A TOTAL of 100 universities from 40 countries will compete in a design contest to reimagine Klang’s future.
The Bandar Baru Klang Catalytic Development Master Plan International Design Competition 2025/2026 is being organised by the Acmar Group.
Its executive director Johnson Tee Kim Hock said the competition was among the largest global urban planning initiatives ever held in Malaysia, enabling the new generation of urban planners and designers to propose innovative ideas in shaping a more sustainable future.
“We are committed to ensuring that the development of Bandar Baru Klang continues to reflect Klang’s identity as the Royal City, with an emphasis on sustainability, liveability and the appreciation of local heritage,” he said.
Johnson was speaking after launching the competition at a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony between Acmar Group who was the master developer and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
The signing was witnessed by the Higher Education Ministry’s public tertiary institution governance division director Izamael Zamzuri Ismail and Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain.
Also present were Acmar Group managing director Datuk Steven Tee, Utar president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science dean Prof Dr Yap Wun She.
The initiative is also supported by the Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (Brauic).
“It will benefit local students through direct involvement in a real-world development project and strengthen academic competence in urban planning and design,” said Johnson.
Registration opens Jan 31, 2026 followed by the submission of final proposals by May 31.
Shortlisted participants will be invited for a presentation session from July 27 to 28 before winners are announced on July 29.
They will receive RM12,000, RM8,000 and RM5,000 respectively, while their ideas will be adopted by MBDK, reported Bernama.
Abd Hamid said the collaboration strengthens the link between the education and industry sectors.
He said Bandar Baru Klang had the potential to become a dynamic new development and requires an innovative approach to enhance economic value and appeal.
He hoped local and international students come up with practical and sustainable ideas.
