Gobind said that the Expo would allow for collaboration between key stakeholders to translate the country's AI vision into real-world practice. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hosting of the Smart Cities Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL) will pave the way to the country's goal of becoming an artificial intelligence (AI) nation, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
At the Expo's opening ceremony today (Sept 17), he added that it would allow for collaboration between key stakeholders to translate the country's AI vision into real-world practice.
"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.
"It allows us to translate our vision of AI Nation into practice, city by city, community by community.
"By showcasing real-world applications of AI – from mobility and energy to governance and healthcare – SCEKL transforms vision into action, making the AI Nation not just a policy goal, but a tangible reality unfolding in our cities today," he said.
He further highlighted that the strength of SCEKL lies in the opportunity for collaboration, with 22 mayors and city leaders including those from the Philippines to Thailand in attendance, demonstrating a "shared commitment to shaping a common urban future."
"By working together, our cities can learn from one another, share best practices, and build solutions to challenges that transcend borders," he said, adding that the Expo brings 120 exhibitors together to showcase their innovations in the smart city and AI space.
This includes Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), which will present its KL Command & Control Centre, while companies like Huawei, Intel, and Dell will display their smart city solutions.
Gobind further highlights the upcoming AI Nation 2030 Roadmap, which he says will allign with the country's Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the National 4IR Policy.
The Roadmap has identified agriculture, education, healthcare, smart cities, transport, and public services as strategic areas that have the potential to yield significant impact with the adoption of AI.
"Ultimately, the AI Nation vision is about empowering people – not just through technology, but through opportunity, inclusion, and trust.
"It’s about ensuring that artificial intelligence serves more than just industry or government; it must uplift communities, enhance public services, and improve everyday lives.
"This vision calls for a future where technology is not only advanced, but also ethical, accessible, and human-centred – where every citizen benefits from innovation, and no one is left behind in the digital transformation," he said.
