Malaysia to Partner with Cambridge on Urban Platform Under Sustainable Economic Framework

PETALING JAYA / March 29 — Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government is seeking to establish a Malaysia‑Cambridge Urban Platform in partnership with the University of Cambridge to advance sustainable urban development goals under the country’s Madani economic framework. The initiative was announced by Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming while speaking at the inaugural Forum on Housing and Urban Planning held at Downing College, University of Cambridge.

Nga, who also serves as President of the UN‑Habitat Assembly, said the proposed platform is part of Malaysia’s broader effort to strengthen strategic collaborations with world‑leading institutions and enhance the country’s role in shaping sustainable cities of the future. He highlighted Malaysia’s strong economic performance — including a 6.3 % GDP growth in late 2025 and rising investor confidence — as evidence of the nation’s resilience despite global geopolitical uncertainties.

The proposed partnership will focus on addressing urban challenges in line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable housing, climate‑resilient infrastructure, inclusive city planning and improved governance. Nga said the collaboration could help identify innovative solutions for evolving urban needs and contribute to global knowledge exchange on sustainable city models.

In his keynote address, Nga outlined five key priorities in Malaysia’s housing and urban agenda that the platform could help support: strengthening the National Affordable Housing Policy by capping prices at RM300,000 and aligning them with district median incomes; advancing climate‑resilient housing through transit‑oriented and risk‑sensitive planning; enhancing land‑use coordination via a national urban observatory; reviving abandoned housing projects; and reforming strata management to improve governance in high‑density living areas.

Nga said that the country has already revived nearly 1,350 abandoned housing projects since 2023, benefiting more than 167,000 homebuyers and unlocking substantial economic value. These achievements, he said, demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to tackling urban housing challenges while promoting inclusive growth and economic resilience.

The forum, jointly organised by the REHDA Institute, the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge University Malaysian Students Association, also aims to encourage Malaysian students studying abroad to return and contribute to nation‑building efforts through innovation and expertise.

Minister Nga noted that Malaysia’s engagement with Cambridge reflects a willingness to learn from global best practices in sustainable urban development — from affordable housing solutions to climate adaptation strategies and digital urban governance. He said the partnership could also strengthen ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom in education, research and urban policy innovation.

By fostering collaboration between Malaysian policymakers, academic institutions and international partners, the Malaysia‑Cambridge Urban Platform is expected to become a pivotal mechanism for shaping future city planning policies, driving urban transformation and ensuring that Malaysia meets its SDG commitments while promoting equitable and sustainable urban growth.