Bringing the 'Digital Nations Summit’ to Kuala Lumpur

21 June 2025

SHANGHAI: The GSMA and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have signed an agreement during MWC25 Shanghai, confirming that Kuala Lumpur will host two flagship GSMA events: a Digital Nations Summit on 23 September 2025 and the inaugural M360 ASEAN in 2026.

M360 ASEAN is a new event, developed from the GSMA’s M360 APAC series, with a sharper focus on the digital transformation priorities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aligning with the region’s strategic ambitions. GSMA’s M360 events bring together the broader mobile ecosystem – operators, technology vendors, start-ups, investors, and enterprises – to explore topics such as commercial 5G, fintech, IoT, and emerging technologies that can turn policy ambitions into tangible real-world impacts.

The upcoming Digital Nations Summit later this year will serve as a strategic precursor to the flagship M360 event, gathering ministers, regulators, and industry leaders to share best practices for building inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital societies – laying the policy groundwork for the region’s next phase of growth.

Both events will closely support and advance the region’s long-term vision, ‘ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,’ adopted by leaders of the ten Southeast Asian nations at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. Central to this vision is the role of digital transformation and regional integration in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

"Hosting both this year's Digital Nations Summit and next year’s M360 ASEAN in Malaysia highlights our strong commitment to the region’s 2045 vision," said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, during today’s signing ceremony at MWC25 Shanghai. "By bringing together governments, mobile operators, and technology innovators, we aim to accelerate collaboration, investment, and inclusive connectivity across all ASEAN countries, laying the foundation for a more resilient, people-centred digital future. We are excited to launch the inaugural M360 ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur in 2026!"

Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Executive Chairman of MCMC, added: "Our partnership with GSMA is a long-term strategic investment in regional leadership. Malaysia is committed to serving as a platform for high-impact discussions on the future of connectivity. M360 ASEAN will be a space where policy meets innovation, and regional priorities resonate on a global scale."