24th Deepavali Carnival Targets 500,000 Visitors, Promotes AI Adoption

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The 24th Deepavali Carnival (DC26) in Bukit Jalil is targeting more than 500,000 visitors while serving as a key platform to promote the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology among local entrepreneurs.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the annual event was expected to continue expanding in the future in tandem with the emergence of new technologies globally.

“Technology has advanced tremendously, and I believe the market today requires all traders to embrace AI technology to help them reach greater heights,” he told a press conference after officiating the Deepavali Carnival at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil here tonight.

Also present were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Shri Somnath Ghosh and Sentosa State Assemblyman Dr Gunarajah R George.

Meanwhile, Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd (ASC) founder and chief executive officer Jaggarao Simancha said this year’s edition demonstrated that the carnival remained firmly established as one of the largest tourism attractions in the ASEAN region.

“Last year, we recorded about 360,000 visitors. Given the tremendous response during just the first two days, which has already drawn approximately 80,000 people, we are optimistic that this year’s visitor target can be achieved,” he said.

The nine-day DC26 carnival, running from Oct 30 to Nov 7, features more than 450 exhibition booths offering Deepavali essentials and a variety of food. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public daily from noon to 10 pm.

-- BERNAMA