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.
