The inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 commenced on Wednesday, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a dynamic hub for digital innovation and sustainable urban development in Southeast Asia.
The expo, themed “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future”, is designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and investment opportunities among global experts, city leaders and local innovators, driving the adoption of smart city solutions that address the evolving needs of urban populations.
Malaysia’s digital ambition
Speaking at the launch of the expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the country’s strategic focus on technological advancement and its commitment to becoming a regional leader in the digital economy.
He asserted that Malaysia is not just a consumer of technology, underscoring that the Southeast Asian nation can also be a key contributor to global innovation.
Cross-border co-operation
“This is where the strength of Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 truly lies – in collaboration. The presence of 22 mayors and city leaders, from the Philippines to Thailand, demonstrates our shared commitment to shaping a common urban future,” said the official, according to Twentytwo13 News.
Gobind further said that Malaysia seeks to adopt global best practices while also developing and exporting its own innovative solutions to address urban challenges worldwide.
“By working together, our cities can learn from one another, share best practices, and build solutions to challenges that transcend borders,” he stated.
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Catalyst for innovation, global partnerships and investment
The expo is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from Malaysia and abroad, creating a vibrant ecosystem for networking, knowledge exchange and partnership expansion.
Attendees include policymakers, industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and community advocates, representing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in the field of smart city development.
The City Leaders Programme will provide a dedicated forum for city officials to share their experiences, challenges and successes in implementing smart city initiatives.
The event also serves as a strategic platform for Malaysian innovators to showcase their talents, attract investment and forge partnerships with international organisations.
“Equally important, this expo serves as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s talent ecosystem. Our homegrown innovators are here to learn from global peers and share homegrown solutions that have the potential to scale internationally,” Gobind noted.
By providing a global stage for Malaysian companies and research institutions, the expo aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative technologies and propel economic growth in the country.
The Smart City Expo 2025, taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, will run until September 19, offering a comprehensive programme of conferences, exhibitions, workshops and networking events focused on enhancing smart city solutions and accelerating the global digital transformation landscape.
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