KPKT TO HOST FOUR MORE KEY ASEAN MEETINGS THIS YEAR - NGA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will host four more key ASEAN meetings this year, further underscoring Malaysia’s regional leadership.

Its Minister, Ng Kor Ming said this was in addition to the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) and the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2025 preview held at a leading hotel here today.

He added that three of the four key events are the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) that will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here from Aug 10-15.

"These high-level gatherings are expected to bring together over 8,000 participants, including governors, mayors, policymakers, researchers and urban development practitioners, offering a vital platform for sharing insights, strategies and solutions to the challenges of urbanisation.

"Malaysia will also host the 8th ASEAN Smart Cities Network Annual Meeting (ASCN 8) from Sept 8-12," he said in his speech at the AREC and ARCHIDEX 2025 preview.

Nga said the ASCN 8 meeting will gather representatives from 34 member cities, including Malaysia’s newest members - Ipoh, Putrajaya and Seberang Perai.

"A key highlight will be the introduction of the ASEAN Smart City Network Action Plan 2026-2035, which aims to align regional urban growth with emerging technologies, sustainability objectives and inclusive development strategies, paving the way for smarter, more connected cities across ASEAN.

"We are also looking beyond the ASEAN region, as Malaysia officially bids for the UN-Habitat General Assembly Presidency for the 2026-2029 term in Nairobi, Kenya in May.

"This marks a strategic opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s presence on the global stage and contribute meaningfully to global urban development discourse," he said.

Also present were Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Adjunct Prof Ar Adrianta Aziz and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd president Datuk Vincent Lim.

Jointly organised by the PAM and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, the 24th edition of ARCHIDEX, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 23-26, expects to welcome 56,000 visitors, including professionals and enthusiasts from the architecture, interior design and building sectors, as well as attendees from over 110 countries and regions.

The four-day event is also expected to generate an investment value of RM2 billion.

-- BERNAMA