Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is set to host three major ASEAN programmes on sustainable urban development from Aug 10 to 15, in conjunction with its ASEAN Chairmanship. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that the ministry will host the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the events are seen as Malaysia’s bold response to the global call for climate-resilient cities and equitable development. This is especially significant considering Malaysia’s dual role as ASEAN Chair and the newly appointed President of the UN-Habitat Assembly. Minister Nga Kor Ming expressed Malaysia’s honor in leading this urban movement, emphasizing that Kuala Lumpur 2025 will mark a significant milestone in reimagining urban spaces for the future. The events aim to drive inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban development across the region, with over 8,000 participants, including mayors and governors from 500 cities, expected to attend.
Under the theme “ASEAN Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the series of events will focus on four key pillars: Climate-Resilient Cities; Inclusive, Healthy and Caring Cities; Digital Transformation and Innovation; and Collaborative Pathways to Sustainability. Nga highlighted that these are action-driven blueprints supported by real case studies and policy frameworks. Practical applications like nature-based solutions for flood-prone areas, transit-oriented affordable housing, and inclusive mobility systems will be explored.
Key highlights of the week-long programme include eight technical visits, five stakeholder assemblies, an Urban Expo featuring 100 exhibitors, and over 150 sessions with more than 200 regional and international speakers. As part of the pre-launch, specially themed GoKL and Prasarana buses were unveiled to serve as “moving ambassadors,” promoting sustainable urbanization to the public.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the official mobility provider for ASUF, announced that special shuttle bus services will be available throughout the programmes, covering key areas such as KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and several city center attractions. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and encourage public transport use. Prasarana will also organize a technical visit for participants to its operations control center and depot to provide deeper insights into urban public transport operations. Additional initiatives include participation in forum sessions and activities, the Children’s City Walk to educate children on public transport’s role in sustainable development, and presence at the corporate exhibition booth.