i-City, Wyndham seal RM200mil deal to launch AI-powered hotel

KUALA LUMPUR: i-City, Malaysia's most iconic smart city, has signed a landmark deal with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open Wyndham i-City in December – a bold RM200 million investment that will redefine hospitality in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The debut will coincide with the opening of i-City AI World, an AI and robotics experience centre that puts Malaysia on the global smart tourism map. Together, these launches cement i-City's transformation into Malaysia's first AI and robotics urban centre – blending tourism, technology, and lifestyle into one future-proof ecosystem.

Featuring 200 fully equipped suites—from one-bedroom to three-bedroom layouts with kitchens—Wyndham i-City is crafted for families, long-stay guests, and international business travellers. The move mirrors the runaway success of Wyndham Suites KLCC, which has enjoyed stellar occupancy rates since opening last year.

But the project takes it a step further. Leveraging i-City's globally recognised theme park and the brand-new AI World attraction, the hotel is primed to capture a new wave of "tech-tourism" – encouraging longer stays, higher spending, and greater international appeal.

The collaboration with Wyndham has always been about creating game-changing experiences, said Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, chairman of I-Bhd.

"With AI World and our alliance with AgiBot, we are taking the next bold step to position i-City as Malaysia's first AI & Robotics Experience Centre. Wyndham i-City will be a cornerstone of this transformation, offering guests a glimpse of how the future of hospitality and technology can seamlessly converge," he said in a statement.

For investors and visitors alike, i-City is shaping up to be more than a destination. It's becoming the blueprint for how AI, property, and tourism converge into a powerful growth engine.

The Wyndham-i-City partnership has already produced hits like WynSnow (a year-round winter wonderland) and WynSports (an indoor active entertainment hub). Now, Wyndham i-City extends this innovation streak, strengthening Malaysia's credentials as a smart tourism hub for the future.

"From WynSnow to WynSports, our collaborations with Wyndham have consistently raised the bar for guest experiences," Lim said.

Beyond tourism, this project signals a new investment narrative for Malaysia. AI World is just the first step in a roadmap that includes integrating robotics into hospitality, healthcare, and urban living through concepts like AI Park – a wellness-focused residence powered by AI technologies.

Wyndham i-City is not just about hospitality—it's about showcasing what AI-powered living could look like, said Ooi Joon Aun, Asia Pacific president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

"Our global pilots have demonstrated the transformative potential of AI and robotics in redefining hospitality. Wyndham i-City represents another milestone in our partnership with i-City, allowing us to deliver next-generation guest experiences in one of Malaysia's most innovative destinations," he said.

By Sharen Kaur