2028:Expressions of Interest/Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Expression of Interest: Malaysia

Abstract/description

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a centre of international multicultural diversity at the heart of Asia, combining heritage, culture, and modernity. As the capital of Malaysia with roots from the Sultanate-Colonial era, the city offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary sophistication.

The city stands tall with the fourth most skyscrapers globally, including the Merdeka 118 tower as the second tallest tower in the world. With 14 interconnected rail transit lines, a variety of points of interests and accommodations, and a state-of-the-art tech infrastructure, the city has proven itself in successfully hosting numerous large-scale international conferences and events with efficiency and flair.

A symbol of a thriving developing global south country, Malaysia is also a melting pot of cultures from all across East and South Asia. Being dubbed as being truly Asia, it is an example of a modern and advanced country with strong roots in traditional values. The nation is also home to a variety of indigenous cultures, each displaying their unique ways and styles that together build the country’s charm. Not only does it serve as a showcase of the spirit of multiculturalism, it also provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants from all sorts of backgrounds.

The blend of cultures also makes it a literal melting pot for foods, providing a chance to explore a near-infinite world of gastronomy. Malaysian food blends the flavour of multiple cultures, offering a unique experience to be tasted. It is also home to some of the most exotic fruits to be discovered, as well as a biodiverse nature to explore.

Logo for Malaysia's Expression of Interest for Wikimania 2028.

The Malaysian community of Wikimedians is proposing for either the 2028 or 2029 Wikimania conference to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hosting Wikimania in Kuala Lumpur will open up the opportunities for Wikimedians across the world to explore a world of sophisticated and diverse traditions living in the digital age, while exploring ways to overcome the challenges of the passing time. It will serve as a great chance for each of us to learn from each other on how to and the test of time and preserve the roots of knowledge as we go on to explore the future.

Furthermore, it will also provide the Malaysian community and institutions with more exposure to the Wikimedia movement. Collaborations could be met with the agencies, from cultural to digital and even GLAM institutions, just as how we have worked with other agencies such as the Ministry of Digital Affairs and embassies while hosting the ESEAP Conference in 2024.

Having Wikimania hosted in Kuala Lumpur will not only highlight the beauty of a vibrant cultural diversity, but also the movement’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing. Kuala Lumpur can bridge our collective culture, heritage, and knowledge advancement.

The EOI logo takes inspiration from the wau bulan kite, drawn using elements from the Wikimania logo.

Organisers

The EOI is submitted by Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia (WCUGM) with the support from the East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Regional Hub (ESEAP). The organising team will consist of members of WCUGM, ESEAP, and the rest of the Wikimedia community as deemed fitting.

Core Organising Committee (COT)

• Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia
  • Taufik Rosman (User:Tofeiku) - Treasurer, WCUGM
    • 2023 Wikimedian of the Year
    • COT member, ESEAP Conference 2024
    • Administrator, Malay Wiktionary
    • Languages: ,
  • Farouk Azim (User:Ultron90) - Committee Member, WCUGM
    • Committee member, ESEAP Conference 2024
    • Administrator, Kadazandusun Wikipedia
    • Administrator, Malay Wiktionary
    • Languages: ,
  • Ahmad Ali Karim (User:EmpAhmadK) - Committee Member, WCUGM
    • Committee member, ESEAP Conference 2024
    • President, IIUM Wikimedia Club
    • Administrator, Kadazandusun Wikipedia
    • Languages: ,
  • Zahirul Nukman (User:Zahirulnukman) - Committee Member, WCUGM
    • Committee member, ESEAP Conference 2024
    • Administrator, Malay Wikipedia
    • Languages: ,
• East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Regional Hub (ESEAP)

Advisory committee

• Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia
  • Dody Ismoyo (User:Dody Ismoyo) - Founder & President, WCUGM
    • Committee member, ESEAP Preparatory Council
    • COT member, ESEAP Conference 2024
    • Languages: ,

Requirements

Kuala Lumpur is a global city with multiple accommodation for conferences, from suitable venues, an integrated public transport system, and a wide variety of lodging options with a range of prices to choose from.

Kuala Lumpur skyline at night featuring its four tallest buildings.

Having hosted multiple international conferences and events from the United Nations’ World Urban Forum (2018) to the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA) International Forum (2024), the city is well-fitted to celebrate and host the Wikimedia movement’s annual global conference.

To host Wikimania, it is only a matter of doing it. With a strong team of volunteers from Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia and the support from other ESEAP affiliates, the conference will be able to find its home in the bustling, wonderful KL.

Venue + lodging

The main proposed venue would be either Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya, both being within the Klang Valley or the Greater Kuala Lumpur area (also known as Metropolitan Klang Valley).

Venue proposal #1 - KLCC

The Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is the iconic centre of the city itself. Featuring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, its convention centre has served as the venue of countless other international conferences and conventions in the past. With a plethora of different places of interest just within itself, the whole conference could be fully accommodated within the centre, with good access to the integrated LRT and MRT metro systems to take you practically anywhere within the city. The centre features multiple malls, hotels, and even tourist attractions such as parks, aquariums, and others.

Two main train stations are directly connected to the venue, which are KLCC on the Kelana Jaya LRT line, and Persiaran KLCC on the Putrajaya MRT line. Other nearby stations include Conlay (MRT), Ampang Park (LRT & MRT), and Raja Chulan (Monorail), each being interconnected while providing access to the different parts of the centre, opening doors to commute to the entirety of the city. There are also bus lines that connect the city in general, from mass transit buses, electric buses, to tourist-catered “hop-on hop-off” buses.

• 
  KLCC (northeastern exterior).
• 
  KLCC (street entrance).
• 
  View of KLCC from above, featuring the Petronas Twin Towers in the background.
• 
  View of KLCC from above.
• 
  Interior during Comic Fiesta 2023. Custom temporary signages can be installed during the conference.
• 
  KLCC at night.
• 
  KLCC from the park view.

Venue proposal #2 - WTCKL

Formerly known as PWTC, the comprehensive conference centre is located right next to the heart of the city. The centre features heritage and history, decorated with murals and paintings documenting the nation’s development, topped off with traditional Malay architecture. The centre has previously hosted multiple grand events including concerts, conferences, and international meetings such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The venue is equipped with all necessary facilities, including first-aid clinics right within the conference area for the purpose of attending the participants. It is also strategically located within the city, connected to the PWTC station (Kelana Jaya LRT line), with direct connecting access to the Seri Pacific Hotel for participant accommodation. It is also directly connected via an elevated walkway to the Sunway Putra complex which features both a large mall and another hotel, making accommodation easy and accessible for most participants, especially scholars.

• 
  WTC KL facade.
• 
  WTC KL from the road side.
• 
  Mural depicting historical events within the conference venue.
• 
  WTC KL from outside.
• 
  WTC KL from outside.
• 
  Facilities such as a clinic are included in the venue.
• 
  PWTC metro station which has a direct access to the venue.

Venue proposal #3 - Royale Chulan Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Located within the heart of the city, the hotel offers a great space for the conference, with a large ballroom capable of accommodating over 1,000 participants, and multiple breakout rooms for each session. Not only could the delegates stay within the hotel itself, there are multiple nearby hotels that could serve as alternate choices for accommodation for all delegates with a range of pricing, whether for those sponsored or coming self-funded.

The hotel is located very close to the Conlay MRT station on the Putrajaya line, with a walkable environment around it. The station could connect the delegates to multiple other key places of interest across the city, including the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which opens doors to multiple malls and parks.

The Malaysian Handicraft Complex is located beside the hotel, fitting with the hotel's traditional Malay architecture. Delegates can take on a visit to the complex and learn more on the Malaysian traditional handicrafts, as well as to bring back souvenirs from the country. Not to mention the amount of photos uploadable to Commons. Having a conference here can highlight the values of heritage and culture within unity.

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  Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
• 
  Neighbouring Handicraft Complex could serve as a place to visit.
• 
  Conlay MRT station which is located in front of the hotel.

Side venue options for closing party

The closing party could optionally be held at a separate venue depending on the circumstances for a unique and memorable experience to close off the conference.

Glasshouse at Seputeh offers a memorable experience in a well-decorated glasshouse featuring a wide space for participants to enjoy a wondrous closing party with room for cultural performances or any form of entertainment and showcase. The venue blends rustic, modern, and natural elements to provide a unique aesthetic experience.

Boathouse is a scenic venue with two buildings, a glasshouse and a dome, situated next to each other, next to a pier overlooking a beautiful lake within the city. This also offers an outdoor experience (provided cooperative weather) and a chance to enjoy the city skyline.

Note: Both side venues are not well-accessible via public transportation and may require arranged transportation.

Lodging

Accommodation is abundant in Kuala Lumpur. There is a wide range of prices to choose from. Each of the proposed venues either have a lot of nearby hotels, or is a hotel itself with multiple other hotels surrounding it. Kuala Lumpur has over 400 hotels as of 2023, able to accommodate up to 60,000 rooms, which is more than sufficient to provide a variety of choices for all participants.

Travel + visas

Travel

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Malaysia is mainly served by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Despite the name, the airport is not within territorial Kuala Lumpur, but in Sepang which is within the Greater Kuala Lumpur area. Recognised as a mega hub, the airport is well-served by various connections, being the second most-connected airport globally as of 2024.

KUL also serves as the hub for Malaysian Airlines which is part of the Oneworld alliance that connects 17 airlines with frequent code-shares.

If the conference is held in cities outside the Greater Kuala Lumpur area, the airport could serve to connect the flight from its departure location. Penang is directly connected to Doha via air, as well as a few other major cities. Both Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are also decently well-connected to other major cities, especially those within Asia-Pacific.

Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). More information could be found in the Currency section.

Visa

Malaysia allows visa exemption to most countries, with only 34 countries requiring visa. Out of the 34, 31 require Electronic Visa (e-Visa), whereas the other three, Israel, North Korea and Western Sahara, require special visa application. Visa applications for Israel passport-holders require the approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, however, they may also enter using a non-Israeli passport, if available. Western Sahara travellers may only enter by air.

Visa policy of Malaysia      Malaysia      Visa not required (90 days)      Visa not required (30 days)      Visa not required (14 days)      eVisa (30 days)      Visa required in advance      Visa required in advance + enter by airport only

All visitors (except Singapore citizens, and some Brunei and Indonesia citizens) need to fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online within three days before arriving in Malaysia.

There are 98 resident foreign diplomatic missions serving in Kuala Lumpur, with 48 other non-resident missions.

If the conference is held in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu (or anywhere in Sabah or Sarawak), visitors must undergo a separate immigration under the state government, including Malaysian nationals from peninsular Malaysia.

Facilities + services

Accessibility

Disability inclusion

The Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 requires buildings to provide access for people with disabilities. This includes providing access to get in, out of, and within the building. This means that generally speaking, all points of interest within major cities such as Kuala Lumpur would have accessibility functions. The venues proposed all have disability access.

Public transportation in Malaysia has proper disability support, especially the integrated rail system. This includes but is not limited to wheelchair accessibilities and tactile paving. All necessary functions planned for this event would be inclusive of people with disabilities by the functions of the venues.

Neurodiversity

As with the previous Wikimania, we have allocated a room in the planned venue allocations for the purpose of a quiet room. The room will be equipped with all necessary facilities to support neurodivergent participants as well as others in need. The rooms will be conveniently located away from most of the crowded spaces, and spaced from other venues by the secretariat room who may also provide assistance when needed.

Communication / Language

Although Malay is the national language, English is still a dominant second language for most Malaysians, especially within the cities. Malaysians can typically understand and converse in English, at the very least on a basic level. Most facilities have both Malay and English signages, or, additionally, Mandarin and Tamil, as the four most dominant languages in Malaysia.

In public services such as public transportation, announcements are delivered in both Malay and English, and the people are generally approachable to ask if there is any confusion regarding any information due to the language barrier.

As mentioned above, Mandarin and Tamil may also be understood, although generally among the Chinese and Indian communities respectively.

Commuting

Public transportation

Kuala Lumpur is served by an integrated rail system consisting of 4 LRT lines, 2 MRT lines, a Monorail line, 2 commuter train lines, a BRT line, as well as an airport line. Most of these lines will be connected at two main interchange stations, Kuala Lumpur Central Station (2 commuters, 1 LRT, 1 MRT, and airport line) and Titiwangsa Station (2 LRT, 1 MRT, and monorail).

These train stations are further connected by bus services. Within Kuala Lumpur, there are a number of free electric bus lines taking passengers around the city. Other transit buses would require a small payment of approximately USD 0.20-0.60 per trip depending on the amount of stops travelled.

All public transportation services are served by the Touch ‘n’ Go payment system, using its designated card similar to Singapore’s NETS system. This card may be purchased at any train station with a minimum credit of approximately USD 2.00, for the same price (totalling to approximately USD 4.00). A version of the card at the same price also supports near-field communication (NFC) technology for other purposes.

Although Touch ‘n’ Go serves as the main payment method for the integrated rail system, they also accept cash or card payment for train tokens as opposed to buying a card. These tokens could be purchased manually using token machines at every station, by pre-selecting the destination. If the actual stop is closer to the departing station compared to the pre-selected stop, the token will still be accepted for check-out and the extra cost is not returned. However, if the stop is further than the pre-selected stop, the additional cost must be paid at the service counter.

Hired transport

E-hailing is the most popular and accessible option for hired transport. The most notable services include Grab, Bolt, and InDrive. In general, most of the services, especially the well-established ones, support both online and cash payment. As with in other places, the cost for these services is based on demand, traffic, and time.

Taxis can be found at many places of interest. However, due to lack of demand because of the rise of popularity in e-hailing, it may take a while to find them, except in certain main train stations. Taxis in Malaysia are mainly metred, and are annotated as “Teksi Bermeter.” The cost is charged based on distance travelled and time spent, with a base price of approximately USD 0.60.

Hired micromobility such as scooters are available in some places within the city. The most popular service is Beam, which charges approximately USD 0.15 per minute travelled. However, users must be wary of how far the scooter is allowed to travel and where it can be parked in order to not be charged a misuse fee by observing the map in the app.

Walkability

A typical pavement near the train station in suburban Kuala Lumpur. Notice the roofed variant on the opposite side of the road for rain and sun shelter.

Malaysia by definition is not the most walkable country as most of its citizens opt to use personal vehicles and e-hailing. However, most places within the city centres have walking facilities such as roadside pavements, and even roofed walkways in a lot of places for shelter during intense heat and rain showers, making it very walkable in the city.

Due to the interconnected nature of the integrated rail system, most places of interest would be well-connected by a train station and a walkable path directing to the locations.

Food

Vegan & vegetarian

Vegan and vegetarian foods are still widely available especially in Indian restaurants, but are generally not declared, and therefore must be inquired unless explicitly stated. Within the city, vegan and vegetarian options are more widely available due to the Hindu population and international tourists. Malay and Chinese restaurants would typically serve food with meat, unless otherwise stated.

Halal

Halal foods are generally marked with the Malaysian halal certification stamp/logo if certified by the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development. However, there are some establishments (mainly small ones) that do not obtain such certification but still state it in its signage with either “HALAL” or “حلال”. However, a lot of small Muslim establishments still do not declare it as it is taken for granted under the assumption that the seller is Muslim.

Kosher

Kosher status is generally not declared in the vast majority of establishments in Malaysia. Therefore, participants are advised to consult regarding food ingredients and/or kosher status from the respective food vendors prior consumption.

Technology

Internet connectivity

Urban internet infrastructure in Malaysia is well-established, even for 5G support. 98.4 per cent of the population has access to 4G LTE mobile service, and 82% with 5G as of September 2024, with the numbers expected to increase within the coming years. However, most points of interest may not offer free WiFi services, with some places offering them upon any purchase at its facilities. However, some malls in the city still provide some level of free internet access, albeit, sometimes with unreliable speed.

The venues proposed would provide excellent internet services as has been served during past events.

Electricity

Malaysia uses the Type G electrical plug, which is commonly found in former British colonies.

Environmental / Natural factors

Weather

As with Singapore, Malaysia experiences a warm tropical climate, which means a mix of hot sunny days and also rainy days. It is hard to say in advance whether August 2028 will be rainy or sunny, however, such may be arranged once the forecast is released during the year.

Temperature could range approximately between 28°C and 33°C during the day, and between 23°C and 28°C during the night. Humidity averages at around 80% depending on the weather.

A lot of places within the city centre have weather protection facilities, such as roofed walkways to shield from the sun and rain. However, participants would still be encouraged to bring an umbrella in case any unroofed pathways are to be used.

Daylight

Malaysia stands near the equator, and therefore faces little to no effect from summer and winter time. Therefore, the sun rises and sets almost exactly 12 hours from each other, at approximately 7:00 PM during August.

Financial

Currency

Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) which, as of 26th January 2025, is equivalent to:

Currency	Amount	Amount (MYR)
United States Dollar (USD)	USD 1.000	MYR 4.378
	USD 0.228	MYR 1.000
Euro (EUR)	EUR 1.000	MYR 4.594
	EUR 0.218	MYR 1.000
Japanese Yen (JPY)	JPY 1.000	MYR 0.028
	JPY 35.629	MYR 1.000
British Pound Sterling (GBP)	GBP 1.000	MYR 5.464
	GBP 0.183	MYR 1.000
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)	CNY 1.000	MYR 0.111
	CNY 9.038	MYR 1.000

The currency can easily be exchanged in Malaysia using popular currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, CNY, etc.) Therefore, travellers from countries using an unpopular currency are advised to exchange the currency to a popular currency prior to coming to Malaysia, if MYR is unavailable in the home country. However, as with most places, visitors should be careful to not fall into exchanging for unfair rates at certain exchanges within the city.

Payment

Cashless payment is a popular and widely used method of payment in Malaysia, especially in the city.

Debit and credit cards are generally accepted in most shops in Malaysia. Users of MasterCard and Visa would find it easy to pay using their own cards, with some shops allowing customers to choose between being charged in MYR or in their home currency. Most if not all shops support NFC or paywave methods.

However, small establishments such as roadside stalls would instead opt for QR payment, including in rural areas. These QR payments mostly operate under the Alipay network, which means other Alipay systems even from other countries would be able to pay directly using QR.

There are two modes of QR payment, i.e., store-to-customer scanning (the cashier would scan a QR or barcode from the customer’s device), and customer-to-store scanning (the customer would scan a static QR code displayed at the store). The former is common and more prevalent in medium to large establishments, whereas the latter is common in small establishments and certain medium establishments.

NFC payment via mobile device or card is also available in most establishments that support card payment. This includes applications such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and others.

Another form of payment would include Touch ‘n’ Go NFC cards, which function similar to Singapore’s NETS cards. This is especially used in transportation, and is mandatory for certain buses and road tolls, and is convenient to be used for public transportation.

Safety + security

Kuala Lumpur ranks above average at the 32nd place globally in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index. The city is considered safe for tourists, however, certain petty crimes may still need to be on the lookout such as pickpocketing.

A general rule of thumb would be to be wary of your belongings while in crowded spaces, and to avoid dark unoccupied areas at night.

Safety infrastructure is well-installed in a lot of key places of interest such as public transportation. Metro (MRT and LRT) trains also have designated female coaches to prevent issues pertaining to sexual harassment against females.

Personal security / Privacy

Camera surveillance is common in major public establishments such as shops, offices, and public transportation. However, facial masks are allowed and recommended to be worn especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health safety

As of now, there are no critical health concerns in Malaysia, with the last recorded case of Mpox being in September 2023. Covid-19 is at a non-critical stage, with only 5% of the active cases involving the patient being hospitalised.

Malaysia does not mandate travellers to be vaccinated for Covid-19. Nationals of 41 countries are required to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination to enter Malaysia, for protection against Yellow Fever.

Angola Argentina Benin Bolivia Brazil Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Colombia Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Ecuador

Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia French Guiana (France) Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) Kenya Liberia Mali Mauritania

Niger Nigeria Panama Paraguay Peru Senegal Sierra Leone South Sudan Sudan Suriname Togo Trinidad and Tobago Uganda Venezuela

Identity right & safety

The Federal Constitution of Malaysia as the supreme law of the country guarantees that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

As a multicultural country, Malaysia is not only home to various races, religions and cultures, but is also very accepting of other kinds. Cases of tourist harassment on the grounds of identity are barely heard of.

The Federal Constitution guarantees no discrimination on the grounds of gender. Despite this, Malaysian law does not recognise genders beyond the female-male binary. However, there are no legal implications in simply identifying as another gender except in immigration.

The act of homosexual intercourse is criminalised, however, there is no law prohibiting the act of identifying as a homosexual.

Any public display of intimate affection (including kissing) in public is generally looked down upon by the society irrespective of sexuality or gender, and may be met with prosecution if done in public spaces such as public transport and malls.

In a nutshell, although any public sexual acts is illegal, the Malaysian law does not prohibit free sexual and gender identity. In making sure that no problems are faced by these communities, we will work together with the communities in ensuring that they feel safe in Malaysia.

Alternate locations

If Kuala Lumpur is unable to serve as the host for any reasons, we propose Penang, Kuching, and Putrajaya as alternate options for the host city, along with Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Terengganu.

Penang

Penang is Malaysia’s second largest conurbation, located on its very own island north of peninsular Malaysia. Its Penang International Airport (PEN) is the third busiest airport in the country, serving multiple international flights especially within the ESEAP region, while also being connected to Hamad International Airport (DOH). The city is equipped with a large convention centre, Setia​​ SPICE, which is known for its sustainable infrastructure and facilities, which can serve as a fitting venue for the conference.

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  Skyline of Penang at night.
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  Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
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  Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
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  Penang Bridge at sunset.

Kuching

Escaping the busy peninsula, we venture east to the island of Borneo, to the capital of the state of Sarawak. Kuching offers a unique experience for conference attendees, away from the stereotypical Kuala Lumpur. Served by Kuching International Airport (KCH), it is also home to the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) which can serve as a fitting venue for the conference. It is also well-equipped with multiple hotels and interesting venues to visit throughout the conference.

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  Kuching city skyline.
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  Aerial view of Kuching overlooking the Sarawak River.
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  Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching.
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  Interior of Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching.

Putrajaya

As the administrative capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya has hosted various international events in the modern and grand city. Its Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) has witnessed multiple prestigious international conferences and even meetings between leaders of nations. Connected via bus to the Putrajaya Central Station on the Putrajaya MRT Line, attendees could even venture to other parts of the city or even to the neighbouring Kuala Lumpur, the heart of the country. Although a bit distant from Kuala Lumpur itself, it is actually closer to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), with the KLIA Transit train taking passengers directly to Putrajaya Central Station in around 15 minutes for approximately USD 2.00 only.

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  The Prime Minister's Office could be seen in the background.
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  A view of the city from the Putrajaya Staircases.
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  Putrajaya International Convention Centre overlooking the Seri Gemilang Bridge.
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  Putrajaya Central Station serves the city, connecting it to the rest of Greater Kuala Lumpur.

Kota Kinabalu

The host venue of the 2024 ESEAP Conference, one that may serve as a tropical escape for conference attendees. With a rich history and exciting cultural stories to discover, Kota Kinabalu brings a memorable experience for the participants to cherish. The conference could be held at multiple venues, including the Sutera Harbour hotel, which serves both as the venue and lodging, while still being accessible for participants who stay at other accommodations. The airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is situated close to the city.

Kuala Terengganu

A beautiful coastal city at the centre of arts and cultural heritage, Kuala Terengganu offers a wonderful eastern seaside experience for all participants. Connected via the Sultan Mahmud International Airport (TGG), the city introduces a more traditional part of Malaysia. Home to a lot of textile art and traditional craftworks, Wikimedians would enjoy the beautiful escapade for a unique Wikimania experience. The city has been called home by international events in the past, with multiple hotels capable of serving as conference venues for programmes such as Wikimania.

Hybrid format and remote participation

The proposed venues have proper facilities for hybrid conference implementation. Although the 2024 ESEAP Conference had some minor issues with its hybrid implementation, the problem was due to the hotel not having hybrid support, and there was therefore a need to use makeshift solutions.

In the case of the proposed venues, they have been known to implement the system in the past, whether through built-in facilities or tools externally brought in such as in Singapore. Translation services, including for sign language, will also be available as there are multiple agencies in Malaysia that can provide such services.

All of Malaysia is located in the UTC+8:00 time zone. The first half of the day will be nighttime for most of Europe and Africa, while the second half will be morning. For the Americas, the time will be almost entirely flipped AM to PM, and therefore the morning sessions will take place during nighttime, and the evening sessions will take place past midnight.

Time zone conversion (UTC+)

Local (UTC +8:00)	UTC	+1	+2	+3	+4	+5	+6	+7	+8	+9	+10	+11	+12
M, 08:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00
M, 09:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00
M, 10:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00
M, 11:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00
M, 12:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00
M, 13:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00
M, 14:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00
M, 15:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00
M, 16:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00	M, 20:00
M, 17:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00	M, 20:00	M, 21:00
M, 18:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00	M, 20:00	M, 21:00	M, 22:00
M, 19:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00	M, 20:00	M, 21:00	M, 22:00	M, 23:00
M, 20:00	M, 12:00	M, 13:00	M, 14:00	M, 15:00	M, 16:00	M, 17:00	M, 18:00	M, 19:00	M, 20:00	M, 21:00	M, 22:00	M, 23:00	T, 00:00

Time zone conversion (UTC-)

Local (UTC +8:00)	-12	-11	-10	-9	-8	-7	-6	-5	-4	-3	-2	-1	UTC
M, 08:00	S, 12:00	S, 13:00	S, 14:00	S, 15:00	S, 16:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00
M, 09:00	S, 13:00	S, 14:00	S, 15:00	S, 16:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00
M, 10:00	S, 14:00	S, 15:00	S, 16:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00
M, 11:00	S, 15:00	S, 16:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00
M, 12:00	S, 16:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00
M, 13:00	S, 17:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00
M, 14:00	S, 18:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00
M, 15:00	S, 19:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00
M, 16:00	S, 20:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00
M, 17:00	S, 21:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00
M, 18:00	S, 22:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00
M, 19:00	S, 23:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00
M, 20:00	M, 00:00	M, 01:00	M, 02:00	M, 03:00	M, 04:00	M, 05:00	M, 06:00	M, 07:00	M, 08:00	M, 09:00	M, 10:00	M, 11:00	M, 12:00

Time

It is proposed that the conference be held in either early August or late September (to avoid National Day season in late August and early September), in either 2028 or 2029.

Additional

A local community engagement session was held on 18th January 2025 at the Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The session was conducted in a hybrid form, and participants came from different parts of the country both physically and online. The proposal was further improved with the input from the community both from the session and an online form disseminated among the Malaysian volunteers including student clubs.

The East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ESEAP) community has also been consulted during the January 2025 edition of the ESEAP Monthly Community Call on 26th January 2025, where members of all over ESEAP expressed their support for the Expression of Interest. The presentation slides can be found here.

Recommendations

• Please input your recommendations here and sign off with your Wikimedia username as well as your affiliation such as User:EmpAhmadK (Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia)
• This proposal has my strong support, especially as it's for 2028 (and 2029) (I would support a Latin American venue for 2027). Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu would both be great venues (I'm not familiar with the others). I would be happy to be involved in organising a Wikimania Malaysia 2028. Jeremy Ludlow (Bahnfrend (talk • contribs • block • all projects) (Wikimedia Australia Board member)