Kuala Lumpur Hosts First-Ever Smart City Expo in Southeast Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (VoM): The inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL) 2025 officially opened today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking the first time the globally renowned urban innovation event is being held in Southeast Asia.
The opening ceremony was attended by government leaders, international dignitaries, technology experts, city mayors, and industry partners. The event, themed “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future,” aims to position Kuala Lumpur as a key hub in the global smart city movement while advancing Malaysia’s vision of becoming an AI Nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, representatives from the Ministry of Digital emphasized that hosting the Expo is not only an honor for Malaysia but also recognition of the region’s growing role in shaping the future of urban innovation.
“From Barcelona to Shanghai, New York to São Paulo, Smart City Expo has been the global platform for urban transformation. Today, Kuala Lumpur proudly joins this network, placing Southeast Asia at the heart of conversations about sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities,” the speech highlighted.
Over the next three days, the Expo will feature expert talks, panel discussions, pitching labs, networking sessions, and interactive exhibitions. The program will focus on four main themes:
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AI Cities is advancing artificial intelligence in infrastructure and public services.
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Sustainable & Resilient Cities tackling climate change and energy transition.
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Digital Entrepreneurship & Economic Development empowering startups and SMEs.
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Community Empowerment through Digital Solutions, ensuring technology benefits citizens directly.
More than 120 exhibitors are showcasing innovations, including DBKL’s interactive KL Command & Control Centre and VR experiences. Dell and Intel’s AI-driven digital twins, smart sensors, and intelligent edge devices. Huawei’s immersive pavilion featuring traffic optimization, public safety, and flood management solutions.
A highlight of SCEKL2025 is the City Leaders Programme, Malaysia’s flagship contribution to the global series. This closed-door session brings together 22 mayors and senior city officials from across ASEAN and beyond to share strategies for digital transformation and collaboration.
The Expo also serves as a platform to align with Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 roadmap, which identifies agriculture, education, healthcare, smart cities, transport, and public services as priority sectors for AI adoption.
“AI must be more than a technological ambition; it must empower people, enhance public services, and ensure no one is left behind,” the speech noted, underlining the government’s commitment to ethical, inclusive, and human-centered innovation.
Organizers extended appreciation to the Expo’s top sponsors, Dell Technologies, Intel, Huawei, and Ericsson, as well as DBKL for its role as City Partner.
The Expo will culminate with an official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow.
“Let us open this chapter with conviction that the cities we build today will define the future of generations to come,” the speech concluded. “May these three days ignite ideas, alliances, and innovations that will shape AI Cities and deliver a brighter digital future for all.”
@Voice of Malaysia news