Working together: (From left) Johnson, Acmar Group managing director Datuk Steven Tee, Abd Hamid, Ewe and UTAR Prof Dr Yap Wun She at the MOU and MOA signing ceremony in Klang. — KK SHAM/The Star
KLANG: The strategic collaboration between Acmar Group and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is set to rejuvenate Bandar Baru Klang (BBK), bridging academia and industry players in shaping its future with a shared commitment to sustainable urban planning, education and innovation.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) ceremony held at Wyndham Acmar Hotel here yesterday.
It was witnessed by Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Husain and Higher Education Ministry Public HEI Governance Division director Izamael Zamzuri Ismail.
Izamael represented the ministry’s director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman.
The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration in urban planning, academic research, student development and community engagement.
The MOA governs the implementation of the Bandar Baru Klang Catalytic Development Master Plan International Design Competition 2025/2026 – a flagship initiative co-supported by the Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (BRAUIC).
The competition invites students, academics and professionals worldwide to propose visionary master plans and architectural solutions for BBK.
With participation from over 100 universities across 40 countries, including leading institutions such as Beijing University, the initiative positions Klang on the global stage of sustainable urban innovation.
Speaking on the master plan competition, Abd Hamid said it will help put forward several aspects for rejuvenating BBK.
“When there is added value to the overall economy and development through international design and architecture, we can incorporate them locally. We also are keen to see how the elements of Klang, which is a royal town, will be included.
“The idea to collaborate with over 100 universities can spin a variety of ideas. We will look at all proposals that are practical and sustainable to be implemented here,” he said.
Izamael, who read Azlinda’s speech, said this collaboration manifests the ministry’s commitment to further strengthen ties between academia and industry players.
UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat said the alliance reflects the shared vision to drive innovation, strengthen research and nurture future talents that will contribute to economic, social and environmental growth.
“This is another milestone in our collaboration with industry experts. We are making the vision a reality through the collaborative project (master plan competition), which will bring about urban regeneration to make BBK a more resilient, inclusive and vibrant city.
“We are very excited about the competition as it provides an excellent platform for our architecture students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions while enabling them to bring fresh perspectives of academia,” he said in his speech.
Group executive director of Acmar Group, Johnson Tee Kim Hock, said as sponsor and strategic partner, they are proud to support youth innovation and urban transformation.
“Let us build not just buildings, but the future,” he added.
The international design competition will culminate in July 2026 with an award ceremony.
