From NurulJannah Kamaruddin
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pavilion at Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 (SCEWC) has exceeded its key performance indicators (KPIs), demonstrating the event’s significant success, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) said.
Its chief executive officer, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, believes that SCEWC provides Malaysia with a critical opportunity to enhance its visibility in the Spanish market and drive greater awareness than ever before.
"Our showcase of talent and capability is opening more market access and investment corridors between Malaysia and Spain.
"This has increased recognition of Malaysia, and it’s something I am very proud of that MDEC is driving," he told Bernama in an interview.
He added that the pavilion attracted over 2,000 visitors from countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, who were interested in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to cyber security, mobility solutions, drone technologies, and more.
"I think this is one of the best investments that we've had so far. And how we've had seven companies support us and the companies have had amazing networking sessions to further their businesses in Europe,” he said.
Anuar Fariz noted that ten high-impact global digital city use cases were identified as viable for implementation in Malaysia.
This effort, he said, will propel the country’s smart city journey, fostering advanced technology integration for greater urban efficiency, connectivity, and resilience.
"With Malaysia chairing ASEAN 2025, we have the understanding and capabilities to drive in-country progress, showcasing not only that Malaysia is a fantastic country, but that the entire region is set for further growth."
He added that MDEC is actively promoting Smart City Expo in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for Sept 17-19 next year, with outreach extending to 20 countries.
Additionally, he highlighted that Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was recognised for his leadership in advancing digital thought during his visit to Spain.
Gobind launched the Malaysia Pavilion at SCEWC 2024 during his working visit from Nov 4-7, emphasising Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the global smart city ecosystem.
Exhibitors interviewed by Bernama at SCEWC also expressed strong interest in participating in Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur.
Toulouse Team Invest marketing manager Maiwenn Sauveire said the French aerospace hub could serve as a springboard for Malaysian companies looking to expand into Europe.
"Hopefully, we’ll have a booth in Kuala Lumpur, as the SCE expo is very important. It would be a great opportunity for Malaysia to learn more about Toulouse’s dynamics and explore how we can support companies there," she noted.
Toulouse Team Invest, the economic development arm of Toulouse Team, focuses on supporting both French and international companies as they establish and grow their presence in the city.
Meanwhile, Seoul Digital Foundation president Kang Yosik welcomed Malaysia’s invitation and expressed eagerness to return to Kuala Lumpur.
"A smart city is a digital platform that uses technology in both established and new urban areas to solve urban issues and to provide citizens' happiness, which needs all our efforts and networks.
"Seoul also hosts a smart city event, Smart Life Week (SLW). We hope Seoul will participate in SCE Malaysia, and that Malaysia will join SLW," he said.
Perbadanan Putrajaya, which aims to achieve Visionary Smart City status—a Level Four stage of urban development—by 2026, hopes to explore new platforms, technologies, and business relationships to support its goals.
"Putrajaya recently achieved Level 2 status as a Developing Smart City, just two weeks ago, and we are extremely proud of this milestone," said its chief assistant director of Geospatial Unit, Zabibah Samat.
Malaysia looks forward to welcoming over 2,000 delegates and 10,000 visitors to SCE Kuala Lumpur, with at least 20 per cent expected from the international community.
-- BERNAMA
