Malaysia To Host GSMA M360 ASEAN From 2026 To 2028

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) --  Malaysia will host the GSMA M360 ASEAN event series from 2026 to 2028 under a multi-year strategic partnership signed between the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The agreement, signed yesterday at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Shanghai, names Malaysia as the official host nation for the M360 ASEAN series, with the inaugural edition to be held in Kuala Lumpur in September 2026.

The collaboration marks a major step in positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for digital policy dialogue, industry innovation, and cross-border cooperation in Southeast Asia.

MCMC Executive Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din said the partnership is a long-term strategic investment in regional leadership.

"Malaysia is committed to being a convening platform for high-impact conversations on the future of connectivity. M360 ASEAN will be a space where policy meets innovation, and regional priorities find global resonance," he said in a statement.

The M360 ASEAN event is expected to bring together leaders from both the public and private sectors across Asia and beyond, focusing on key digital economy issues such as 5G evolution, connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti said the hosting of M360 ASEAN and this year's Digital Nation Summit reflects Malaysia's strong commitment to ASEAN’s digital ambitions.

"Hosting both this year's Digital Nation Summit and next year's M360 ASEAN in Malaysia underscores our strong support for the region's 2045 vision.

"By bringing together governments, mobile operators, and technology innovators, we aim to accelerate collaboration, investment, and inclusive connectivity across all ASEAN countries, laying the foundation for a more resilient and people-centred digital future. We're excited to launch the inaugural M360 ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur in 2026!" he said.

The partnership builds on MCMC’s leadership in the upcoming GSMA Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Edition, scheduled for Sept 23 and 24 this year, which is expected to attract senior-level participants from more than seven ASEAN countries.

The M360 ASEAN series will include ministerial roundtables, executive networking sessions, exhibitions, and the signature Public Leaders Forum, which will address practical policy solutions to the region’s evolving digital challenges.

GSMA is a global industry body representing mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem. Its flagship events, including the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and regional editions in Shanghai, Kigali, and Las Vegas, attract over 100,000 participants from more than 200 countries and territories.

-- BERNAMA