Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL)—my very first international seminar since leaving government service.
My First International Seminar Experience
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL)—my very first international seminar since leaving government service. For years, my work was focused on ICT for local governments—managing networks, digitizing processes, and helping agencies adopt technology. But this time, my role was different. I wasn’t presenting or leading a project. I was there to listen, learn, and connect with people who are pushing the boundaries of smart city innovation.
The experience was both humbling and inspiring. Being surrounded by leaders, policymakers, and technologists from different countries reminded me that digital transformation is no longer just a local initiative—it’s a global movement.
When AI and Smart Cities Collide
One of the most striking examples at the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 was how cities can respond to accidents in real time. Imagine this: two cars collide. Almost instantly, the police are notified, hospitals are alerted, and ambulances are dispatched.
Visuals of the incident are captured and analyzed by AI, which determines fault almost immediately. Insurance companies receive the data and can evaluate claims without delay. By the time the ambulance arrives, it is not just a vehicle—it’s a smart ambulance equipped with diagnostic tools and even portable x-ray machines, allowing hospitals to begin treatment before the patient arrives.
This level of coordination is possible only when governance, infrastructure, and digital leadership come together seamlessly.
Why It Matters Back Home
Where I come from, it can take hours—sometimes days—for reports, coordination, and responses to reach the right agencies. Experiencing how other countries leverage data and AI to save lives was eye-opening.
For me, attending Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 wasn’t just about seeing new technologies. It was about reimagining how these innovations can fit into our own local context—making governance faster, smarter, and more humane.
Closing Reflection
Looking back, this seminar was more than just a professional milestone. It was a reminder that learning never stops and that solutions to our challenges often exist beyond our borders. The SCEKL wasn’t just about showcasing technology—it was about proving how digital transformation can make communities safer and stronger.
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