in cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure solutions, and future-ready mobility systems aimed at fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.
The event is poised to become a milestone in Malaysia’s digital transformation journey, strengthening its position as a leading player in smart and sustainable urban development in the Asia-Pacific region.
