KUALA LUMPUR: Archidex 2026 is positioning itself for stronger business outcomes and deeper industry engagement as the 25th edition of the architecture and built environment exhibition moves fully under one roof at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here..
Jointly organised by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and CIS, this year’s edition will be held from July 29 to Aug 1, marking the first time the long-running exhibition is fully consolidated at a single venue.
Organisers said the move addresses feedback from previous editions and allows for a more integrated experience for exhibitors and visitors.
CIS project director Jason Lim said past editions held across multiple venues limited the time visitors could spend engaging with exhibitors, ultimately affecting business connections.
“By housing everything at Mitec, which offers about 45,000 square metres of space, we gain more flexibility to introduce new thematic experiences and allow visitors to spend more quality time on the show floor,” he said during the Archidex 2026 soft launch press conference today.
Lim noted that the consolidation also enables the introduction of new thematic highlights covering various segments of the industry, including digital architecture, workplace solutions and hospitality-related design, providing broader exposure for exhibitors and more targeted engagement for visitors.
Archidex 2025 recorded RM1.4 billion in business transactions, driven largely by project-ready visitors, with about 85% of attendees comprising specifiers actively involved in ongoing developments. While organisers have yet to finalise a transaction target for 2026, Lim said expectations are for a higher value this year.
“We are aiming to exceed last year’s performance, but the figures will be shared once they are properly supported and finalised,” he said, adding that longer dwell time and stronger networking opportunities are expected to translate into improved business outcomes.
PAM president Adjunct Prof Ar Adrianta Aziz said Archidex 2026, themed “The Bold Future”, reflects a broader vision for Malaysia’s architectural identity and its role in shaping cities of the future. He said the theme aligns closely with the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival, which carries the concept of “Future Culture”.
“The future is not something far away. It is already here,” he said, stressing the importance of recognising Malaysia’s architectural diversity and cultural strength. “Malaysia is often admired globally for how different cultures coexist, and architecture is one of the strongest expressions of that identity.”
Adrianta also highlighted the growing emphasis on public engagement through initiatives such as Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week, which aims to bring architecture closer to the public and raise awareness of Malaysia’s built environment heritage. He said such platforms are increasingly relevant as Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
A key focus of Archidex 2026 will continue to be talent development, particularly for young architects and students. The Architalent programme, now in its eighth year, provides architecture students and young professionals with opportunities to pitch ideas and present their work on an international platform.
