PETALING JAYA: Asean and China could work together to develop sustainable cities that harness digital innovation while preserving cultural heritage, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).
The Housing and Local Government Minister has called for China’s digital prowess and Asean’s cultural diversity to be combined in setting global standards for carbon-neutral construction, adaptive heritage reuse and digital governance.
“High-quality development should carry within it a soul, one that reflects the spirit of its people.
“Our national experience proves that cultural inheritance and progress can coexist, thanks to Malaysia’s unique tapestry woven from many threads of culture, faith and heritage.
“From the majestic wooden structures of the rumah Melayu to the shophouses of George Town and Melaka, they all tell the story of who we are,” he said.
According to a statement yesterday, Nga said this during the Asean–China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction 2025 in Guilin, China.
At the event, he also called on members to support the establishment of the roundtable as an annual platform to ensure continuity in shaping the future of urbanisation.
Highlighting the urgency of preparing for Asean’s rapidly growing urban population, Nga said this is a chance to position the region as a global leader in building cities that are smart, inclusive and climate-conscious.
He cautioned that without proactive measures, rising demands for housing, transport and infrastructure could strain resources and widen social inequalities.
Nga said Malaysia has seen tangible results from its digital transformation efforts, using technologies that make construction faster and more efficient.
“The adoption of industrialised building systems has shortened construction timelines, improved quality and significantly reduced on-site waste in public housing projects.
“Building information modelling is also transforming design and project management by minimising errors and improving coordination,” he added.
He further suggested that the Asean Smart Cities Network, a collaborative platform on smart and sustainable urban development, be upgraded to a ministerial-level forum to accelerate regional discussions.
