Malaysia is preparing to host one of the region’s most significant architecture and real estate events: ARCHIDEX and the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025, positioned as ASEAN’s flagship platform for shaping future cities. The dual-venue exhibition and conference series – part of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) – will be launched under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and is expected to generate over RM2 billion in investment.
Scheduled to take place from 21 to 26 July 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the event will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof and Housing and Local Government Minister Mr Nga Kor Ming.
ARCHIDEX 2025 is anticipated to draw more than 56,000 visitors from 110 countries, with over 850 exhibitors spanning 36,700 square metres of exhibition space, making it one of the largest gatherings of architecture and real estate professionals in Asia this year.
“ARCHIDEX and AREC are powerful engines of economic growth, regional collaboration, and sustainable development,” said Minister Nga. “These platforms bring together the brightest minds and most forward-thinking solutions from across ASEAN and beyond. … Through events like these, Malaysia continues to lead the way in building future-ready cities, and driving innovation that benefits the entire South East Asian region.”
ASEAN at the forefront of urban transformation
Held alongside ARCHIDEX at KLCC, the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025 is a key initiative of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship year, driven by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). With the global real estate sector undergoing rapid transformation—from smart city planning to climate-resilient housing—AREC aims to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation among ASEAN Member States.
The three-pronged conference format will include a forum focusing on affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable design; a business matching segment to facilitate regional partnerships and investment; and an exhibition showcasing technologies that are shaping the built environment.
“This real estate renaissance is about championing innovation, collaboration and impact,” said the organisers. “We’re looking at creative financing models, socially equitable housing, and smart construction methods that could change how we live and build across Southeast Asia.”
Two venues, one vision for the future
The MITEC venue (21-24 July) will highlight cutting-edge technologies with the launch of FENESTEX, a new exhibition focused on windows, doors, glass and façade systems. It will also host DATUM Conferences and ARCHITALENT, a regional student design competition.
Meanwhile, KLCC (23-26 July) will welcome international pavilions from Austria, China, Korea, Singapore, and Canada. Visitors will be able to explore the World of Works (WOW), ASEAN’s first real-life workplace simulation, as well as innovations in adaptive design, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient building technologies.
President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Adjunct Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, noted ARCHIDEX’s growing regional influence: “ARCHIDEX has become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s architectural calendar. Through initiatives like DATUM, the flagship conference of KLAF, we’re encouraging critical discourse, supporting professional growth, and exploring bold, future-focused ideas that are shaping the next chapter of architecture in our region.”
She continued, “ARCHITALENT, in particular, reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects – giving young talents across Asia a platform to explore visionary ideas, respond to real-world challenges, and reimagine the cities of tomorrow.”
New energy for Kuala Lumpur’s creative economy
Another key highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of KL Architecture Week (KLAW), which will activate cultural and heritage locations around Kuala Lumpur Old City and Petaling Street. The initiative marks the first time a major trade event is co-branded with the city; a move aimed at boosting the local visitor economy and positioning KL as South East Asia’s design capital.
“The launch of KL Architecture Week marks a major milestone for Malaysia’s cultural and creative sectors,” said Datuk Vincent Lim, president of joint organiser C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd. “By bringing together exhibitions, forums and citywide activations, we’re positioning Kuala Lumpur as South East Asia’s design capital.”
He added, “This initiative not only raises the global visibility of our architecture scene but also reinforces Malaysia’s role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.”
As regional economies intensify their focus on sustainable development, digital integration, and resilient infrastructure, Malaysia’s dual hosting of ARCHIDEX and AREC offers a timely platform for ASEAN to articulate a collective vision for its cities of the future.
Event Details:
- ARCHIDEX 2025 @ MITEC: 21–24 July
- ARCHIDEX & AREC 2025 @ KLCC: 23–26 July
- DATUM at KLAF 2025
