ASEAN-China spur quality urban development, housing

ASEAN member states and China have reached a consensus on the 'Ipoh Accord,' a framework aimed at advancing sustainable urban development, ensuring quality housing, and fostering unified communities. This agreement was finalized during the ASEAN-China Roundtable Conference on Construction and Housing held in Ipoh, Perak.

The accord outlines three key priorities: energy efficiency, value-based housing, and community harmony. It promotes the adoption of smart technologies, climate-responsive designs, innovative construction methods, and low-carbon building materials to create more sustainable and resilient cities. Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, stated that the Ipoh Accord signifies a shared commitment to move from dialogue to action, with Malaysia proud to facilitate this strategic cooperation.

"The success in finalizing the Ipoh Accord proves our joint commitment to move from dialogue to action," Nga said. "Malaysia is proud to be the facilitator of this strategic cooperation that will drive sustainable urban development, the provision of quality housing, and the building of more cohesive communities for the well-being of the people in the region."

The Ipoh Accord is envisioned not just as a consensus document but as a joint action framework for ASEAN and China to address complex urbanization challenges. It recognizes housing as a long-term social investment, considering not only construction costs but also quality, durability, affordability, maintenance, utility efficiency, and livability. The accord also emphasizes creating safe, inclusive, and accessible neighborhoods to enhance social well-being and community resilience.

Furthermore, the conference reinforced long-term ASEAN-China cooperation through the Ipoh Accord, focusing on four main areas: sustainable cities, quality housing, cohesive communities, and regional collaboration. This includes inter-governmental cooperation via policy sharing, industry collaboration through technology adoption, and city-to-city exchanges to develop more inclusive and resilient urban environments. The accord also strengthens the conference's role as a practical platform for policy exchange, knowledge sharing, and technical collaboration.

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The success in finalizing the Ipoh Accord proves our joint commitment to move from dialogue to action. Malaysia is proud to be the facilitator of this strategic cooperation that will drive sustainable urban development, the provision of quality housing, and the building of more cohesive communities for the well-being of the people in the region.