REHDA Institute Spearheads Malaysian Delegation to UK for Global Insights in Sustainable Urban Development and Housing Reform

Mar 16, 2026

REHDA Institute is proud to announce it is leading a distinguished delegation of Malaysian housing and real estate leaders on a pivotal study mission to the United Kingdom, from 19 to 25 March 2026. This high-level initiative aims to immerse participants in global models of sustainable urban regeneration, cutting-edge transit-oriented development (TOD), and progressive housing reform. This mission comes at a crucial juncture for Malaysia, as the nation actively advances its urban regeneration frameworks, implements strata law reforms, and develops policies designed to alleviate congestion, champion public transport, and enhance liveability across all housing sectors.

Comprising senior developers, urban planners, legal experts, and government representatives, the delegation will engage directly with UK policymakers, renowned architectural firms, and leading academic institutions. This vital exchange will foster a deeper understanding of international best practices in regeneration strategies, integrated city planning, and the efficient delivery of affordable housing solutions.

“This study tour is relevant for gaining critical international insights and understanding best practices and benchmarks for adaptation, which are essential for elevating Malaysia’s human capital and expertise in the housing, and built environment sectors,” stated Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip, Chairman of REHDA Institute. “As our urban landscapes evolve and grow in complexity, industry stakeholders require profound practical knowledge and innovative strategies in urban planning and regeneration, heritage conservation and social/ public housing delivery. By fostering direct engagement with UK policymakers and experts, we are empowering our leaders to create more resilient, liveable, and strategically developed Malaysian cities.”

The intensive programme includes participation in four strategic forums across the UK. In London, delegates will engage with Foster + Partners on TOD, urban regeneration, and planning strategies, and meet with Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development. Another London forum, organised by Trowers & Hamlins, will delve into UK urban regeneration laws and governance frameworks, offering critical comparative insights for Malaysia’s ongoing reforms.

The delegation will then travel to Bath for a Sustainability & Water Management Forum hosted by Wessex Water in collaboration with YTL Developments, exploring sustainable infrastructure. The journey concludes in Cambridge with a Housing & Urban Planning Forum co-organised with the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, facilitating robust knowledge exchange on planning innovation and sustainable housing delivery. Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Trustee of REHDA Institute, emphasised the Cambridge forum’s significance, noting, “This engagement brings Malaysian government and industry leaders together with experts from University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, strengthening international knowledge exchange to address long-term housing challenges and sustainable urban development crucial for nation building.”

Beyond the forums, the delegation will undertake comprehensive site visits to landmark UK developments. These include projects spearheaded by Malaysian companies on the international stage such as Embassy Gardens (EcoWorld Development Group Berhad), Royal Mint Gardens (IJM Corporation Berhad), Brabazon (YTL Developments), and Woolwich student accommodation (Gamuda Land). These visits promise practical, firsthand insights into large-scale regeneration, adaptive reuse projects, purpose-built rental housing models, and the creation of integrated urban districts, with lessons directly applicable to Malaysia’s housing and urban redevelopment priorities. Datuk Ho Hon Sang, President of REHDA Malaysia, affirmed, “Urban regeneration and integrated planning are pivotal to shaping Malaysia’s cities. Exposure to international experiences allows our industry to adapt best practices to local development realities and elevate our standards.”

The delegation’s core focus, as articulated by Datuk Ng Seing Liong JP, Trustee of REHDA Institute, “extends beyond mere observation; it’s about translating global insights in regeneration, financing, and sustainable development into actionable outcomes that will directly benefit Malaysia’s urban landscape.” This comprehensive programme epitomises REHDA Institute’s role. As David S. Chong, COO of REHDA Institute, aptly summarized, “This programme demonstrates REHDA Institute’s role in building bridges between industry, policymakers and global knowledge partners, strengthening the expertise needed to support Malaysia’s long-term urban development and housing agenda.”