UbuCon Asia 2026 Bid for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

UbuCon Asia 2026 Bid for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I. Key facts

  • Proposed city and country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Proposed venue name: University Auditorium / Government Agency Hall (Specific University / Government agency to be confirmed upon further detailed planning and collaboration)
  • Proposed dates:
    • Conference (2 days): October 24-25, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday)
    • Day trip (1 day, after the conference): October 26, 2026 (Monday)

Local team:

  • Local team leader(s) :
  • Khairul Aizat Kamarudzzaman [fenris@ubuntu.com]
  • Muhd Syazwan [jipangmenjerit@gmail.com]
  • Nur Asmawi Subri [maui@sabily.info]
  • Harisfazillah Jamel [linuxmalaysia@gmail.com]
  • Mohammad Hafiz Ismail [mypapit@gmail.com]
  • Iszuddin Ismail [iszuddin@jomlaunch.asia]
  • Lt. Kol. Ts. Erman Shah [erman@mod.gov.my]
  • Mohamad Fitri Mohamad Shawal [cmeventsc@gmail.com]

Organizations(or communities) consisting the local team:

  • Ubuntu Malaysia LoCo Team
  • GNOME Malaysia
  • FOSS Malaysia Community
  • Open Source Developers Club Malaysia (OSDC.my)
  • MY PyCon Organizing CommitteeTo be confirmed (TBC)

II. Brief introduction

Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, offers an ideal setting for UbuCon Asia 2026. As a melting pot of cultures, it provides a unique blend of modern infrastructure and rich heritage, making it an attractive destination for international attendees. The city boasts excellent connectivity, a thriving tech scene, and a strong commitment to fostering open-source initiatives within its academic institutions. Hosting UbuCon Asia here would not only provide a memorable experience for participants but also significantly contribute to the growth and engagement of the open-source community in Southeast Asia.

III. About the city

Kuala Lumpur is a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. It is renowned for its iconic landmarks, diverse culinary landscape, and warm hospitality. The city’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it easily accessible from various parts of the continent, with direct flights to major cities. Beyond its urban appeal, Kuala Lumpur is a hub for technological innovation and academic excellence, with numerous universities actively engaged in research and development, including open-source projects. This environment provides a fertile ground for collaboration and knowledge exchange, aligning perfectly with the spirit of UbuCon Asia.

Weather

October in Kuala Lumpur typically experiences a tropical rainforest climate. Temperatures generally range from 23°C (73°F) to 32°C (90°F). While it is part of the inter-monsoon season, which can bring occasional afternoon thunderstorms, these are usually brief and followed by clear skies. The humidity is consistently high, but indoor venues are well-equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable environment for conference attendees.

IV. About the venue

We propose utilizing a university auditorium within Kuala Lumpur as the primary venue for UbuCon Asia 2026. Universities in Kuala Lumpur, particularly those with strong technology and computer science programs, often possess state-of-the-art facilities that are well-suited for large-scale conferences. These venues typically offer spacious auditoriums, multiple breakout rooms, and robust IT infrastructure, all within a conducive academic environment. The specific university will be identified and confirmed during the detailed planning phase, in collaboration with the UbuCon Asia Committee, to ensure it best meets the event’s requirements and aligns with our shared vision for promoting open source.

Venue facilities

University auditoriums are generally equipped with excellent network connectivity, including high-speed Wi-Fi and readily available Ethernet ports in key areas. This ensures seamless internet access for all attendees, speakers, and organizers. For presentations, these venues typically provide comprehensive audiovisual equipment, such as high-definition projectors, large screens, professional sound systems with microphones, and audio mixers. Ample power outlets are usually available in all session rooms and common areas to accommodate participants’ devices. The technical support staff at these institutions are also accustomed to managing complex events, ensuring smooth operation throughout the conference.

Room options

Reception (Registration desk)

University venues typically feature spacious lobbies or designated areas at the entrance of their auditoriums or convention centers that are ideal for handling participant registration. These areas can comfortably accommodate check-in desks, badge and swag distribution, and provide ample space for attendees to gather before and after sessions. The layout often allows for efficient flow of traffic, minimizing queues and ensuring a welcoming first impression.

Exhibition space

Many university venues include large common areas, exhibition halls, or multi-purpose spaces adjacent to the main auditorium that can be utilized for sponsor booths. These areas offer sufficient square footage to set up various booth sizes, allowing sponsors to showcase their products and engage with attendees effectively. The open layout often facilitates networking and provides high visibility for sponsors throughout the event.

Main hall

University auditoriums are designed to host large gatherings and are perfectly suited for the main hall requirements of UbuCon Asia. These halls typically have a seating capacity ranging from 300 to 500 people, easily accommodating the projected 200-300 attendees for opening and closing ceremonies, keynotes, and main track talks. They are equipped with large projection screens, advanced sound systems, and comfortable seating arrangements. (A photo of a typical university auditorium will be provided upon selection of the specific venue.)

Breakout rooms - For Workshops(Hands-on Labs)

Universities have numerous classrooms and computer labs that can be repurposed as breakout rooms for workshops and hands-on labs. These rooms are generally designed to accommodate 20-30 people and are equipped with tables, chairs, and readily accessible power sockets for each participant. This setup allows attendees to comfortably use their laptops and follow along with practical exercises. (A photo of a typical university classroom/lab will be provided upon selection of the specific venue.)

Breakout rooms - For breakout talks and BoFs

Similar to workshop rooms, university classrooms and seminar rooms are excellent options for breakout talks and Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions. These rooms typically seat 20-30 people and are equipped with projectors and basic audio setups, making them suitable for interactive discussions and presentations. Their proximity to the main auditorium often facilitates easy movement between sessions. (A photo of a typical university seminar room will be provided upon selection of the specific venue.)

Spare rooms

University campuses usually have a variety of smaller rooms or offices that can serve as spare rooms for various purposes. These can be utilized for storage of event materials, as a dedicated space for organizing team meetings, or as a quiet prayer room for attendees. The flexibility of university spaces allows for efficient allocation of resources to meet diverse event needs.

Floor plan

(A detailed floor plan map of the selected university/Government venue will be provided upon confirmation of the specific location.)

V. CIQ Information

Customs

Malaysia generally has straightforward customs procedures. For bringing in laptops, electronics, and personal items for conference use, there are typically no issues. Swags and promotional materials for the conference would generally fall under temporary import and may require declaration, but are usually exempt from duties if for non-commercial distribution. For food and drinks, especially those for consumption at the event, it is advisable to check with Malaysian customs regulations closer to the event date, as restrictions may apply to certain types of food items.

Immigration/Visa policy

Malaysia offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for citizens of many countries. For attendees who require a visa, the application process is generally streamlined. The Malaysian government has an e-visa system for many nationalities, making it convenient to apply online. We will provide clear guidance and necessary supporting documents (e.g., invitation letters) to assist participants with their visa applications, ensuring a smooth entry process. We will also monitor any changes in visa policies leading up to the event.

Quarantine policy

As of the current date (June 14, 2025), Malaysia has no mandatory quarantine policy for international arrivals. Travel restrictions related to the recent global pandemic have been largely lifted. However, we will continuously monitor the health and travel advisories issued by the Malaysian government and international health organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Any updates or changes to quarantine policies will be communicated promptly to registered attendees.

VI. Transport

Accessibility within Asia continent

Kuala Lumpur is a major transportation hub in Southeast Asia, making it highly accessible for attendees from across the Asian continent. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of the busiest airports in the region, offering extensive flight connections to virtually all major cities in Asia, as well as numerous international destinations. Low-cost carriers also operate frequently, providing affordable travel options. This excellent connectivity ensures that participants can easily travel to and from Kuala Lumpur.

Public transportation

Kuala Lumpur boasts a comprehensive and efficient public transportation network, making it safe and easy for first-time visitors to navigate the city. The integrated rail system, comprising the LRT, MRT, Monorail, and KTM Komuter, connects key areas, including the city center, major attractions, and residential areas. Buses are also widely available, complementing the rail network. The public transport system is user-friendly, with clear signage in English, and ticket purchasing is convenient through various methods, including cashless options.

Getting to the venue

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), attendees can reach the proposed university venue (e.g., in Technology Park Malaysia) via several convenient options. The KLIA Ekspres train provides a direct, non-stop service to KL Sentral, the city’s main transportation hub, in approximately 28 minutes. From KL Sentral, attendees can easily connect to the LRT or MRT lines that serve the university area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available at the airport, offering a direct and comfortable journey to the venue, typically taking 45-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

VII. Accommodations

Kuala Lumpur offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets, from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses and hostels. Many reputable hotels are located within close proximity to major university areas, providing convenient access to the conference venue. We will identify and recommend a selection of hotels that are not only near the venue but also offer competitive rates for conference attendees. We will also explore options for group bookings and ensure that recommended accommodations accept international payment methods to facilitate reservations for sponsored guests and international participants.

VIII. Food

In the city and nearby the venue

Kuala Lumpur is a culinary paradise, offering an incredible diversity of food options. Near university campuses, attendees will find a plethora of affordable and delicious choices, ranging from local Malaysian hawker fare to international cuisines. The city is particularly well-known for its vibrant street food scene. Importantly, Kuala Lumpur is highly accommodating to various dietary restrictions. Halal food is widely available due to Malaysia’s Muslim-majority population. Vegetarian and vegan options are also increasingly common, and many establishments are accustomed to catering to specific allergies or dietary needs. We will provide a curated list of recommended eateries that cater to diverse preferences.

Attendee lunch

For attendee lunches during the conference, we plan to offer a variety of options to cater to all participants, including those with food restrictions. We will explore partnerships with local catering services that can provide balanced and culturally appropriate meals. Options will include both local and international dishes, with clear labeling for vegetarian, vegan, and halal choices. We will also ensure that common allergens are clearly indicated. The lunch setup will prioritize efficiency to maximize networking opportunities and minimize disruption to the conference schedule.

IX. Local team

Local team members

(To be confirmed - A table with at least 10-15 local team members, including their Discourse usernames, Launchpad Profile URLs, experience with Ubuntu/FOSS projects, event organizing experience, and CoC signing status, will be provided during the detailed bid submission.)

How Local Ubuntu & FOSS community looks like in the region

The local Ubuntu and FOSS community in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, is vibrant and growing. There are active Linux User Groups (LUGs) and various open-source communities that regularly organize meetups, workshops, and hackathons. Universities play a significant role in fostering this community, with many students and faculty members actively contributing to open-source projects and promoting open-source philosophies. This strong local ecosystem provides a solid foundation for recruiting volunteers, speakers, and attendees for UbuCon Asia 2026.

Supporting local communities and organizations

(To be confirmed - A list of supporting local communities and organizations will be provided during the detailed bid submission, once formal agreements are in place.)

X. Conference Program

Ticket pricing

Conference Admissions : There will be a fee yet to be decide.

Registration platform to use

Given that admission will be a fee, we propose using events.canonical.com for registration and 3rd party event registration system (To be decide). This platform is well-integrated with the Ubuntu ecosystem and provides a straightforward solution for managing attendee registrations.

Conference hours

(All times are based on local Kuala Lumpur timezone, GMT+8)

  • Day 1 (Saturday)
    • Venue opening time for registration and check-in: 08:00 AM
    • Start the opening session (or the first session) of the day: 09:30 AM
    • Lunch break: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Finish conference program of the day: 05:30 PM
    • Close (or lock down) the venue: 06:30 PM
  • Day 2 (Sunday)
    • Venue opening time for registration and check-in: 08:30 AM
    • Start the opening session (or the first session) of the day: 09:30 AM
    • Lunch break: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
    • Start cleaning up the venue: 05:00 PM
    • Finish conference program of the day: 05:30 PM
    • Finish cleaning up and close (or lock down) the venue: 06:30 PM
  • Day 3 (Monday)
    • Day trip around Kuala Lumpur : 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Session language

We propose that the primary session language for UbuCon Asia 2026 be English. This ensures accessibility for the diverse international audience that UbuCon Asia attracts. However, we are open to accepting a limited number of sessions in local native languages (e.g., Bahasa Malaysia) if there is significant demand and if resources for translation or interpretation can be secured. This would further enhance local community engagement.

Conference dinner

We plan to organize a conference dinner on the evening of Day 1 (Saturday). The dinner will be held at a local restaurant near the university venue, offering a taste of Malaysian cuisine in a relaxed setting. This will provide an excellent opportunity for committee members, local team members, speakers, and volunteers to network and socialize. If spare seats are available, attendees may also join with a separate, paid registration. Food and drink options will include halal and vegetarian choices to accommodate all guests.

Day Trip

We propose organizing a half-day day trip on Monday, October 26, 2026, the day after the conference. The activity will focus on showcasing a cultural or natural highlight of Kuala Lumpur, such as a visit to the Batu Caves or a heritage walk through the city center. Participants will meet at a designated point near the conference venue in the morning and be dismissed at a central location in the afternoon. Participants will need to pay separately for this activity, and it will be organized by the local team in collaboration with a reputable local tour operator to ensure a well-planned and enjoyable experience.

XI. Financing

Budget estimation

(Note: The following budget estimation is a preliminary outline. Detailed figures will be provided upon confirmation of the specific venue and vendor quotations.)

Based on a total budget of $20,000 USD, here is a detailed budget estimation for the UbuCon Asia 2026 conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Summary

Category Total (USD)
Venue & Banners $4,000
Video, Network & other IT equipment $2,500
Swags & Marketing $2,500
Food $4,000
Social events $1,000
Travel & Accommodation $2,000
Insurance & Permits $1,200
Buffer (Contingency) $2,800
Total $20,000

Budget Details For Each Category

Venue & Banners (Total: $4,000)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Venue For 3 days at a subsidized hall $1,064 Days 3 $3,192
Banners Main, timetable, and sign banners - EA - $808
Subtotal $4,000

Video, Network & other IT equipment (Total: $2,500)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Projector & screen For main hall $318 Day 3 $954
PA system For main hall and rooms $245 Day 3 $735
Livestream setup Basic camera, encoders $350 Event 1 $350
Wi-Fi & Internet Portable hot-spots $150 Event 1 $150
Production/editing Post-event video production $311 Service 1 $311
Subtotal $2,500

Swags & Marketing (Total: $2,500)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
T-shirts For all registered participants $6.00 EA 300 $1,800
Stickers & badges Basic designs $400 Lot 1 $400
Buntings For event decorations $300 Lot 1 $300
Subtotal $2,500

Food (Total: $4,000)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Catering Based on light snacks and coffee breaks $8.00 Person 250 $2,000
Lunch boxes For attendees on Day 1 & 2 $7.00 Person 250 $1,750
Water & beverages Bulk purchase $250 Event 1 $250
Subtotal $4,000

Social events (Total: $1,000)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Dinner A single simple dinner/meetup $10.00 Person 100 $1,000
Subtotal $1,000

Travel & Accommodation (Total: $2,000)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Accommodation Shared rooms for 2-3 sponsored guests $50 Night 20 $1,000
Travel grants Flight/train subsidies $500 Person 2 $1,000
Subtotal $2,000

Insurance & Permits (Total: $1,200)

Item Remarks Unit price (USD) Unit Qty Subtotal (USD)
Event insurance Basic coverage for cancellations/accidents $500 Event 1 $500
Staff travel insurance For local team members $50 Person 10 $500
Permits Necessary municipal permits $200 Event 1 $200
Subtotal $1,200

Key Assumptions:

  • All prices are an estimation for 2026.
  • Venue costs are based on securing a subsidized university or community auditorium.
  • Food costs are limited to basic refreshments and light meals.
  • A 14% contingency buffer is included to manage minor unforeseen costs.
  • This is a very lean budget that will require strong reliance on local community support and partnerships.

Supporting local sponsors and government sponsorship

(To be confirmed - Details on supporting local sponsors and government sponsorship will be provided as discussions progress and agreements are formalized.)

Potential local sponsors and government sponsorship

Kuala Lumpur has a robust corporate sector and a government that actively promotes technology and innovation. Potential local sponsors include major telecommunication companies, IT service providers, software development firms, and technology-focused government agencies. We will actively engage with these entities to secure financial and in-kind sponsorships, leveraging the strong local interest in open source and technology events.

Fiscal sponsor (or Fiscal host)

We understand the importance of a local fiscal sponsor for efficient fund management. We are currently exploring options for a local non-profit organization or an event management company that can act as a fiscal sponsor. This entity would be able to receive funds from local sponsors and manage expenses within Malaysia, streamlining financial operations and addressing any challenges related to international payments. We will prioritize identifying a reliable fiscal sponsor with experience in managing funds for similar events.

XII. Checklist

Click to see the checklist

Country

  • Are there any Ubuntu LoCo or Ubuntu contributors in the proposed country? (Yes, active community in Malaysia)
  • Is it easy for foreign participants / speakers to pass the immigration? (Yes, generally straightforward visa policies)
  • If required, Is it easy to get Visa for foreign participants / speakers? (Yes, e-visa system available for many nationalities)
  • Is the proposed country in Asia? (Yes, Malaysia is in Southeast Asia)

City

  • Is it centrally located? (Yes, Kuala Lumpur is a major hub in Southeast Asia)
  • Does it have good airport connections with major cities abroad? (Yes, KLIA has extensive international connections)
  • Is there a good public transportation infrastructure? (Such as bus, trains) (Yes, comprehensive and efficient)
    • If not, are taxis easy to catch and cheap? Is it possible for foreigners to get taxi without any stressful bargain? (Taxis and ride-sharing are readily available and generally fair)
  • How’s the weather like during the event dates? (Tropical, occasional afternoon thunderstorms, comfortable indoors)
  • Are there large and active industries and communities who would be likely to support or sponsor the conference? (Yes, strong tech sector and open-source community)
  • Does the city provide reasonable safety and security? (Yes, generally safe for tourists)
  • Will it be easy for participants to find foods who require some special dietary options? Such as vegan/vegetarian, halal, or non-alcoholic options. (Yes, diverse food options, widely available halal, vegetarian/vegan options)

Dates

  • Does the conference happen at the weekend? (Yes, Saturday-Sunday)
  • Does the conference happen during the week? (No, main conference is weekend)
  • Does the conference overlap with any public or religious holidays? (To be confirmed, will avoid major holidays)
  • Does the conference overlap with any other large FOSS community events, Ubuntu community events or events from the Industry? (Such as FOSSASIA, COSCUP, Ubuntu Summit, DebConf, AWS re:invent, OSS Summit and more) (To be confirmed, will coordinate with UbuCon Asia Committee)
  • Does the venue cost more money during certain dates? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • How long will the conference be? (2 days conference, 1 day trip)
  • What are your planned dates for opening up registration, call for papers, etc ? (To be confirmed)

Venue

  • Does the venue have a good collection of different sized rooms for large keynotes, networking rooms, and small breakout sessions? Are those rooms far away? (Yes, university auditoriums typically offer this)
  • Does the venue have microphones? (Yes)
  • Does the venue have video projectors? (Yes)
  • Does the venue have white screens? (Yes)
  • Does the venue have whiteboards? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue have notice boards? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue have good network connections? (Both wired(ethernet) and wireless(Wi-Fi)) (Yes)
  • Is there space for a catering(Finger foods, Snacks, Beverages) area? (Yes, common areas can be used)
  • Is there space for booths to be set up? (Yes, common areas or exhibition spaces)
  • Is there a dedicated space for speakers to prepare? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is there a dedicated space for volunteers to rest? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is there a dedicated space for press/media? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is there a dedicated space for childcare? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is there a dedicated space for first aid? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is there a dedicated space for storage? (Yes, typically available)
  • Is there a dedicated space for prayer? (Yes, typically available)
  • Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is the venue easily accessible by public transport? (Yes)
  • Is there enough parking space? (Yes, typically available at universities)
  • Is the venue within walking distance of hotels/accommodations? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is the venue within walking distance of restaurants/food options? (Yes, typically available near universities)
  • Is the venue secure? (Yes, university campuses usually have security)
  • Is the venue available for the proposed dates? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Is the venue affordable? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue allow external catering? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue allow external AV equipment? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue allow external IT support? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide technical support? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide cleaning services? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide security services? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide event management services? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated event manager? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated AV technician? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated IT technician? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated cleaning staff? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated security staff? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated first aid staff? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated prayer room? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated storage room? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated meeting room for organizers? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated registration area? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated exhibition area? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide a dedicated main hall? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated breakout rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated workshop rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated BoF rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated speaker prep rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated volunteer rest rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated press/media rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated childcare rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated first aid rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated storage rooms? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated prayer rooms? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated meeting rooms for organizers? (Yes, typically available)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated registration area? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated exhibition area? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated main hall? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated breakout rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated workshop rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated BoF rooms? (Yes)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated speaker prep rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated volunteer rest rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated press/media rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated childcare rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)
  • Does the venue provide dedicated first aid rooms? (To be confirmed with specific venue)

We are having Bidding Proposal Submission party !!! We do hope our application get accepted :slight_smile:



7 Likes

Hello @fenris and Malaysia team, Thanks for the bid. Few questions.

  1. Which university? Are there any specific university your team is currently considering? Multiple venue candidates with preference ranks are also fine.
  2. Late October would clash with Ubuntu Summit 26.10. While Ubuntu Summit changed their format, I think most folks in Ubuntu Community (LoCos especially) would be busy with the Summit and also Summit Extended. Any reason for these dates? I also wonder if you have discussed with the @Community-Team on this potential date clash.

No need to list global team on the bid. It’s not subject to be reviewed.

On this section, please only list primary and secondary local team contact persons

Please list potential accommodation list that could be also used to estimate accommodation expenses.

Let’s just add people from “Local team members” on Key facts sections for now.

So you want registration platform provided by the global team?

During afternoon correct?

For video editing, We can consider editing with help from volunteers. We can basically decide based on fundraising status. If we got enough funds, hire video editors. If not, we can have some volunteers instead.

Any sponsors from UbuCon Malaysia interested to sponsor next year? Have you also discussed with @aryulianto with bringing sponsors with SEA wide level business?

2 Likes

Just removed global team info as they are not subject to review.

Thanks for the bid @fenris and Malaysia team. After reviewing the bid, I have some suggestions rather than questions, which I believe will make the bid more attractive and provide the global team with more detailed information.

  • Some name suggestions would make it easier for the venue; even though it is optional, it might help in targeting the venue. The specific venue can be finalized later when suitable details are satisfied for the local team and the global team.
  • Some URLs / links from the official Malaysian government sites for the customs and visa might help in getting further details regarding the topic.
  • For the public transportation topic, if there are any e-hailing services like Uber,inDrive, etc, providing the names or the URLs might be helpful.

For the checklist part, it seems many of the points aren’t checked because the specific venue hasn’t been finalized. I believe that all the checklist points related to the venue will be solved once the venue is finalized.

Wishing the best for @fenris and the team for the successful acceptance of the bid and the conference organizing.

2 Likes

Thanks for the bid. Overall, it looks good, but I have the same feedback / questions / concerns as @sukso96100 and @younggunner14 mentioned.
Looking forward to an update on those. And thanks again for submitting.

1 Like

Ubuntu Malaysia LoCo Feedback Statement

We would like to share our feedback and reflections regarding the recent handling of our UbuCon Asia bid proposal.

  1. Proposal Review Process
    Traditionally, proposal applications go through an initial review process where partial acceptance or constructive feedback is given, allowing applicants to make amendments and improvements before a final decision. Unfortunately, this expected process was not fully observed in our case. Our proposal appeared to be declined before a proper dialogue or detailed review took place, which we found rather disappointing, as we had hoped for a more collaborative approach aligned with Ubuntu’s community spirit.
  2. Team Composition and Contact Points
    We intentionally listed multiple members of the Ubuntu MY LoCo team in our proposal because the event is entirely non-profit and pro bono. All of our contributors are volunteers, giving their time and effort to support Ubuntu purely out of passion for the community. As such, we cannot obligate anyone beyond their personal capacity. By including several local contacts, our goal was to ensure clear communication — so that if one person is unavailable, the organizing committee can still reach another. This was done in good faith to support effective collaboration.
  3. Decision and Withdrawal
    Given that the committee decided to reject our proposal before any proper or official discussion with the Ubuntu MY LoCo team, we have collectively decided to withdraw our bid. We feel it is best to step back, reassess our internal readiness, and consider submitting a proposal again in the future when the circumstances and timing are more suitable.
  4. Communication Concerns
    We also wish to highlight a communication issue involving one of the individuals associated with the proposal process. We were informed that this person had committed to resolving certain matters directly with our team, as also mentioned to Youngbin. Unfortunately, this has not happened until now. We believe this unresolved situation may have unintentionally reflected poorly on our team. We will address and resolve this matter internally before proceeding with any future initiatives.

In conclusion, while we are disappointed by how this situation unfolded, our intent is not to assign blame but to emphasize the importance of transparent communication, fair process, and mutual respect among all parties involved. Ubuntu MY LoCo remains committed to the Ubuntu community’s core values of collaboration, openness, and “humanity toward others.” We sincerely hope future engagements will reflect these principles more strongly.

Hello @fenris and the Malaysia team. Thank you for the response and also joining the video call today. As I also clarified on the call today, I would also like to clarify what you have said on the reply.

I believe you should be mentioning our committee meeting note which is this posting.

To clarify, We have sent you and Malaysia team folks an email on October 26th to have a meeting on 2025-11-02T13:00:00Z. And we wanted to make sure every committee members are on the same page before joining the call with the Malaysia team.

We discussed that it is difficult to decide to accept the current Malaysia bid as it doesn’t mention about the venue clearly, proposed dates would clash with the Ubuntu Summit 26.10. But if the bid could clarify about the venue, propose new dates that would not clash with the Ubuntu Summit 26.10, clarify about the communication, and also reflect those improvements on the bid, it could be accepted for sure. (Please refer to the “Criteria for accepting Malaysia bid” section on the meeting note.)

Please note that this posting is just a meeting note for recording what we have discussed and use that as a reference in the future in case we will need it. I hope you and your team don’t misunderstand this as a notice of rejection. We also haven’t made any final decision on fully rejecting the Malaysia bid. (again, with if improvements we have suggested, we can consider accepting the bid).

As discussed today, We have scheduled another video call on 2025-11-16T13:00:00Z. Please discuss within your team. And If you and your team have changed the decision, we would be good to know.

1 Like