KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) is demonstrating its commitment to collaborating with Malaysia and Southeast Asia in digital and technology with the UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026.
The event, held here from Feb 11 to 13, brings together UK technology firms, Malaysian policymakers, regulators, and investors to advance partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, fintech, and sustainable data centres.
Ten UK companies specialising in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud and data technologies participate in the event.
The event also marks the launch of the ASEAN-UK TradeTech Lookbook, positioning the UK as a trusted partner for governments and businesses seeking to modernise trade and advance ASEAN’s digital integration agenda.
In a statement on Thursday, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said the initiative reflects a shared ambition between the UK and Malaysia to build trusted, innovative, and sustainable technology ecosystems.
“UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week reflects our commitment to deepen our collaboration with Malaysia to deliver real-world solutions in AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies," the statement read.
Meanwhile, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, emphasised the UK's long-term commitment to Southeast Asia’s digital growth
“UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week highlights our commitment to working with the region to harness cutting-edge technology, strengthen digital resilience, and unlock new commercial opportunities between UK and Southeast Asian businesses,” he said.
The UK's engagement is closely aligned with Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which prioritises digital transformation and innovation-driven growth to position Malaysia as a regional technology hub.
By sharing expertise in trusted AI, digital regulation, and sustainable technology, the UK aims to support Malaysia’s national development priorities and strengthen regional connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Key sessions at UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026 focus on developing trusted AI frameworks, balancing data centre growth with sustainability, and supporting innovation aligned with national digital strategies.
The UK partners and delegates at the event collectively represent a combined valuation of more than £100 billion, anchored by major players such as semiconductor design leader Arm, and unicorns such as Revolut and Darktrace.
Beyond the headline giants, the scale‑ups and deep‑tech SMEs alone represent over £360 million in enterprise value (£1 = RM5.33).
The event also underscores the UK’s ambition to deepen digital trade ties with Malaysia beyond the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), including the possibility of a bilateral Digital Trade Agreement.
UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026 is organised by the UK government in partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), and HSBC Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
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