Key Takeaways
- Asean must integrate digital innovation with cultural heritage for sustainable urban development, according to Malaysia’s Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming.
- Digital transformation in Malaysia is yielding improvements in construction efficiency, quality, and waste reduction.
- Nga proposes elevating the Asean Smart Cities Network to a ministerial level for enhanced regional collaboration in smart city initiatives.
Asean’s Urbanization and Heritage
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming emphasized the need for Asean to harmonize digital innovation with cultural heritage at the Asean–China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction 2025 in Guilin, China. Speaking on September 15, Nga highlighted that the region’s growing urban population poses challenges to housing, transport, and infrastructure, necessitating proactive approaches. He stated, “With crisis comes opportunity,” positioning this as a chance for Asean to lead in creating cities that are smart, inclusive, and climate-conscious.
Nga outlined two key pillars for future growth: the empowerment of digital intelligence and the preservation of cultural heritage. He noted that Malaysia’s digital transformation initiatives are already yielding positive outcomes, particularly through the adoption of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS). This approach has led to shorter construction times, enhanced quality, and reduced waste in public housing. Additionally, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has minimized errors and improved project coordination, while the use of drones and digital project management tools has increased safety and operational efficiency.
Building on the recent 8th Asean Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Meeting, Nga proposed that the forum be upgraded to a ministerial level to foster greater cooperation in developing smart cities across the region. He stressed that “high-quality development should carry within it a soul,” reflecting the essence of its people. Citing examples from Malaysia’s architectural heritage, such as the traditional rumah Melayu and the historic shophouses of George Town and Melaka, he emphasized the importance of cultural identity in urban planning.
As President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, Nga called for a collaborative effort between Asean and China, advocating for the combination of China’s digital capabilities with Asean’s cultural diversity. His vision includes establishing global standards for carbon-neutral construction, adaptive heritage reuse, and effective digital governance. Nga additionally suggested institutionalizing the ministerial roundtable as an annual platform, ensuring sustained impact in shaping the future of urbanization in the region.
In conclusion, he urged stakeholders to construct cities that are not only digitally adept but also rich in culture, calling for progress that respects and preserves the identity of the communities involved.
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