Held under the umbrella of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF), Malaysia is gearing up to host ARCHIDEX, Asia’s Leading Architecture Business Event. Simultaneously is the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025, an ASEAN Chairmanship initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), Malaysia.

The much-anticipated gathering of regional and international stakeholders will be officiated by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

A Dual-Venue Experience

Set to take place across two iconic venues, MITEC (21–24 July) and KLCC (23–26 July), ARCHIDEX 2025 is estimated to welcome over 56,000 visitors from 110 countries, with over 850 exhibitors spread across 36,700 sqm of exhibition space. This year’s edition reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation and regional collaboration in shaping the cities of tomorrow. 

Kicking off at MITEC, the spotlight will be on cutting-edge technology and emerging talent. It will feature the new FENESTEX, a concurrent exhibition showcasing windows, doors, glass, and façade innovations, alongside DATUM Conferences and ARCHITALENT, a regional student design competition. Visitors can also explore advancements in architectural lighting, building materials and technologies. 

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

Set to take centre stage at ARCHIDEX in KLCC is the AREC 2025, which aims to provide a strong platform for its Member States and Partners to discuss the global real estate sector, which is undergoing a transformative shift—a real estate renaissance that champions innovation, collaboration, and impact by embracing technologies, such as modular construction and smart cities to boost efficiency and sustainability. 

In addition to promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships, the event will introduce creative financing for inclusive housing and drive socially equitable, climate-resilient solutions through urban regeneration and affordable housing initiatives. 

AREC 2025 will feature a 360-degree real estate experience with three powerful segments—a forum that will provide insights into affordable housing, resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban design; business matching sessions for cross-border collaborations, investments and strategic networking; and an exhibition that will showcase emerging technologies, sustainable living and future-forward urban designs.

Key highlights of ARCHIDEX 2025: 

• KL Architecture Week (KLAW): A celebration of architecture, culture, and heritage around KL Old City and Jalan Petaling.
• FENESTEX @ MITEC: Focused on windows, doors, glass and façade technologies.
• WoW—World of Works: 1st in ASEAN Real-Life Workplace Simulation.
• AREC—ASEAN Real Estate Conference by KPKT: Featuring the forum, exhibition and business matching.
• Malaysia-China Customised Furniture Zone: An industry-focused platform for interior fit-outs and customised furniture. 

Ideas, Innovation and Collaboration 

In his speech, YB Tuan Nga emphasised the exhibition’s importance in driving regional collaboration and economic growth, while anticipating the dual events to draw in double the investment value compared to last year’s ARCHIDEX. 

“(ARCHIDEX 2024) drew 40,336 visitors from over 100 countries and reached more than RM1 billion in transacted value. With over 56,000 attendees this year, ARCHIDEX and AREC anticipate RM2 billion in investment value, acting as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of regional best practices.” 

Describing the events as “powerful engines of economic growth, regional collaboration, and sustainable development,” Nga added, “These platforms bring together the brightest minds and most forward-thinking solutions from across ASEAN and beyond. They open the door to meaningful knowledge-sharing, new business partnerships and policy dialogue. Through events like these, Malaysia continues to lead the way 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), shared, “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.

“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.”

The KL Architecture Week 

The KL Architecture Week, an initiative under ARCHIDEX 2025, marked the first time in Malaysia that a major trade exhibition is co-branded with the city to create impact beyond the convention centre and stimulate the visitor economy. 

Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, said, “The launch of KL Architecture Week marks a major milestone for Malaysia’s cultural and creative sectors. By bringing together exhibitions, forums and citywide activations, we’re positioning Kuala Lumpur as Southeast Asia’s design capital. 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.” 

Mark Your Calendars 

ARCHIDEX, happening at MITEC (21–24 July) and KLCC (23–26 July), together with AREC at KLCC (23–26 July), will drive powerful conversations and commercial partnerships shaping Southeast Asia’s built environment. The events taking place this July promise to be the region’s must-attend event for architecture, innovation and sustainable urban solutions. 

Visit https://archidex.com.my or follow ARCHIDEX on social media for the latest updates; https://www.klaf.my/datum/ for DATUM Conferences tickets; and https://www.kpkt.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/3225?mid=750 for more info on AREC.