ARCHIDEX 2026, Malaysia’s largest rchitecture and building exhibition, has concluded on a high note, reaffirming its position as one of Asia’s leading architecture business event and a key platform connecting the region’s built environment ecosystem.
Held from 29 July to 1 August 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the 25th edition of ARCHIDEX brought together architects, designers, developers, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, policymakers and industry professionals to discover opportunities, exchange knowledge and build partnerships shaping the future of the built environment. Organised by C.I.S in partnership with the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) as part of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF), ARCHIDEX 2026 welcomed 860 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, occupying over 39,000 square metres of exhibition space.
The exhibition attracted more than 45,000 visitors and delegates from over 100 countries, marking a significant milestone for the industry and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for architecture, construction and real estate opportunities. On the growth of ARCHIDEX, Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, said: “What stands out is not just how much ARCHIDEX has grown, but what the growth truly represents. These milestones reflect the confidence that local and international businesses continue to place in Malaysia as a destination for trade, investment and collaboration. The expansion of ARCHIDEX represents a bigger platform for our industry. Because a larger platform means more innovation to discover; more connections to make; and more business opportunities to create impact.”
Complementing ARCHIDEX was the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2026, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), which brought together policymakers, developers, investors and industry leaders to discuss the future of housing, urban development and sustainable cities across ASEAN.
Officiating the opening of ARCHIDEX 2026, Minister of Housing and Local Government, Yang Berhormat Tuan Nga Kor Ming said, “While the government sets policy directions, achieving our vision of Housing with Heart requires collaboration across sectors. It is in this spirit that we are hosting AREC, and ARCHIDEX itself embodies this same spirit of collaboration and innovation. Our strategic location, strong connectivity, competitive business ecosystem, stable economic fundamentals, and highly skilled workforce continue to attract investors and businesses seeking opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. ARCHIDEX showcases these strengths by bringing together industry leaders from across Asia and beyond to collaborate, innovate, and invest.”
Together with DATUM 2026, PAM’s flagship architectural conference and the region’s most influential to-date, the three platforms created a comprehensive ecosystem connecting policy, investment, design, innovation and implementation — strengthening collaboration across the entire built environment value chain.
Ar. IDr Dexter Koh, President of PAM, said: “As PAM’s flagship architectural conference since 2003 DATUM brings together thinkers and innovators to explore emerging ideas and challenge perspectives. This year’s theme, ‘FutureCulture’, feels particularly timely. As we embrace new technologies, how do we ensure our architecture remains anchored in local culture and identity? The answer lies in balance – between innovation and tradition, progress and context, technology and humanity. Together, ARCHIDEX, AREC and DATUM form a complete ecosystem: ARCHIDEX connects ideas with industry; AREC connects development with national aspirations; and DATUM connects the profession with critical dialogue.”
Beyond the exhibition floor, ARCHIDEX continued to drive industry conversations through more than 100 knowledge-sharing sessions featuring over 170 local and international speakers, alongside business matching sessions, buyer programmes. Curated showcases further highlighted emerging trends and innovations transforming the industry. World of Works (WoW) explored the future of workplaces through the intersection of technology, culture and human experience, while A Hospitality Anthology (aha) made its debut as a platform showcasing evolving hospitality trends. Digital @ ARCHIDEX, featuring smarteX, showcased the growing impact of digital technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence and smart building solutions in shaping the next generation of buildings.
ARCHIDEX also continued its commitment to recognising excellence and nurturing future talent through the ARCHIDEX Star Awards, celebrating product innovation, and ARCHITALENT, providing emerging architects and designers with opportunities to connect, collaborate and showcase their creative potential. As ARCHIDEX 2026 closes its doors, it leaves behind new partnerships, fresh perspectives and stronger connections — continuing its legacy as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and growth across ASEAN’s built environment.
