Malaysia Launches ARCHIDEX & AREC 2025

14 July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is preparing to host ARCHIDEX, Asia’s premier architecture business event, held under the auspices of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF). Concurrently, the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025 will take place, an ASEAN Chairmanship initiative led by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

This highly anticipated gathering of regional and international stakeholders will be officiated by YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah  Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister, and  Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government.

The events will unfold across two iconic venues: MITEC (21–24 July) and KLCC (23–26 July). ARCHIDEX 2025 is expected to attract over 56,000 visitors from 110 countries, with more than 850 exhibitors showcasing their offerings across 36,700 square metres of exhibition space.

This year’s edition reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation and regional collaboration in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

The programme at MITEC will focus on cutting-edge technology and emerging talent, featuring the new FENESTEX exhibition dedicated to innovations in windows, doors, glass, and façades. Visitors can also attend the DATUM Conferences and ARCHITALENT, a regional student design competition.

Additionally, advancements in architectural lighting, building materials, and technologies will be showcased.

Meanwhile, KLCC will highlight global perspectives, with national pavilions from Austria, China, Korea, Singapore, and Canada. Notable highlights include the new WOW (World of Works) – ASEAN’s first real-life workplace simulation, alongside products and solutions covering building and structural materials, smart building designs, adaptive interiors, and eco-conscious living.

A key component of ARCHIDEX at KLCC is the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025. The conference aims to provide a robust platform for member states and partners to discuss the global real estate sector, which is undergoing a transformative renaissance.

The focus will be on innovation, collaboration, and impact through embracing technologies such as modular construction and smart cities to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The event will also promote multi-stakeholder partnerships, introduce innovative financing for inclusive housing, and drive socially equitable, climate-resilient solutions through urban regeneration and affordable housing initiatives. AREC 2025 will feature a comprehensive 360-degree real estate experience, comprising a forum offering insights into affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban design; business matching sessions to foster cross-border collaborations and investments; and an exhibition showcasing emerging technologies and future-forward urban concepts.

Among the key highlights of ARCHIDEX 2025 are KL Architecture Week (KLAW), which celebrates architecture, culture, and heritage around KL’s Old City and Jalan Petaling. FENESTEX at MITEC will focus on windows, doors, glass, and façade technologies. The WoW – World of Works – will be ASEAN’s first real-life workplace simulation, providing a unique insight into future work environments.

The ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC), featuring forums, exhibitions, and business matching opportunities, will also be central to the event. Additionally, the Malaysia-China Customised Furniture Zone will serve as an industry platform for interior fit-outs and bespoke furniture.

In his speech, Nga emphasised the significance of the exhibitions in fostering regional collaboration and economic growth. He projected that these dual events would generate double the investment value of last year’s ARCHIDEX. “In 2024, ARCHIDEX attracted 40,336 visitors from over 100 countries and facilitated transactions exceeding RM1 billion.

With over 56,000 attendees this year, ARCHIDEX and AREC are expected to generate RM2 billion in investment, acting as catalysts for regional dialogue and best practices,” he stated.

Nga described the events as “powerful engines of economic growth, regional collaboration, and sustainable development,” adding, “These platforms bring together the brightest minds and most innovative solutions from across ASEAN and beyond. They open the door to meaningful knowledge-sharing, new business partnerships, and policy dialogue. Through initiatives like these, Malaysia continues to lead in building future-ready cities and driving innovation that benefits the entire Southeast Asian region.”

Adjunct Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), commented that ARCHIDEX has become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s architectural calendar. He highlighted that initiatives like DATUM, the flagship conference of KLAF, foster critical discourse, support professional development, and encourage bold, future-focused ideas shaping the next chapter of architecture in the region. He also stressed that ARCHITALENT reflects Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects by providing young talents across Asia a platform to explore visionary ideas, respond to real-world challenges, and reimagine the cities of tomorrow.

The KL Architecture Week, an initiative under ARCHIDEX 2025, marks the first time in Malaysia that a major trade exhibition has been co-branded with the city to create broader impact beyond the convention centre and stimulate the visitor economy. Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, remarked that the launch of KL Architecture Week is a significant milestone for Malaysia’s cultural and creative sectors.

By bringing together exhibitions, forums, and citywide activations, Kuala Lumpur is positioned as Southeast Asia’s design capital. This initiative not only elevates the global profile of Malaysia’s architectural scene but also reinforces the country’s role as a hub of creativity, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.