KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Nestled amid the high-level talks of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, an unassuming plastic dome stands out among the sleek steel-and-glass architecture of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
But this was no ordinary dome; it served as the first point of arrival for world leaders before they took the stage at the summit.
In fact, every aspect of the dome’s installation — from its location to the multimedia content displayed inside — was carefully considered.
Measuring 10 metres in height and 20 metres in diameter, the dome featured LED panels displaying vivid scenes of a tropical rainforest, an artificial waterfall and various native flora set against the iconic backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers.
“We wanted to come up with a concept that is something close to all Asean member states, (something) they can enjoy, and one of the things we found out was the flora and fauna (we share); and our relevance to the rivers.
“(Because) All Asean countries are very close to the rivers and if you go back to the histories, this is where civilisations began,” Asean 2025 Main Logistics Secretariat Head Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin told Malay Mail when met at the sidelines of the Asean Summit here.
Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin posing in front of the LED panels displaying vivid scenes of a tropical rainforest. — Picture by Yusof Isa
Inside, recordings of chirping birds and running water filled the space, evoking the sensation of being surrounded by nature.
Overhead, a scrolling marquee greets visitors with the word “Welcome” displayed in rotation in the native languages of all participating countries.
Raja Saifful said Wisma Putra — as the main organiser — wanted the dome’s enclosed space to evoke Malaysia’s lush tropical rainforests — a fitting tribute to this year’s Asean theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“The rainforests and the environment are (things) very close to Asean and this region remains among the very few areas in the world that still maintain and sustain the environment as part of our growth, and we really want that to be a (defining) part of Asean for the years to come,” he said.
At nightfall, the dome transforms into a vibrant spectacle illuminated with colour motifs inspired by this year’s Asean logo.
The transparent dome structure featuring flora and fauna motifs glows beautifully with vibrant lights come nightfall. — Picture by Bernama
Perfectly placed, purposefully designed
In addition to its thematic concept, Raja Saifful noted that the dome was also designed with security considerations in mind.
“Our Prime Minister wanted to welcome the leaders outside of the convention halls, similar to what we did during the 46th Asean Summit in May.
“But if we were to put him outside, we needed to put him in a secured and comfortable environment because he would be standing for more than half an hour.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomes New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in the dome at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Picture by Bernama
While the white steel dome is transparent and wrapped in plastic, a robust air-conditioning system keeps the enclosed space well-ventilated and comfortably cool.
“Why was it placed here? Well, this is the main entrance, the very centre of the convention centre,” he added.
Beyond the dome, national leaders will pass through the Asean Legacy Tunnel and River of Progress that depicts significant moments throughout the development of Asean since its inception in 1967.
The dome seen from the outside at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). — Picture by Raymond Manuel
