Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo delivering his opening speech during the 100 Days Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL) 2025 launch today at KL Convention Centre
TNS News covers the official countdown to Smart City Expo KL 2025, as Malaysia positions itself as ASEAN’s digital innovation epicentre with global tech partners and people-first AI solutions.
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Malaysia is accelerating its digital future with the launch of the 100-day countdown to Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25), set to take place from September 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The announcement marks the first Southeast Asian edition of the globally respected Smart City Expo World Congress and signals Malaysia’s determination to be a regional smart city leader under the theme “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future.”
The launch was officiated by Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo, who described the Expo as a “bold step forward” in Malaysia’s digital journey and a powerful symbol of the country’s ambition to lead regional dialogue on sustainable, AI-powered urban transformation.
“SCEKL25 sets the stage for transformative conversations about the future of urban innovation,” said Gobind. “With ASEAN’s digital economy poised for exponential growth, this is our opportunity to lead and learn at the same time.”
Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, Dep Sect-Gen (Digital Development), MA.Sivanesan A/L Marimuthu, MDEC CEO, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, DNB CEO, Datuk Azman Ismail together with the sponsors and partners during the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL) 2025 launch event at KL Convention Centre
Co-organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) under the Ministry of Digital, the event aims to gather over 2,000 delegates and 10,000 visitors, including international participants, policymakers, investors, tech leaders, and community innovators.
A Regional First with Global Reach
SCEKL25 will be guided by four strategic pillars:
- AI Cities
- Sustainable and Resilient Cities
- Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
- Community Empowerment through Digital Solutions
The Expo supports the goals of Malaysia’s Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP4) and dovetails with its role as ASEAN Chair for 2025, highlighting Malaysia’s leadership in shaping regional frameworks for smart infrastructure, climate-resilient urban design, and inclusive innovation ecosystems.
Powering Smart Futures: MDEC and DNB
MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil called SCEKL25 a turning point in Malaysia’s urban innovation journey.
“We are leading the way to build intelligent, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities where technology empowers people and sparks the next wave of growth,” he said.
DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail emphasised the backbone role of 5G in realising this vision.
“With nationwide 5G infrastructure, Malaysia can unlock real-time data systems, smart mobility, and responsive urban services. This is how we build cities of the future.”
L-R: MDEC CEO, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, Dep Sect-Gen (Digital Development), MA. Sivanesan A/L Marimuthu and DNB CEO, Datuk Azman Ismail during the 100 Days Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL) 2025 official launch at KL Convention Centre
Global Tech Anchors, Local Collaborators
The event also announced its impressive lineup of partners:
- Diamond Partners: Dell Technologies, Intel
- Official Innovation Partner: Huawei
- Gold Partner: Ericsson
- Strategic Partners: Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance (MSCA), MIGHT, Malaysia PropTech Association, Smart Cities Network
This strong public-private partnership network will enhance Malaysia’s capacity to attract FDI, scale smart tech adoption, and nurture talent in urban innovation sectors.
Malaysia as a Smart Nation Hub
With ASEAN connectivity and AI inclusion at its core, SCEKL25 is expected to be a cornerstone event for regional transformation. Its agenda will amplify Malaysia’s commitment to the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025, while also inspiring city planners and tech leaders to reimagine urban living.
For more information, visit: www.smartcityexpokl.com