Expo Negaraku 2017 @ Dataran Merdeka

I work just right opposite of Dataran Merdeka and for the 1 ½ months prior to 15 November 2017, I saw people working on Dataran Merdeka. Obviously not many people knew what was going on and what they were building, having several domes, a stage and advertisements on Expo Negaraku 2017. I did not even try to google it as I knew I would find out later.  

Expo Negaraku 2017 is held from 15 November 2017 to 15 December 2017, opens from 10am to 10pm, admission free and it showcases the government’s effort to develop state of the art infrastructure and technologies and carry out development projects for the nation.

I decided to go there and have a look to see what is inside each and every dome. Once you enter, you will be guided and ushered to the first dome. Everyone was pretty excited as nobody knew what adventures that they will encounter with each dome. 

Take a look at my tour:-

1.         Dome 1 – “Tuah Dikongsi Bersama”     

We were asked to sit down in this dark dome. Once all were seated, we were shown a video presentation of a teenage dyslexic girl that was bullied by her friends in school. She did not score well in her exams. However, she expressed her vision of a developed Malaysia through pencil drawings on A4 paper and presented her drawings in front of her classroom. At first, her classmates laughed at her but after seeing her put the drawings onto the classroom’s blackboard, her friends saw her vision. One by one her classmates helped her sticking her drawings up and soon they realized how talented she was.  

Scene from the video clip

2.         Dome 2 – “Kemudahan Infrastruktur”

We went in and saw the mining of stone and later were ushered into an LRT model, where the doors closed and simulated that we were inside the LRT and it’s moving. There are screens showing the construction and developments of transportation in Malaysia, i.e. KTM, LRT and MRT. Then, you walk through exhibits and pictures and also colouring for the kids. After your kid has coloured, the paper will be scanned and a showcase presented on the moving screen, just like in Aquaria KLCC.   

Video presentation inside the LRT

Kids playing 

3.         Dome 3 – “Kehidupan & Kesejahteraan”

As you enter into this dome, you will find all types of old telephones from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and current ones. It really brings back memories and you will be asking yourself, where did all my old telephones go? Also, you will walk past models of schools and hospitals. Also, there are interactive screens for your kids to enjoy.

Still remember all the old telephones? I wonder where my parents kept it

I remember this. I was introduced to this black telephone when I was young

Model buildings

Model of a hospital

The successful Malaysian citizens

Touch the wall and lights will come on

Touch the wall and lights will come on

Look through the lens

Put a sticker on to where you need the government to emphasise 

4.         Dome 4 – “Gaya Hidup Malaysia”

In this dome, you will find the rainforest of Malaysia. It was stated that all developments in the country, they did not destroy mother nature and thereafter a room showed a short clip on the development of Malaysia.

5.         Dome 5 – “Masa Depan Gemilang”

We saw cushions and chairs when we entered this dome and were asked to sit down. Once seated, you will be able to enjoy a 360 degree video up on the ceiling, just like in the Planetarium, on the future of Malaysia. After the video clip, a teenage girl and our Prime Minister will appear at the end. The Prime Minister will give a short speech and thank Malaysians for helping to build the nation.

This is the dome's ceiling

Our Prime Minister Najib and the girl from Dome 1

Please take note of the following:-

(a)       it’s very hot at Dataran Merdeka but as you enter each dome, it’s very cold as the air-cond is super powerful. So please bring your sweater along;

(b)        the place is covered, so don't worry if it rains;

(c)        the tour of 5 domes will take approximately 45 minutes;

(d)        there will be a souvenir store after you exit dome 5.

As I was there during lunch time, even though there was a stage, there were no performances showing at that time. I went to the food trucks for some lunch thereafter and they even provide tables and chairs for you to have your meal. The place was also covered.

Food Trucks

Is it worthwhile to visit? Most definitely, considering how much the government has spent on this Expo and I wouldn't mind going back there if I have the time.