Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will host Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL2025), Southeast Asia’s first edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress, and the ASEAN Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI), showcasing its leadership in smart city development and addressing the impact of AI on urban futures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ASEAN Summit on AI will take place from Aug 12 to Aug 13, while SCEKL2025 will be held from Sept 17 to Sept 19. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that as the ASEAN Chair this year, Malaysia’s hosting of SCEKL2025 reflects its commitment to shaping the future of urban innovation, not just for the nation but for the entire region.
The minister emphasized that with both ecosystem and infrastructure in place, Malaysia is not only ready to host SCEKL25, but also to lead the development of AI Cities across ASEAN. He made these remarks during a press conference after launching the 100-day countdown to the SCEKL25.
Gobind also discussed the participation of ASEAN cities in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), indicating that greater uptake among different countries is part of ongoing conversations within ASEAN member countries. The ASCN serves as a collaborative platform where cities from the 10 ASEAN Member States work towards smart and sustainable urban development.
The ASCN, established in 2018 with 26 pilot cities, has since expanded to 34 cities. As the ASEAN chair, Malaysia is also advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to unlock US$2 trillion in digital economic potential by 2030 through cross-border investment, market access, and harmonized digital regulations.
Gobind stated that hosting SCEKL25 is part of this broader leadership agenda, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for smart city innovation, public-private collaboration, and inclusive digital development. SCEKL2025 is expected to attract over 10,000 delegates, 300 exhibitors, and participants from more than 20 countries, serving as a platform for policy-to-project collaboration, investor engagement, technology showcases, and real-world urban solutions.
The event has garnered support from global brands such as Dell, Intel, Ericsson, and Huawei, as well as key associations including the Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance, Smart Cities Network, The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology, and the Malaysia PropTech Association.