USM Collaboration with Local Authorities on Sustainable Planning and Development

Universiti Sains Malaysia actively collaborates with local authorities to address planning and development issues, advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban growth in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These partnerships ensure that development initiatives integrate sustainability principles, community participation, and equitable access to urban resources, including affordable housing.

In 2024, USM was invited by Urbanice Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), together with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), to serve as a strategic partner and co-organiser for the Academia Assembly during the Malaysia Urban Forum 2024 (MUF 2024), held from 5 to 8 October 2024 in George Town, Penang. Themed “My City, My Home,” the forum gathered stakeholders from government agencies, higher education institutions, private organisations, and the community to discuss sustainable city planning, affordable housing, and climate adaptation.

Through this collaboration, USM contributed academic and research expertise to support local government strategies on sustainable urban management and inclusive planning practices. This engagement highlights the university’s proactive role in shaping sustainable urban policies and in strengthening partnerships between academia and local authorities to promote well-planned, livable, and resilient cities.