KUALA LUMPUR, 26 August 2026 – The Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026 opened today with a strong call for Malaysia to deepen localisation, accelerate technology adoption and position itself as a leading automotive and intelligent-mobility hub in ASEAN.
The three-day event, held from 26 to 28 August at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), was officially launched by YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
The opening ceremony also featured the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding between international and Malaysian companies. The collaborations demonstrate GATE’s role in connecting global expertise and technologies with Malaysia’s industrial capabilities, creating opportunities for technology transfer, localisation, supply-chain development, investment and access to new markets.
“Malaysia welcomes partnerships that deliver long-term value to our economy. This means going beyond market access to support deeper localisation, technology transfer, research and development, high-skilled employment and stronger participation by Malaysian companies in global value chains,” said YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin.
Organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Derrisen Sdn Bhd, GATE returns for its second edition, nine months after its successful debut in November 2025.
The event brings together automotive manufacturers, technology specialists, investors, innovators and solution providers from Malaysia, ASEAN and international markets to explore investments, exchange expertise and establish strategic partnerships.
As the Government’s lead agency for advancing Malaysia’s automotive and mobility industry, MARii is positioning GATE as a platform to showcase the country’s manufacturing depth, localisation ecosystem and strengths in strategic sectors, including electrical and electronics and semiconductors.
“Malaysia is well positioned to become a next-generation automotive and mobility hub serving ASEAN and global markets. However, localisation must now extend beyond vehicle assembly to include advanced components, engineering, software, technology and intellectual property,” said MARii Chief Executive Officer, Ts. Azrul Reza Aziz.
“The partnerships initiated at GATE must translate into tangible outcomes, including technology transfer, local-vendor development, high-value investment and skilled employment.
” Malaysia’s automotive industry contributes approximately 5 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product and supports an extensive network of manufacturers, vendors, service providers and skilled workers. Its continued transformation is central to Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-value, technology-driven economy while advancing a greener and more sustainable future.
Covering the automotive and next-generation mobility value chain, the GATE exhibition features vehicle manufacturers, supply-chain companies, charging and infrastructure providers, financial and investment services, and technology innovators.
GATE 2026 is supported by national automotive manufacturers PROTON and PERODUA as Platinum Partners, GWM as Gold Partner, and Siemens as Strategic Digital Industry Partner. Siemens is also making its first appearance at GATE.
Other participating automotive and technology companies include Multi-Code Electronics Industries, EP Manufacturing Berhad and Beijing Jingwei Hirain Technologies.
Reflecting GATE’s emphasis on cross-border technology collaboration, home-grown charging-equipment manufacturer Swift Bridge Technologies is jointly showcasing smart electric-vehicle charging and energy solutions with China’s Xi’an Linchr New Energy Technology.
Malaysian industry capabilities are further represented through dedicated pavilions by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).
The GATE Conference 2026, co-organised by MARii and MIDA, complements the exhibition with strategic discussions on digital innovation, investment, sustainable electrification, deeper localisation and talent development.
“GATE is where industry conversations become strategic connections—and those connections become business opportunities. The MOU exchanges reflect the value of bringing global technology leaders and Malaysian companies together on one platform,” said Derrisen Project Director, Vicky Tan.
The participation of delegates from China, India and ASEAN further strengthens GATE’s position as a regional platform for investment, business matching, technology exchange and cross-border collaboration.
GATE 2026 is held alongside E-Mobility Asia and Sustainability Environment Asia, creating an integrated showcase connecting automotive technology and intelligent mobility with electrification and environmental solutions.
Revving up the packed three-day programme are more highlights:
GATE CONNECT with OEMs which will be sharing procurement priorities and strategic insights to Malaysia and ASEAN suppliers for collaboration opportunities and high value networking on all three days. Confirmed OEMs to date are GWM, Jetour, and Chery.
GATE ASEAN MOBILITY FORUM by the Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia (EVAM).
BUSINESS MATCHING takes to new heights with AI-streamlined meetings aimed at strengthening the ASEAN automotive supply chain, build a mobility partnership hub in ASEAN for cross-border partnerships and network with international prospects via dedicated buyer programme.
NxGV Challenge 2026 National Bootcamp to expose and challenge bright young minds from universities and vocational institutions on engineering and design of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) under a strategic three-way partnership by MARii, national car maker PERODUA and the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia (SAE Malaysia) to support the national EV policy.
Admission to the GATE exhibition is free with mandatory on-line registration https://www.gate-registration.lively.com.my/register/gate-ema/
For more information, visit www.gatexpo.my
GATE is endorsed by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Strategic Partners: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia Board of Technologist (MBOT), InvestPenang, Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia (EVAM), Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Malaysian Automotive Component Parts Manufacturers (MACPMA), Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), Malaysian Autonomous Intelligence & Robotics Association (MyAIRA), Malaysia IoT Association (MyIoTA, Proton Vendors Association (PVA), Perodua Suppliers Association (P2SA).
Local Supporting Partners: Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST), The Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering & Motor Parts Traders Association (EMPTA), Malaysia Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA), Malaysia Used Vehicle Autoparts Traders Association (MUVATA), The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM), Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI).
International Supporting Partners: Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA), Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), Electric Vehicle Association of Singapore (EVAS), Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), Indonesian Electric Vehicle Industry Association (PERIKLINDO), Korea Automotive Industry Globalization Foundation (AinGlobal), Policy Times Chamber of Commerce (PTCC), Asosiasi Industri Motor Listrik Indonesia (AISMOLI). ==============================================================
Notes to Editors
Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) is an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). Serving as the focal point, coordination centre and think tank for the nation’s automotive industry, it functions to enhance technology, human capital, supply chain, market outreach and aftersales capabilities of all automotive stakeholders and ecosystems.
MARii serves to spur the development of smart systems through the implementation of digital technologies with a special focus on big data analytics and artificial intelligence, including automotive and connected mobility ecosystem. (www.marii.my).
Derrisen Sdn Bhd is a specialist in delivering impactful trade events and conferences for businesses and industries to create sustainable high performance and growth. We bring you a deeply passionate and experienced team of organisers to deliver leading industry and lifestyle portfolios in Southeast Asia to help our clients achieve their business goals and shared purpose of building positive relationships for long-term success.
Media Contact
Karen Goi +60 12-3298302 karen.goi@derrisen.com
