Cross Sectoral Dialogue about SDGs
SDG 17.2.2
Malaysia's progressive approach towards smart sustainable city planning
On 13 February 2023, Sunway iLabs and the Department for Business and Trade have initiated a roundtable and business meeting at Menara Sunway, attracting over 100 delegates from the UK and Malaysia. Distinguished speakers included Shehzad Chaudhary, Director of DBT Midlands; YBrs. TPr Dr Alias bin Rameli, Director General of PLANMalaysia; Ms Najihah Abas, Executive Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority; Raymond Siva, SVP of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); and Dr Nazdiana Ab Wahab, CEO of Melaka ICT Holdings. And, not to forget one of Sunway University experts, Associate Professor Dr Chen Jit Ern was also one of the speakers.
They shared insights on Malaysia's forward-thinking initiatives for smart and sustainable urban development. The event concluded with an impactful roundtable, fostering dialogue between UK and Malaysian stakeholders about advancing smart city innovation and infrastructure, aligning with SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2023 ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development
On July 21-22, 2023, SDSN and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, with support from the ASEAN Secretary-General’s Office and collaboration with Sunway University, held the 2023 ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development (AWSD). Under the theme “Charting Pathways for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia,” the event brought together sustainable development experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to update ASEAN countries' SDG commitments ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit and 2024 Summit for the Future. Over 325 participants from 15 countries attended, with three key plenaries led by regional and global leaders:
- Plenary I: “Converting Crisis to Opportunity” focused on strengthening ASEAN partnerships and accelerating SDG and climate action recovery post-COVID-19.
- Plenary II: “Mobilizing Science for Biodiversity Protection” discussed policies on biodiversity and carbon reduction through science, technology, and innovation.
- Plenary III: “Next Key Steps in ASEAN Sustainable Development” explored long-term development solutions for the SDGs.
View SDSN News on this workshop
ASEAN Education Cities Conference (AECC) 2023
The ASEAN Education Cities Conference (AECC) 2023 focuses on the future of cities in Southeast Asia. Organized by the Future Cities Research Institute, ElastiCities Research Cluster, School of Arts, School of Business, and School of Hospitality and Management Service of Sunway University, the event is held in collaboration with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Campus with a Conscience, Jeffrey Sachs Centre, SDG Academy, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and ASLI.
AECC 2023 provides a platform for researchers, industry leaders, organizations, and other stakeholders to share ideas, best practices, and research on smart, sustainable cities. It aims to foster collaboration on innovative approaches to educate future caretakers of planetary health. The conference explores how cities serve as educational spaces and how institutions can support urban sustainability through research, teaching, policy guidance, and community engagement.
