SALUTATION
1. Yang Berusaha Tuan MA. Sivanesan A/L Marimuthu @ Mutiah
Deputy Secretary General (Digital Development), Ministry of Digital
2. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Azman Ismail
Chief Executive Officer, DNB
3. Yang Berusaha Tuan Anuar Fariz Fadzil
Chief Executive Officer, MDEC
4. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid
Chief Corporate Officer, DNB
Distinguished Guests & Respected Partners,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Morning.
1. It is a great honour to be here today to officially launch the 100-day countdown to the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL25). This September, Malaysia will proudly host Southeast Asia’s first edition of the globally renowned Smart City Expo World Congress — right here in Kuala Lumpur.
2. SCEKL25 is more than a prestigious event. It is a strategic platform to showcase Malaysia’s vision, readiness, and leadership in smart city development and digital transformation.
3. As we take on the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, this Expo reflects our commitment to shaping the future of urban innovation — not just for Malaysia, but for the entire region.
4. But let us be clear — this is not just about technology. It’s about people. It’s about building cities that are intelligent, resilient, and inclusive. SCEKL25 brings together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry players to co-create solutions for the urban challenges of tomorrow.
AI CITIES: A VISION FOR THE REGION AND HUMANITY
5. The theme of SCEKL25, “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future” reflects our ambition to lead the next wave of urban innovation — where AI is used to build smarter, safer, and more inclusive cities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. This vision is rooted in responsibility, guided by ethics, and driven by purpose. It calls on us to create cities that are intelligent, human-centric, and sustainable — where technology empowers communities and drives meaningful change.
7. Our agenda is built on four strategic pillars:
a. AI Cities
b. Sustainable and Resilient Cities
c. Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
d. Community Empowerment through Digital Solutions
8. These pillars reflect our commitment to a digital future that is inclusive, intelligent, and sustainable — aligned with the values of Malaysia MADANI.
DELIVERING THE VISION: MDEC AND DNB
9. Our progress is made possible by the leadership of our digital agencies.
10. MDEC, through the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative, has streamlined incentives and strengthened investor confidence. As of July 2024, 140 local AI solution providers have joined the MD ecosystem, generating over RM1 billion in revenue.
11. In 2024, Malaysia recorded RM163.6 billion in digital investments — more than triple the previous year — demonstrating investor confidence in our stable, pro-business environment. Digital exports are also growing, with over RM1.9 billion in opportunities across 11 countries.
12. Innovation also requires strong infrastructure. Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) plays a key role here. Its 5G network enables the real-time data transmission essential for AI-driven smart city applications.
13. In just two years, 5G coverage has reached over 82% of populated areas, supporting use cases from traffic management and public safety to environmental monitoring. 5G penetration rate is at more than 60%, indicating a strong adoption amongst both public and enterprise users. DNB also supports startups and tech firms in developing scalable AI solutions for smart cities.
14. With both ecosystem and infrastructure in place, Malaysia is not only ready to host SCEKL25 — we are ready to lead the development of AI Cities across ASEAN.
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP 2025
Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is actively advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to unlock USD2 trillion in digital economic potential by 2030 5 through cross-border investment, market access, and harmonised digital regulations.
16. Hosting SCEKL25 is part of this broader leadership agenda. It positions Malaysia as a regional hub for smart city innovation, public-private collaboration, and inclusive digital development.
SCEKL25: A REGIONAL PLATFORM FOR PROGRESS
17. SCEKL25 will bring together over 10,000 delegates, 300 exhibitors, and participants from more than 20 countries. It will serve as a platform for policy-to-project collaboration, investor engagement, technology showcases, and real-world urban solutions — from smart mobility to predictive energy systems.
18. We are proud to have the support of global brands such as Dell, Intel, Ericsson, and Huawei, as well as key associations including the Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance (MSCA), Smart Cities Network, The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and the Malaysia PropTech Association.
19. More than just an event, SCEKL25 is designed to deliver real outcomes — from stronger public-private partnerships and regional investments to new opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs across Malaysia. 6
20. As we prepare to welcome the world to Kuala Lumpur this September, let us demonstrate that our cities are not only connected—they are conscious, inclusive, and future-ready. Thank you once again. I look forward to seeing you this September at Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025.
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