KUALA LUMPUR, 4 JUNE 2025 – Malaysia today marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the 100-day countdown to the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25) — Southeast Asia’s first edition from the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress Barcelona — right here in Kuala Lumpur. It is a landmark event poised to position the nation as the leading hub for smart city innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable urban development.

Taking place from 17 to 19 September 2025, SCEKL25 will carry the theme “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future,” reflecting Malaysia’s bold vision to build intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable cities powered by cutting-edge technologies. The Expo, co- organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for the Ministry of Digital, will bring together global leaders, investors, tech innovators, and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are reshaping urban life across ASEAN.

Anchored by four strategic pillars — AI Cities, Sustainable and Resilient Cities, Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, and Community Empowerment through Digital Solutions — SCEKL25 underscores Malaysia’s leading role in advancing smart city development. It aligns with the national aspiration to become a Smart Nation by 2040, as outlined in the Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP4).

"SCEKL25 represents a bold step forward in Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading regional digital hub. It sets the stage for transformative conversations about the future of urban innovation. With ASEAN’s digital economy on the cusp of exponential growth, this Expo offers a unique platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster meaningful dialogue on how AI and digital transformation will shape the cities of tomorrow,” said YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.

Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, echoed this sentiment, calling SCEKL25 a catalyst for the smart city revolution in Southeast Asia. "This initiative reflects our nation’s commitment to leading the region in building intelligent, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities powered by AI — where technology empowers people and drives the next wave of urban transformation,” he said. Datuk Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB, added: “As we count down to SCEKL25, DNB is proud to play a pivotal role in powering Malaysia’s smart and AI-driven city ambitions through our nationwide 5G infrastructure. This next-generation connectivity is the backbone of innovation — enabling real-time data, intelligent systems, and sustainable urban solutions that will define the cities of the future.” 

With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, SCEKL25 will play a key role in advancing the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025, strengthening physical, institutional, and people-to-people linkages across the region. The Expo is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and 10,000 visitors, including international participants, catalysing trade, foreign direct investment, and cross-border partnerships.

The event also unveiled its key partners, including Diamond Partners Dell Technologies and Intel, Official Innovation Partner Huawei and Gold Partner Ericsson. Strategic Partners such as the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance (MSCA), Smart Cities Network, and the Malaysia PropTech Association further highlight the industry’s strong and united commitment to driving smart city innovation and digital transformation across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

For more information, please visit: https://www.smartcityexpokl.com/ 

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Issued by:

Corporate Communications Division

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Corporate Communications

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB)