Fuzhou:Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming emphasized the need for a shift in global housing development away from treating homes as mere commercial commodities at the World Cities Day 2026 Forum in Fuzhou, China. He warned against transforming urban neighborhoods into high-rise concrete jungles that lack human connection.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga, also the president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, highlighted the importance of measuring urban progress through community well-being. He outlined four fundamental pillars affordability, livability, connectivity, and comprehensive access to essential amenities.

Nga stressed that housing should be a place for families to build a secure and stable life, not just a commodity for buying and selling. He called for coordinated action from governments, builders, developers, and society to meet these benchmarks and promote people-centered urban planning.

He advocated for integrating public transport, schools, medical centers, and recreational spaces to create cohesive neighborhoods. Nga also urged the adoption of artificial intelligence, green building frameworks, and smart construction technologies to enhance building quality, energy efficiency, and resilience against climate disruptions.

On regional collaboration, Nga mentioned the Ipoh Accord, which supports cross-border initiatives in low-carbon design, urban renewal, and community environment upgrading. He expressed confidence in the partnerships between Malaysia-China and ASEAN-China to drive sustainable development for future generations.