KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to accelerate into high gear with the Global Automotive and Technology Expo 2025 (GATE 2025), a leading showcase of innovation and advanced mobility solutions.
The event, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Nov 12 to 14, aims to position the nation as a regional and global hub for cutting-edge vehicle technology.
It will feature hundreds of exhibitors who will spotlight breakthroughs in supply chains, manufacturing, next-generation vehicles, electric mobility, connected transportation and world-class automotive solutions.
Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute chief executive officer Azrul Reza Aziz said GATE 2025 would be the country’s largest business-to-business automotive and technology event.
It would also be a global gathering point for major original equipment manufacturers and completely knocked down operators seeking to increase localisation and source components for global supply chains.
Azrul said GATE was first introduced at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, in May to showcase Malaysia’s mobility vision on the global stage and signal the country’s readiness to lead at both regional and international levels.
“This event will create a targeted space where automotive vendors of both Tier 1 and Tier 2 can directly engage with global players.
“We anticipate 350 vendors, 70% of whom are local. So far, we have achieved 60% of our target participation.
“This reflects our dual commitment to strengthen Malaysia’s domestic capabilities while creating opportunities for technology transfer and foreign collaboration,” he said at the GATE 2025 premiere here last Friday.
Among the top participants are Perodua and Proton, as well as Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia.
Azrul said electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to make up more than 20% of the global market in the coming years, and Malaysia is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend given its strong sales record.
He said for the first time in history, Malaysia had overtaken Indonesia to become the largest automotive market in Asean.
“In the second quarter of this year, we recorded 183,366 unit sales, more than a country with a population eight times our size.
“Even more remarkable is that 63% of sales in the first half of the year came from our national brands, Perodua and Proton.
“This is proof that with the right focus, strategy and collaboration, Malaysia is poised to set the standard for the region. It is also a clear sign that our policies are delivering results and driving industry growth,” he said.
Proton deputy chief executive officer Ainol Azmil said the company’s main goals at GATE 2025 are to explore additional technical requirements in the market and to share products and technology within the industry.
Rather than competing, Ainol said industry players should complement each other.
“Honda brings their technology. Toyota brings theirs. Could we consider examining each other’s approaches? Everyone adjusts to the superior technology.
“Everybody is fighting their game, racing their race, competing with each other. We should be complementing each other rather than competing,” he said.
He also hinted that the company would be making a major announcement at the expo.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Dr Susanne Lehmann said she hoped the expo would help reduce imports, increase local production and potentially support exports to other Asean nations.
“With greater localisation, we can achieve a more competitive cost level while maintaining quality and delivering exceptional products – factors that I believe will drive our sales in Malaysia and Asean,” she added.
GWM Malaysia chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah said the company would leverage the expo to showcase its latest models and facilitate business matching with vendors from GWM China.
“We hope GWM Malaysia can contribute to the Malaysian economy and supply chain,” he said, adding that he hopes the expo would double the company’s sales.
GATE 2025, organised by Derrisen Sdn Bhd, is expected to draw about 20,000 visitors.
Admission will be free and open to the public.
