GTI Southeast Asia Expo 2025 charts future of entertainment and attractions

The GTI Southeast Asia Expo 2025, held from 22nd to 24th April at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, concluded on a high note, making a strong debut in Malaysia and reinforcing its role as Southeast Asia’s premier trade platform for the entertainment and attractions industry.

The inaugural edition featured 150 exhibitors from China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and other global markets. From next-gen amusement rides and VR/AR innovations to family entertainment concepts, the expo showcased a comprehensive look at the future of fun and immersive experiences.

Key highlights included live product demonstrations, cross-border business networking sessions and the Asia Pacific Amusement & Attractions Industry (APAAI) Forum 2025, which gathered industry leaders and experts for in-depth discussions on:

• Market trends in Southeast Asia’s growing attractions landscape

• Operational strategies to enhance guest experiences

• Regional safety regulations and compliance

• Enhancing your FEC and arcade business through IP Licensing

• Maximising people investment for success in attractions & FECs

Speakers and panellists included:

• Mario Mamon, Chairman and President of Enchanted Kingdom

• Philip Whittaker, Chief Executive, NEXR Entertainment

• Thomas Taiga Kobayashi, President & Chief Executive, Nihon XR Center

• Alex Ong, Chief Executive, Attractionz Consultancy

• Chris Ho, Co-founder & CCO, The SAE Company

• Shaun McKeogh, Founder, Attractions Academy

• Eric Lee, President, Unbound

• Kelly Coskun, Vice President, Play Culture

• Natalie Chan, Director, Asia Pacific Location Based Entertainment & Promotion, Hasbro

• Sanee Neo, Director of Growth, Mascot Enterprise Singapore

• N Sanjay, General Manager Leisure & Hospitality, GAMUDA LAND

• Henry Wong, Senior Manager, Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

Leading companies such as MiXR by DENE Technology, Laserforce, Vekoma, and Tokyo Dome & Nihon XR Center attracted significant interest with product launches and innovations. The show floor was also abuzz with transactions, as products worth over US$1 million were sold out on-site, highlighting the region’s strong appetite for high-quality entertainment solutions.

The newly introduced Hosted Buyers Program supported selected international buyers with exclusive access and hospitality, fostering deeper engagement and deal-making with exhibitors.

Commenting on the success of the event, Sanee Neo, Director of Growth, Mascot Enterprise Singapore, noted “we are thankful to have participated in the first edition of GTI Southeast Asia Expo 2025, which provided great exposure and valuable sales leads.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our presence in the Southeast Asian market.”

GTI’s next event is the GTI China Expo on 10th and 11th September at the China Import and Export Fair Pazhou complex in Guangzhou.

Click here for more information in our industry calendar.