Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is transitioning its urban development strategy from smart cities to 'wise cities' to ensure a balance between growth, sustainability, and inclusivity amid increasingly complex urban challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced. Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, highlighted that a 'wise city' focuses beyond technological advancements, prioritizing sound judgment to manage growth while preserving long-term environmental and social well-being.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah emphasized that a wise city exercises sound judgment by balancing growth with sustainability, efficiency with inclusivity, and innovation with responsibility. During his keynote address at the 30th Eastern Organisation for Planning and Human Settlements (EAROPH) World Congress 2026, he underscored the need for Malaysia, now a predominantly urban nation, to manage its expansion sustainably and equitably, as nearly 80 percent of its population resides in cities.
Fadillah pointed out that urban development should not be perceived merely through the lens of physical growth or economic output but should be seen as an ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life while safeguarding resources for future generations. He noted that cities are crucial in Malaysia's goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as urban systems are significant energy consumers.
He called for an integrated effort to incorporate renewable energy, enhance efficiency, and adopt sustainable building practices across all levels. Fadillah noted that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 is a vital step forward, but effective local-level implementation remains paramount. The success of cities depends on effective governance, asset management, and the translation of plans into meaningful outcomes for the populace.
Fadillah also stressed the importance of stronger coordination across all government levels, alongside meaningful partnerships with the private sector and communities. He congratulated Datuk Wira Dr M Noor Azman Taib on his appointment as President of EAROPH International for the 2026-2028 term, expressing confidence in his leadership to advance sustainable and inclusive human settlements across the Asia-Pacific.
Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional cooperation, particularly within ASEAN, as shared challenges such as climate change and rapid urbanization necessitate collaborative solutions. The congress theme, 'City Assets for Community Gains', highlights the importance of managing urban assets as interconnected systems contributing to social well-being, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
The three-day congress gathers city leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region to share ideas and best practices on sustainable and inclusive urban development.