The City of Kuala Lumpur played host to the 16th International Conference on World Class Sustainable Cities 2025 (WCSC 2025) today at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur Hotel.
Held under the theme “Resilient Cities, Living Heritage,” this year’s conference brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and city planners to explore innovative strategies for urban resilience and sustainability. The three sub-themes addressed were “Culture as Catalyst: Revitalising Urban Identity and Community Life,” “Climate Adaptation & Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Cities,” and “Smart and Inclusive Technologies for Regenerative Urban Futures.”
The event was officiated by the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, who delivered the keynote address. The conference also received strong support from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in shaping urban development.
“Cities should cherish and embrace their history and cultural identity as vital assets in creating better planned and sustainable development,” said WCSC 2025 Organizing Chairperson, Ms. Victoria Chua. She emphasized that integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and community participation into urban planning is crucial to manage urban growth, safeguard the environment, preserve heritage, and strengthen city resilience.
Ms. Chua further highlighted that building climate-resilient and net-zero cities requires holistic strategies that integrate land use planning, nature-based solutions, technological innovations, and behavioral shifts. Such approaches, she noted, will balance social, economic, and environmental needs to create sustainable and liveable futures.
Distinguished Speakers Across ASEAN and Beyond
In line with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, WCSC 2025 featured prominent speakers from the region and internationally. Among them were Kuala Lumpur Mayor YBhg Dato’ Seri TPr (Dr.) Maimunah binti Mohd Sharif, Mr. Justin Lau and Mr. Philip Clarke from The Oval Partnership in Hong Kong, Mr. Karin Kungwankitti of Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency, and Ms. Ang Wei Ping of Singapore’s National Parks Board.
Other experts included Dr. Lorelei D. De Viana of the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines; Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Azizi bin Zakaria of Universiti Sains Malaysia; LAr Khariza binti Abd Khalid of Gamuda Land; and Dr. Ceelia Leong of Think City. The diverse panel also featured leaders from architecture, urban design, and smart technology sectors, including Ar Dr. Miguel A. Robles-Cardona of Veritas Design Group, Dr. Mazlan Abbas of Favoriot, and renowned Malaysian cultural advocate Mr. Joe Sidek.
More Than a Conference
Beyond keynote sessions and panel discussions, WCSC 2025 hosted a series of complementary events, including the WCSC 2025 Welcome Dinner, MasterClass Session, Photography Competition, and the Young People’s Lab (YPLab) 2025. These activities engaged a wider audience, fostering dialogue between professionals, youth, and communities on the future of cities.
Driving Urban Innovation
The WCSC series, first launched in 2009, has become a key platform for knowledge exchange on urban sustainability. Over the years, it has highlighted best practices for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities while showcasing successful models of public-private partnerships.
“Through the participation of both public and private sectors, WCSC has nurtured a strategic platform to improve the built environment, reduce carbon footprints, promote economic growth, and ensure social inclusivity,” Ms. Chua noted.
The conference reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to sustainable urban transformation and its aspiration to be a model of resilience, liveability, and innovation in the ASEAN region.
For more details, visit www.wcsckl.com.
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