HiveFest updates - Conference Day 1 at the Iconic REXKL, Kuala Lumpur

When set out to choose the perfect place to open the conference days of HiveFest¹⁰ – Tropical Surge, I knew it had to be somewhere that captures the spirit of Hive — creative, community-driven, and full of energy. Also previously I had been a fan of cinema's and was actually in deep explorations for a cinema hall for HiveFest 4 in Bangkok in 2019 but that somehow did not work out as all of a sudden a royal concert took place and shuffed out HiveFest.

But now its on! That place in KL is REXKL.

📍 Location: 80 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur – in the heart of Chinatown, just a 15-minute walk from KL The Journal Hotel (our basecamp).

From Cinema Legend to Creative Powerhouse

REXKL began life in 1947 as the Rex Theatre, designed by architect James Robert Vethavanam and operated by the legendary Shaw Brothers. It went through fires, rebuilds, and a long dormancy — until 2018, when visionary architects and cultural entrepreneurs revived it as REXKL, a creative hub blending heritage architecture with modern innovation.

A Venue Built for Connection

At its heart is REXPERIENCE (RXP.KL) — an immersive 8,800 sq ft hall that with a crazy big 20 × 5 m stage and advanced projection and audio systems, including laser projectors, Unreal Engine 5 visuals, Lidar sensors whuut, and spatial sound.

But REXKL is much more than just a conference space. It's a fully immersive experience:

• 📚 BookXcess Maze – A labyrinth-style, multi-level bookstore that uses the old cinema staircases and industrial bones to create a visually striking maze of books.

  

• 🍜 Food Fiction Hall – A lively food court featuring rotating F&B vendors from artisanal coffee to plant-based bites, street food, and casual dining outlets.

• 🛍 Creative Pop-Ups & Social Zones – Independent brands, art installations, and bar areas scattered throughout, creating communal corners for conversation and exploration.

Why REXKL is Ideal for HiveFest Day 1

• Central & accessible – Located in Chinatown, walkable from public transit.
• Visually & technically capable – Designed for immersive, high-impact events.
• Full of character – A storied, creative space that echoes Hive’s ethos of innovation and community.
• Socially rich – With its bookstore, food court, and pop-up areas, the venue is built for spontaneous encounters and creative mingling.

What’s Happening on Day 1

• 🎤 Opening Keynotes by Hive ecosystem leaders, see the first names announced on Hivefe.st website!
• 🛠 Project Showcases & Panel Discussions
• ☕ Social & Networking Breaks with food and coffee just steps away
• 📸 Photo Moments against one of KL’s most unique backdrops

Join Us in Kuala Lumpur – October 15–19, 2025

HiveFest is a five-day, full-board community experience filled with thought-provoking sessions, networking, and cultural immersion.

Thanks to our community sponsors, full-week HIVE/HBD tickets are just 1,500 MYR.

👉 Get your ticket now
📽 Watch the HiveFest trailer

Rewards from this post go towards organising HiveFest 2025 via Beneficiary Rewards