City Leaders Programme, the heart of Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur

The inaugural Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 begins today, with the City Leaders Programme taking centre stage for meaningful conversations about digital transformation in cities across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Speaking at the launch of the expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this morning, Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the special session will bring together mayors, governors, and senior decision-makers from across Asean and beyond to exchange experiences, share insights, forge partnerships, and chart practical pathways for digital transformation that improve lives in their cities.

“This is where the strength of Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 truly lies – in collaboration. The presence of 22 mayors and city leaders, from the Philippines to Thailand, demonstrates our shared commitment to shaping a common urban future,” said Gobind.

“By working together, our cities can learn from one another, share best practices, and build solutions to challenges that transcend borders.

“Equally important, this expo serves as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s talent ecosystem. Our homegrown innovators are here to learn from global peers and share homegrown solutions that have the potential to scale internationally.”

He said the platform demonstrates that Malaysia is not just a consumer of technology, but also a contributor to global innovation.

“Hosting the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur paves the way towards Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) nation vision. By convening global experts, forward-looking mayors, technology leaders, and our own local innovators, this expo becomes a living laboratory where ideas are tested, partnerships are forged, and AI applications are demonstrated in real-world contexts.”

Themed ‘AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future’, the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur started this morning and will conclude on Sept 19. It is set to attract over 10,000 participants from Malaysia and abroad.

The three-day event will gather policymakers, industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and community advocates to push the boundaries of urban evolution.

Discussions will be centred around four key themes:

Over 120 exhibitors will present their innovations and practical applications – offering a diverse showcase of how technology can transform cities and communities.

The exhibition floor will highlight some of the most exciting innovations in urban technology. They include: