KPKT seeks partnership with Cambridge University to advance SDG 2030 goals, focusing on affordable housing and climate resilience.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is seeking to establish a Malaysia-Cambridge urban platform to pursue Sustainable Development Goals under the MADANI economy framework.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposed collaboration with the University of Cambridge would strengthen strategic partnerships with leading global institutions.
He made the announcement after delivering a keynote address at the inaugural Forum on Housing and Urban Planning at Downing College.
Nga was the first minister from the MADANI government to be invited to speak at the prestigious institution.
He said the engagement reflects Malaysia’s commitment to international collaboration on urban development.
“Malaysia’s strong economic growth and improving global competitiveness reflect the nation’s resilience as a formidable trading economy in Asia despite ongoing geopolitical tensions,” Nga said in a statement.
He outlined five key priorities aligned with the SDGs during his address.
These include strengthening the National Affordable Housing Policy by capping prices at RM300,000.
Malaysia’s home ownership rate has reached 76.5%, surpassing countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Other priorities are advancing climate-resilient housing and enhancing land coordination via a national urban observatory.
The government is also focused on reviving abandoned housing projects across the country.
Nga said nearly 1,350 abandoned projects have been revived since 2023, benefiting over 167,000 homebuyers.
This initiative has unlocked RM133.78 billion in trapped value for the economy.
He stressed that strong local authorities are key to building sustainable cities.
This will be achieved through digitalisation, training and improved governance at the local level.
The government is targeting “zero” sick and abandoned private housing projects by 2030 through five MADANI housing reforms.
It is also strengthening governance of high-density living through reforms to the Strata Management Act.
Nga said Malaysia’s macroeconomic fundamentals have reached a turning point under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The country recorded a 6.3% GDP growth in the final quarter of 2025.
It also achieved record approved investments of RM426.7 billion.
The forum was jointly organised by the REHDA Institute, the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge University Malaysian Students Association.
It also aims to encourage Malaysian students abroad to return and contribute to nation-building.
