Malaysia to Lead ASEAN’s Digital Transformation with Smart City Expo KL 2025. Malaysia is set to take center stage in Southeast Asia’s digital evolution by hosting the inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) this September. Taking place from 17 to 19 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the international event will showcase Malaysia’s leadership in driving AI-powered urban development, putting people and sustainability at the core of smart city innovation.
SCEKL25 marks the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally recognized Smart City Expo World Congress. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital through its agencies, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the event is expected to gather over 2,000 delegates and attract more than 10,000 visitors. It will serve as a high-impact platform for global technology providers, AI-centric urban solution developers, and policymakers to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of smart cities across the ASEAN region.
Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo highlighted that SCEKL25 will accelerate Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a regional digital innovation hub. “This initiative supports our national vision of creating greener, more inclusive and efficient urban ecosystems — where technology uplifts the rakyat and ensures sustainable growth,” he said. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chair, the country is reinforcing its commitment to building AI-driven, people-centric cities, aligning closely with national blueprints such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, and its long-term ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040.
MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil emphasized that SCEKL25 will translate both national aspirations and regional priorities into actionable transformation. He pointed to existing AI-based projects such as predictive traffic and road management in Penang, smart traffic optimization in Kuala Lumpur, and AI-powered geospatial systems in Sabah as examples of how Malaysia is already building intelligent, connected cities. “Our vision is to deliver rakyat-first, planet-conscious services powered by strong digital infrastructure — enabling startups and SMEs to grow beyond borders,” he said.
Through the AI Cities initiative, MDEC is laying the groundwork for an integrated smart city ecosystem across Malaysia. These efforts are designed to catalyze innovation, support policy development, and promote inclusive digital growth — ensuring AI becomes a practical enabler in everyday life.
DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail added that hosting SCEKL25 offers Malaysia multifaceted benefits, including increased global visibility, foreign investment, and business tourism. “This expo is more than just a showcase of technology — it’s a knowledge-sharing hub and policy platform to shape more liveable, sustainable cities,” he noted. With its focus on future-ready mobility, intelligent infrastructure, and sustainable urban solutions, the event will serve as a springboard for smarter, more inclusive cities throughout the region.
Held under the theme “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future”, SCEKL25 will reflect Malaysia’s deep commitment to digital transformation and regional leadership. As Southeast Asia’s digital economy surges toward an estimated US$1 trillion by 2030, Malaysia’s hosting of this landmark event underscores its strategic position at the forefront of urban innovation.
For more details, visit www.smartcityexpokl.com.