KUALA LUMPUR: The collaboration between Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific and the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) is playing a key role in shaping the Selangor Tech Fair into a platform for industrial innovation, technology adoption and business development.

Tim Bostridge, Managing Director of Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific, described the partnership as a strong collaboration, with both organisations working closely to develop the programme, curate the exhibition area and deliver the event.

In a sideline interview with the media, Bostridge said the two parties had combined their expertise and resources to ensure the fair addressed key developments affecting industries in Selangor and Malaysia.

“It’s a fantastic partnership, it’s a great collaboration. We worked very closely with the team there to create the programme, to curate the display area, and to bring this event to life,” he said.

“It’s really two different partners working as one, one team, to realise the event.”

This year’s edition marks a significant development for the Selangor Tech Fair, which has expanded from two days to four days through its integration with the wider Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), an event hosted together with the Selangor State Government.

Bostridge said the expanded programme would allow for more in-depth discussions on industrial artificial intelligence (AI), green technology and human capital, reflecting the priorities shaping the future of industry.

He said the partnership with STDC was instrumental in bringing these themes into a local context, allowing businesses to better understand how global technological developments could be applied to improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness.

As a global exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe, through Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific, brings international industrial expertise and insights from Hannover Messe, its flagship industrial trade fair in Germany, to markets undergoing significant industrial transformation.

Bostridge said Malaysia and Selangor were important parts of this transformation, making the region a strategic location for connecting local businesses with international industry trends and emerging technologies.

He added that the Selangor Tech Fair would continue to be based in Selangor for the foreseeable future, while welcoming participation from companies across Malaysia and the wider region.

The collaboration also comes amid growing interest in AI, semiconductor technologies and digital infrastructure, which Bostridge identified as important drivers of industrial growth.

He said AI would increasingly support industrial processes, from basic automation to advanced intelligent systems, helping businesses overcome human capital constraints and accelerate productivity improvements.

Green technology and data centre infrastructure would also become increasingly important as demand for energy and computing capacity rises alongside AI adoption.

Through its partnership with STDC, the Selangor Tech Fair aims to provide a platform for industry players to engage with these developments and explore opportunities to advance industrial capabilities.

Bostridge said continued investment in domestic capabilities, alongside stronger international engagement, would be crucial for Malaysia to sustain its growth and remain an attractive destination for technology investment.

He added that close collaboration between industry stakeholders would remain important as businesses navigate technological change and prepare for emerging opportunities in sectors such as AI, and advanced manufacturing technology.

STDC positions Selangor as a regional hub for technology and talent

Meanwhile, STDC chief executive officer Dr Harizal B. Hamid said the Selangor Techsphere Summit (STS) 2026 reflected Selangor’s ambition to position itself and Malaysia as a regional meeting point for technology, industry, talent and innovation.

Scheduled for Oct 14 to 17, 2026, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the summit brings together industry leaders, technology innovators, policymakers, investors, academics, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and emerging talent to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore opportunities in next-generation industries.

Harizal said the rapid transformation driven by AI, semiconductors and microelectronics, green technology, smart automation and digitalisation was reshaping not only industries but also the skills and capabilities needed to remain competitive.

“Through STS 2026, we want to strengthen the connection between technological advancement, industry requirements and human capital development,” he said.

He added that the summit’s ambition extended beyond organising a technology event, seeking instead to connect Malaysia with ASEAN and the wider global technology ecosystem by linking international expertise with local talent, encouraging industry collaboration and investment, and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to future innovation.