MALAYSIA is set to host the Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024, a significant event that underscores the country's leadership in regional urban development and international collaboration.

A crucial platform to enhance collaboration between Asean and China, the roundtable also aims to advance sustainable urbanisation goals by fostering dialogue and sharing best practices among countries.

 Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, in an interview with the New Straits Times, said Malaysia sought to leverage the roundtable to further strengthen strategic partnerships and build a closer Asean-China community.

Nga said by fostering dialogue and collaboration on shared challenges such as urbanisation and environmental sustainability, Malaysia also aimed to achieve tangible outcomes that promote inclusive growth and advance regional integration through the roundtable.

 "ACMROCH is built on the momentum and success of the first-ever ministerial roundtable held in Nanning last year which focuses on concrete actions to promote sustainable futures through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.

 "The roundtable will feature various ministers in the construction/housing or urban development from Asean member states, China, alongside officials and representatives from the Asean Secretariat.

"The participation of these key stakeholders is expected to foster partnerships and shape collaborative initiatives for sustainable development across the region," he said.

The ACMROCH 2024 will also focus on three key aspects, namely strengthening the framework for cooperation in housing and urban development; advancing technology, innovation and green construction for sustainability and efficiency; as well as developing climate-resilient cities by accelerating local and regional climate actions.

 With the theme 'Building Sustainable Futures: Deepening Asean-China Cooperation in Housing and Urban Development for Shared Prosperity', the roundtable will take place from July 3 until 5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

"This theme reflects the overarching goals of the round-table which focuses on sustainable development in alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda while emphasising the role of the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

He added that Malaysia, which is poised to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025, also viewed ACMROCH 2024 as a vital platform to enhance regional cooperation
and address pressing challenges in the construction and housing sector.

"The roundtable is also strategically timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

"The timing highlights the historical and ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through collaborative housing and urban development efforts between Asean and China," said Nga.

ASEAN-CHINA COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT FORUM ON BUILDING, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Nga added that the Asean-China Cooperation and Development Forum on Building, Housing and Urban Development will also be held in conjunction with ACMROCH 2024 which serves as a platform for collaboration, sharing insights and strategising on construction and housing initiatives that are essential for the development and growth of cities within the region.

The forum, he said, will facilitate dialogue on the implementation and best practices for enhancing Asean-China cooperation in urban redevelopment and smart cities by bringing together ministers from different countries, experts, policymakers and industry leaders.

"Key topics include implementing innovative construction and housing initiatives, best practices for urban redevelopment and smart cities development, as well as strategies to foster sustainable development in cities.

"The dialogue will cover critical aspects such as the integration of advanced technologies, efficient resource management and community-centric urban planning.

"Additionally, the forum will explore successful case studies and collaborative approaches that have been proven effective in other contexts, to apply these insights to benefit the region's urban development efforts," he said.

COMPLEMENTING ARCHIDEX 2024

 Concurrently, ACMROCH 2024 will also see the organising of the 23rd International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2024, a pivotal event to provide a platform for networking and professional growth in the architectural and building industry.

Jointly organised by the ministry with the Malaysian Institute of
Architects and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, the exhibition which will take place from July 3 to 6, is also anticipated to have nearly 700 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors from 100 countries.

Following this, Nga said the exhibition, which will have an international presence, could position Malaysia as a central hub for advanced technologies, eliminating the need for regional professionals to travel overseas for expertise.

He added that ARCHIDEX will also facilitate international collaboration through dedicated pavilions from Austria, China, Germany, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan and further foster bilateral trade and business opportunities.

"Overall, ARCHIDEX offers a comprehensive platform for networking, professional growth and staying at the forefront of industry innovations.

"This year's focus on trailblazing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and building information modelling (BIM) will
showcase their transformative potential in creating eco-friendly structures.

"By providing a comprehensive platform for sourcing advanced technologies and solutions, ARCHIDEX will support the government's vision of leveraging next-generation technology for a sustainable and resilient built environment," he said.

He added that the opening ceremony for both ACMROCH and ARCHIDEX will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 3.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1069765/malaysia-host-acmroch