SAMENTA Hyperlokal AI Fest 2026 is a nationwide movement to bring practical, business-ready AI directly to SMEs across Malaysia.
Building on the success of SME AI Fest 2025, this initiative expands into 50 cities. The focus is clear. Bring AI closer to SMEs in secondary cities and industrial hubs. Remove barriers to entry. Ensure every business can adopt AI.
The Penang edition marks the first stop of this 50-city rollout.
This event brings together leaders from the National AI Office and SME operators to show how AI drives real business results, with support from Maybank, CelcomDigi, and ecosystem partners.
You will learn how SMEs apply AI to improve marketing, streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase sales.
Event Details
Event: SAMENTA AI Fest 2026. Penang
Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration starts at 9:30 AM
Venue: NCER Technology Innovation Centre, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tickets: Free with registration [Register Here Eventsize]
Secure your spot today and take the first step to apply AI in your business. Register now!
Penang Leads the Shift from AI Awareness to Implementation
Following a full-house turnout in the SAMENTA SME AI Fest last year, SME AI Fest 2026 continues the focus on execution. SAMENTA’s national leadership and digitalisation team position this event as a working platform for SME decision makers.
AI now shapes how businesses operate. SMEs that act early improve productivity and stay competitive. Many business owners still lack a clear starting point. This conference closes that gap. One of the key areas of focus will be how SMEs can use AI to improve marketing performance, streamline operations, and strengthen customer engagement. Rather than treating AI as a future concept, the conference is positioned to showcase how business owners can begin applying AI in practical, measurable ways that support immediate business outcomes.
Ultimately, the Penang conference is designed to do more than inspire—it aims to help SMEs move from awareness to implementation. By focusing on practical business use cases, peer insights, and actionable next steps, the event offers SME owners and decision-makers a more grounded path toward adopting AI with clarity and confidence.
Built on the Success of SME AI Fest 2025
SME AI Fest 2025 started with one clear belief. SMEs cannot treat AI as a side topic anymore.
Leaders from SAMENTA set out to push a simple message. AI is no longer optional. The speed of adoption now determines business performance.
The response was clear. The 2025 editions in Kuala Lumpur and Penang drew strong participation from business owners, policymakers, and ecosystem partners. Attendees came from across the states to take part.
Key organizations, including Malaysia Productivity Corporation, Microsoft, Alibaba, MDEC, and AGMO Group, contributed insights and real use cases. Discussions focused on how AI improves both front-end growth and back-end operations.
Participants highlighted a common challenge. Too many AI tools. Not enough clarity on what to use and how to apply it effectively. This “choice fatigue” reinforced the need for practical guidance.
The impact was direct. SME leaders are left with a clearer direction on how to use AI to improve productivity and increase revenue. The event also built momentum for a nationwide rollout.
SME AI Fest 2026 builds on this foundation. The focus now shifts from awareness to execution across 50 cities.
What You Will Learn and Experience
This event focuses on practical outcomes you can apply immediately.
You will learn how to:
- Improve marketing performance and lead generation using AI
- Streamline operations and reduce operational costs
- Enhance customer engagement and increase conversion rates
- Scale your business efficiently in a competitive market
You will also gain direct insights from:
- National AI Office leaders
- SME operators with real implementation experience
- Industry experts and ecosystem partners
Event Supported By Leading Industry Partners and Ecosystem Support
This is more than a single event. It is part of a 50-city national rollout.
Theme: Empowering SMEs. One Town at a Time.
You will connect with key ecosystem players, including:
- Maybank
- CelcomDigi
- NEST NCER
- Ashisuto Global Technologies
- A Training Academy
- Big Domain
- MUST Experience
- S & J Bar Code
- Trinity42
You will meet business owners, digital adopters, and industry leaders focused on growth.
Why This Event Matters for SMEs
This event focuses on action.
You will gain:
- Practical AI use cases you can apply immediately
- Direct access to policymakers and SME leaders
- Clear steps to start AI adoption
Outcomes:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce costs
- Strengthen competitiveness
- Drive business growth
Admission is free. Seats are limited. Early registration is recommended.
What does this mean for SMEs?
AI adoption is moving from awareness to action. SMEs need practical tools, trusted partners, and clear use cases. This event brings those pieces together. Attendees see real solutions, meet ecosystem players, and take steps they can apply in their business. The goal is simple. Turn interest into implementation. Build momentum across cities. Strengthen the SME ecosystem through collaboration and consistent execution.
