Panelists speaking at the Fireside Chat with City Leaders in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 28, 2025, ahead of Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions are set to redefine how Malaysian cities tackle everyday challenges, from traffic management to flood preparedness, according to industry leaders speaking at a fireside chat with the media today.
The session, themed “From Data to Decisions: How Malaysian Cities Are Turning AI into Everyday Impact”, was jointly organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) in the run-up to the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25).
MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil underscored the growing importance of AI in analysing massive streams of data generated daily.
“Every day, millions of new data points emerge. Humans alone cannot process them effectively. We need the intelligence and computational strength of AI to interpret traffic patterns, weather changes, and operational demands,” he said.
Building Trust in New Technology
When asked about the biggest challenge in rolling out AI across Malaysian cities, Anuar stressed that public trust remains the foremost hurdle.
“The technology is still very new, and not many people fully understand how to use it correctly. Some apply it superficially, but the real benefit lies in adopting AI comprehensively and consistently for national impact,” he explained.
He noted that while urban populations—particularly younger Malaysians—are adapting quickly, rural areas lag slightly in understanding and adoption. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that Malaysians are becoming increasingly adept at using emerging technologies.
Expanding Smart City Use Cases
DNB Chief Corporate Officer Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid added that Malaysian cities are already ahead in experimenting with AI-driven solutions.
“Cities in Malaysia have begun integrating AI in various ways. A key highlight of Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur is to showcase these existing use cases across different municipalities. While adoption levels vary, our goal is to ensure every city leverages AI to improve services for citizens,” he said.
The panel also featured senior city officials including:
- Ir Dr Choo Kok Wah, Assistant Director of Urban Transport & Commander, Johor Bahru City Council
- Muhamad Azwal Ab Azis, Director of Information Management, Kuala Lumpur City Hall
- Mohd Musabri Shaharom, Director of IT and Communication, Putrajaya Corporation
- Mohd Bashir Sulaiman, Development Planning, Penang City Council
These representatives shared how AI is already being applied in their municipalities—ranging from traffic easing initiatives to more responsive flood monitoring systems and waste management improvements.
Towards a Smarter Malaysia
As Malaysia prepares to host Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), leaders reiterated that the adoption of AI is not just about technology, but about real-world impact.
“The aim is simple—use data and AI to make our cities safer, cleaner, and more liveable for every Malaysian,” Anuar concluded. – TNS NEWS