Green spaces, first- and last-mile connectivity, flood mitigation to be discussed in WCSC 2023

• The city, along with other major urban centres, must establish and implement a comprehensive urban resilience strategy to address the impacts of various hazards, including those linked to climate change.

PETALING JAYA (Aug 29): The international conference on World Class Sustainable Cities (WCSC) this year will present discussions and insights into four key areas – promoting open green spaces in the city, creating resilient public transportation and integrating them to the last-mile and first-mile connectivity, building sustainable homes and urban flood mitigation. 

Themed “Resilient Urbanisation: Planning Towards Malaysia MADANI”, the 14th series of WCSC will drive conversations to better handle, adapt and prepare for future shocks covering the main areas of economy, environment, governance and society. The event also aims to explore proactive strategies to enhance Kuala Lumpur’s resilience, achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and improve overall liveability for all its citizens. 

The event necessitates meaningful engagement with urban stakeholders and communities, fostering sustainable development, well-being, and inclusive urban growth, said WCSC 2023 organising chairman Chan Jin-Wy at today's press conference. 

“The point is also to encourage all the partners and stakeholders to really look into executing a project together, even if it is just to kick off with something small,” he told Edgeprop.my, which is the official media partner of the conference, set to be held on Sept 26 at M Resort & Hotel, KL. 

Gathering people to effect change

KL is presently charting a significant planning course through its KL Structure Plan 2040 and KL City Plan 2040. Consequently, the city, along with other major urban centres, must establish and implement a comprehensive urban resilience strategy to address the impacts of various hazards, including those linked to climate change. This strategy encompasses mitigation, adaptability, and recovery measures.

With the official support of KL City Hall (DBKL), the conference will serve as a constructive, inclusive, and aspirational platform, said Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP) vice president Datin Tpr. Hjh Mazrina Dato’ Abdul Khalid. 

“This gathering will bring together city managers, game changers, planners, architects, engineers, and various stakeholders to deliberate on KL’s path forward in confronting the dual challenges of liveability and sustainability. Participants will exchange integrated urban solutions and cultivate new partnerships,” she said. 

Over the past thirteen conferences, WCSC has effectively educated and raised awareness among city managers and stakeholders in this country. The involvement of world-class experts in urban solutions has translated best practices and lessons into projects that elevate KL to a world-class city.

She noted that many local authority officers look forward to the event every year as it provides them an avenue to gain knowledge not only on the best practices, but also what to avoid during project execution, both from local and international experts. 

Learning from top-notch experts 

According to Chan, WCSC selects quality speakers based on a stringent criteria of experience in a particular area based on their involvement in completed or ongoing projects. 

This year, the experts to look forward to include Republic of Indonesia Nusantara Capital City Authority chairman Bambang Susantono, Urbis Pty Ltd managing partner James Tuma, City of Hobart (Tasmania) principal adviser of urban design Jaime Parsons, Morrow Intelligence Pte Ltd co-founder and managing director Saravanan Sugumaran, Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect studio director Chatchanin Sung, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd president and group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, Urbanice Malaysia CEO Norliza Hashim, and Xiamen University Malaysia PhD Programme of New Energy Science and Engineering & Principal Investigator head Vincent Wook Kok Sin.

Concurrent events to spur interest and awareness

In conjunction with the WCSC, which is jointly organised by  REHDA Wilayah Persekutuan (KL) Branch, MIP and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), the organisers has also initiated an intervention workshop with the Young People’s Lab to spur the creativity and imagination of the younger generation of aspiring professionals. Participants are required to analyse and chart their visions for selected urban pockets in KL, highlighting effective use of space and community well-being. This year, the selected area is the vicinity of Kg Attap, and Jalan Hang Tuah and Kenanga. 

Another exciting concurrent event is the photography competition that carried the theme “Resilient Urbanisation: Responsible Living Towards Green Spaces and Floor Prevention”. The competition seeks entries showcasing locations anywhere in the nation that highlight green lungs, riverbank restoration, community involvement and exemplary urban wetlands. The contest ends on Sept 3, and interested participants can e-mail their entries to [email protected]. 

For comprehensive information on the competition and registration details on the conference, please visit www.wcsckl.com. 

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