Kuala lumpur: Malaysia today called on ASEAN nations to adopt an integrated urban planning approach, which balances environmental stewardship, social well-being, and economic competitiveness through the CHASE City framework. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the framework, introduced in the Federal Territories, envisions cities that are Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-friendly, offering a flexible model adaptable to the diverse realities of ASEAN cities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha stated that Malaysia has sought to define a guiding vision that is practical in implementation, yet adaptable to diverse circumstances across ASEAN. She emphasized that this vision is not a collection of separate agendas but an integrated philosophy that guides urban policy, design, and governance holistically.
She shared these insights during her speech at the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) 2025, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Dr Zaliha highlighted that the CHASE City framework aligns with ASEAN's urban priorities by enabling collaboration among government, business, academia, and civil society to create sustainable and liveable cities.
The minister cited the Kota MADANI development in Putrajaya as a tangible example of the framework, which incorporates low-carbon solutions, AI-driven smart technologies, active and safe mobility, green networks, and community facilities. Additionally, she highlighted Malaysia's membership in the Davos Baukultur Alliance, making it the first country outside Europe to join this global coalition.
Dr Zaliha further explained that this membership reflects Malaysia's belief in cities as cultural and social ecosystems, which should strengthen identity, foster inclusion, and inspire pride among residents. She also pointed to initiatives such as Warisan KL, which preserve heritage sites like Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and Carcosa Seri Negara through adaptive reuse and sustainable design, thereby creating public spaces that enhance civic pride, tourism, and economic activity.