Kuala Lumpur: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will host four more key ASEAN meetings this year, further underscoring Malaysia’s regional leadership. Its Minister, Ng Kor Ming, made this announcement during the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) and the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2025 preview held at a prominent hotel in the city.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, three of the upcoming events are the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC), scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from August 10-15. These gatherings are expected to draw over 8,000 participants, including governors, mayors, policymakers, researchers, and urban development practitioners. The meetings aim to provide a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and solutions to urbanisation challenges.
Additionally, Malaysia will host the 8th ASEAN Smart Cities Network Annual Meeting (ASCN 8) from September 8-12. This event will feature representatives from 34 member cities, including Malaysia’s newest members – Ipoh, Putrajaya, and Seberang Perai. A significant highlight of this meeting will be the introduction of the ASEAN Smart City Network Action Plan 2026-2035, which focuses on aligning regional urban growth with emerging technologies, sustainability objectives, and inclusive development strategies.
Nga also mentioned Malaysia’s strategic bid for the UN-Habitat General Assembly Presidency for the 2026-2029 term in Nairobi, Kenya, in May. This bid represents an opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s presence on the global stage and contribute to the global urban development discourse.
Present at the event were Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Adjunct Prof Ar Adrianta Aziz and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd president Datuk Vincent Lim. Jointly organised by PAM and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, the 24th edition of ARCHIDEX, scheduled from July 23-26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is expected to attract 56,000 visitors from over 110 countries and regions.