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Ipoh Accord shows China, ASEAN commitment to sustainable development
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Economy & Trade

Ipoh Accord shows China, ASEAN commitment to sustainable development

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Malaysia hosted the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable Conference on Urbanization (ACMROCH) 2026, culminating in the Ipoh Accord.
  • The accord strengthens commitments between ASEAN and China towards sustainable urban development, quality housing, and inclusive communities.
  • The agreement moves beyond dialogue to concrete actions, with Malaysia proud to facilitate this strategic cooperation.

Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone in regional cooperation with the finalization of the Ipoh Accord, stemming from the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable Conference on Urbanization (ACMROCH) 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that the accord reinforces the commitment of ASEAN nations and China to advance sustainable urban development, ensure quality housing, and foster more inclusive and unified communities.

This success proves the shared commitment of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China to move from dialogue to action.

— Nga Kor MingHighlighting the transition from discussion to concrete action facilitated by the Ipoh Accord.

"This success proves the shared commitment of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China to move from dialogue to action," Nga said in a statement. "Malaysia is proud to be the facilitator of this strategic cooperation that will drive sustainable urban development, quality housing, and the building of more cohesive communities for the well-being of the people in the region."

The ACMROCH 2026, held in Ipoh, Perak, brought together ministers, senior government officials, and delegations from ASEAN and China. The conference focused on a strategic dialogue themed 'Sustainable Cities, Quality Housing, United Communities.' The resulting Ipoh Accord outlines three main priorities: energy efficiency, value-based housing, and community harmony. It also promotes smart technology, climate-responsive design, innovative construction methods, and the use of low-carbon building materials to create more sustainable and resilient cities.

Malaysia is proud to be the facilitator of this strategic cooperation that will drive sustainable urban development, quality housing, and the building of more cohesive communities for the well-being of the people in the region.

— Nga Kor MingExpressing Malaysia's pride in facilitating the strategic partnership between ASEAN and China.

Nga further elaborated that the Ipoh Accord recognizes housing as a long-term social investment, considering not just construction costs but also quality, accessibility, maintenance, utility efficiency, and resident comfort. The document emphasizes creating safe, inclusive, and accessible neighborhoods to enhance social well-being and community resilience. The cooperation focuses on four key areas: sustainable cities, quality housing, united communities, and regional collaboration, fostering a three-dimensional partnership involving government policy sharing, industry innovation, and inter-city exchanges.

The Ipoh Accord recognizes housing as a long-term social investment that is not only assessed based on construction costs but also takes into account aspects of quality, accessibility, maintenance, utility efficiency, and resident comfort.

— Nga Kor MingExplaining the comprehensive view of housing as a social investment under the accord.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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