PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Singapore are looking to explore greater collaboration in public housing, talent exchange and modern construction technologies.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming raised the matter during a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, in Singapore on Sunday (June 14).
The meeting reviewed progress on projects under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last year and explored new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sustainable urbanisation.
Nga said Malaysia was keen to learn from Singapore's internationally recognised public housing system, particularly the work of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
"Singapore is well known for its public housing system, specifically the HDB model, as well as its Urban Redevelopment Authority.
"We hope to have experts share their experience with us so that we can continuously improve our own housing initiatives," he said.
Nga also proposed expanding cooperation through talent mobility and knowledge-sharing programmes, saying Malaysia could benefit from Singapore's expertise as it continues to enhance its public housing projects.
Beyond housing, the ministers discussed broader regional developments and the importance of strengthening collaboration in sustainable urban growth.
During the meeting, Nga also conveyed Malaysia's support for Singapore ahead of its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2027.
He expressed confidence that Singapore would continue to play a leading role in fostering regional cooperation while championing sustainability and inclusivity amid growing global uncertainties.
Nga later extended a formal invitation to Chee to attend the upcoming ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing, which will be held in Ipoh from July 31 to Aug 2
