The United Kingdom aims to reinforce its commitment to digital
and technology collaboration with Malaysia and the wider region
through UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur
from 11 to 13 February.
Organised by the UK Government in partnership with key
stakeholders including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation
(MDEC), the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) and HSBC
Malaysia, the three-day programme brings together UK technology
companies, Malaysian policymakers, regulators, investors and
industry leaders to explore practical collaboration across
artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity,
fintech and sustainable data centres.
The event also marked the launch of the ASEAN-UK TradeTech
Lookbook, a practical tool for governments and companies across
Southeast Asia to find out how UK technology can support ASEAN's
digital integration agenda. As ASEAN advances towards a
region-wide digital economy—representing a trillion-dollar trade
and technology opportunity—the Lookbook positions the UK as a
trusted partner for governments and businesses modernising trade
across Southeast Asia.
A key feature of UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026 is the
participation of 10 UK companies specialising in artificial
intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud and data technology. They
will showcase their offer and explore partnerships with Malaysian
organisations across both public and private sectors. Sessions
will focus on building trusted AI frameworks, balancing data
centre growth with sustainability, and supporting innovation
aligned with national digital strategies.
The UK partners and delegates involved in UK-Southeast Asia Tech
Week collectively employ over 30,000 people worldwide and have a
combined valuation of more than £100 billion – anchored by
investments from semiconductor design leader Arm, and unicorns
like Revolut, and Darktrace. Beyond the headline giants, the
scale‑ups and deep‑tech SMEs alone represent over £360 million in
enterprise value.
The event highlights the UK's ambition to deepen digital trade
ties with Malaysia, beyond the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which may include
a potential bilateral Digital Trade Agreement.
This builds on the strong digital technology partnership the UK
and Malaysia already share. British company Arm was selected by
the Malaysian government to be a key strategic AI partner
enabling its National Semiconductor Strategy. SMD Semiconductor,
owned by the Sarawak Government, opened a new Research &
Development Hub in South Wales last May.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma CMG said the
event reflects shared ambitions between both countries:
The UK and Malaysia share a clear ambition to build trusted,
innovative and sustainable technology ecosystems. UK–Southeast
Asia Tech Week reflects our commitment to deepen our
collaboration with Malaysia to deliver real-world solutions in
AI, digital transformation and emerging technologies.
The event also highlights the UK's broader engagement with
Southeast Asia's digital economy. His Majesty's Trade
Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, said:
The UK is a long-term partner to Southeast Asia's digital growth.
UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week highlights our commitment to working
with the region to harness cutting-edge technology, strengthen
digital resilience and unlock new commercial opportunities
between UK and Southeast Asian businesses.
The UK's engagement aligns closely with Malaysia's 13th Malaysia
Plan (13MP), which places a strong emphasis on digital
transformation, innovation-driven growth, and positioning
Malaysia as a regional technology hub. Through sharing expertise
in trusted AI, digital regulation, smart infrastructure and
sustainable technology, the UK aims to support Malaysia's
national development priorities while strengthening regional
connectivity across Southeast Asia.
