Malaysia to Host Smart City Expo KL 2025, Leading ASEAN’s AI-Driven Urban Future. Malaysia is poised to become a key driver in Southeast Asia’s digital transformation as it prepares to host the inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) this September. This landmark event will spotlight Malaysia’s leadership in advancing AI-powered urban development—prioritizing people-centric innovation while championing sustainable and inclusive growth across ASEAN. Held from 17 to 19 September 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the expo is expected to draw over 2,000 delegates and more than 10,000 visitors.
SCEKL25 marks the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress, and is led by the Ministry of Digital through its agencies, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). As Malaysia takes the helm as ASEAN Chair, this event underscores the nation’s rising influence as a regional hub for digital innovation and smart city solutions.
Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo emphasized that SCEKL25 will act as a catalyst for a new urban vision—green, efficient, and inclusive—placing the rakyat at the heart of every innovation. He stated that the expo complements national strategies like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, and regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a Smart Nation by 2040. With Southeast Asia’s digital economy projected to hit US$1 trillion by 2030, Malaysia’s proactive leadership comes at a crucial time of rapid urbanisation and technological advancement.
MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil noted that through initiatives like AI Cities, Malaysia is turning ambition into action. From predictive traffic systems in Penang to AI-powered geospatial intelligence in Sabah, Malaysia is already piloting impactful projects that reflect the real-world potential of smart city technology. He emphasized that the country’s smart cities will be rakyat-first and planet-conscious, offering faster, adaptive public services and digital infrastructure that enables startups and SMEs to scale globally.
Adding to this, DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail highlighted that SCEKL25 will also elevate Malaysia’s global profile, attracting strategic investments and fostering business tourism. He described the expo not just as a tech showcase, but as a policy and collaboration platform where urban challenges can be addressed through innovation. By bringing together global leaders, the event aims to forge smarter, more sustainable cities—where technology truly serves both people and the planet.
Held under the theme “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future”, SCEKL25 will mark a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a leading AI Nation. For more information, visit www.smartcityexpokl.com.