A FEW years ago, the idea of humanoid robots greeting visitors or snow falling in the heart of Kuala Lumpur might have sounded like science fiction.
Today, this could be the new reality for Malaysian tourism, as the nation prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man recently emphasised that VM2026 requires a combined effort.
This includes support from the government, public and private enterprises, NGOs and communities.
With an ambitious target of attracting 43 million visitors for VM2026, curating high-value, tech-driven travel experiences could provide a competitive advantage in reaching that goal.
Among Malaysia’s emerging destinations, i-City in the state capital of Selangor is positioning itself as one of the country’s most advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tourism ecosystems.
Through AI- and robotics-powered attractions, and a strategic partnership with renowned hotelier Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, it is reimagining how technology can become part of the travel experience by introducing new elements for visitors to experience in Malaysia.
Attractions at i-City
At the heart of this transformation is the AI World Experience Centre at i-City, representing one of the newest leisure attractions emerging in Malaysia.
The centre is designed as a fully integrated live-play-shop ecosystem that serves as a blueprint for smart city living and immersive digital attractions.
Datuk Eu Hong Chew, I-Bhd’s non-independent non-executive director, said he believes this integration of accessibility, innovation and hospitality is a key differentiating factor as Malaysia enters VM2026.
Redefining hospitality
Through its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, I-Bhd’s high-tech philosophy extends across the i-City township and Kuala Lumpur.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia-Pacific president Ooi Jun Aun noted that this collaboration showcases what AI- and tech-powered living could look like.
“Our global pilots have demonstrated the transformative potential of AI and robotics in redefining hospitality.
“Wyndham i-City represents another milestone in our partnership with i–City, allowing us to deliver next-generation guest experiences in one of Malaysia’s most innovative destinations,” said Ooi.
This experiential hospitality is best felt at Wyndham Suites KLCC, located just five minutes from PETRONAS Twin Towers.
The property also features WynSnow, an indoor snow environment that brings winter tourism to a tropical metropolis, where visitors can experience what it’s like to play in snow.
It even features dedicated family activity zones for interactive stays, like WynSports, ensuring the hotel functions as a multi-purpose activity hub that offers guest experiences beyond standard accommodation.
Hybrid ecosystem
While robots and indoor snow create the pull for tourists, I-Bhd’s underlying business strategy is built on an innovative hybrid model at both Wyndham Suites KLCC and Wyndham Garden i-City.
In this structure, property owners can include selected units in the hotel’s professional room inventory, blending residential flexibility with renowned hospitality standards.
As travellers and investors seek managed environments that combine convenience and security, these hybrid units allow developments to serve multiple roles and generate diversified income streams simultaneously.
From humanoid robots in the state capital of Selangor to snowfall beneath the KL sky, technology could transform from a supporting element into a standalone destination and investment driver.
