Challenges ahead but KL on target to achieve status as world class city of the future affirms Tan Sri Michael Yeoh

The momentum driving Kuala Lumpur’s progress towards recognition as a world class liveable city has been impressive and continues to propel this aspiration – however there are still numerous challenges ahead for the nation’s capital said Kingsley Strategic Institute’s (KSI) Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh in his welcoming address at KSI’s international conference last month.

 

KSI’s international Conference – Shaping the future of Greater Kuala Lumpur Towards Sustainable & Inclusive Smart City Living brought together senior government officers, corporate leaders, SMI’s, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, thought leaders and community heads to discuss the transformation of Greater Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya into a world class city of the future.

 

The Conference program facilitated the exchange views, insights and ideas and assessed future challenges and opportunities.  It will also promoted KL as an investment destination and regional hub for foreign investors.

 

A great city is not measured by more and more physical structures, but also by its plans and activities that benefit its inhabitants said YB Tuan Haji Khalid Bin Abd. Samad, Minister of Federal Territories Malaysia in his keynote address.  “It’s important to compare KL against other global cities and learn and be inspired by them”.

 

Vienna demonstrated by winning the 2018 Most Liveable City that the five key attributes for liveability are 1) Stability; 2) Healthcare; 3) Culture and environment; 4) Education; and 5) Infrastructure.

 

In looking to the future and the successful attainment of KL’s goal to achieve world class liveability status, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh said it was essential to consider the seven Es.

 

1.  Economic Growth     The city must create more economic and commercial opportunities in the future – especially for SMEs that underpin much of Malaysia’s economic growth and employment.

 

2.  Environment     It is imperative that government, business and society work together to protect and safeguard the ‘living environment’ and ‘green lungs’ of the city.

 

3.  Education     Kuala Lumpur needs to be an education hub.  The creation of education hubs throughout the city to focus on science, technology, technical advancement, research and innovation is crucial.

 

4.  Employment     Creating employment opportunities, especially for future generations is must.

 

5.  Enforcement     Protecting citizens and the environment against pollution and activities that endangers the city’s population and natural surroundings requires strict enforcement – including maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.

 

6.  Engagement     There must be an infrastructure that facilitates dialogue and engagement between the city council, Malaysian government, business, community associations, chambers of commerce and civil society.  The input, feedback and support of KL’s citizens is especially important for success.   

 

7.  Ethical Leadership     The goal of ethical leadership is to trickle down and address issues of corruption and mismanagement from all activities.

 

Minister Samad, concluded his presentation by calling on the conference delegates to ‘dream big’ and be inclusive. 

 

The goal of liveability can only be achieved by all stakeholders from government, council, business, academia and resident associations working together to make the vision reality.

 

The conference ended with a suggestion to organise an Asia Pacific Mayors Conference next year – Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh has confirmed planning has been commenced by KSI for this initiative.

 

ENDS

Issued by Connect Malaysia           www.connectmalaysia.com.au          

 

Media enquiries         Mr. Joe Perri, Connect Malaysia

Tel:       +61 3 9662 2550   Mob:  +61 412 112 545 

Email:  jperri@joeperri.com.au

 

Profile:      Kingsley Strategic Institute      https://kasi.asia    

 

The Kingsley Strategic Institute (KSI) provides strategic advice, high level executive briefings, international conferences, policy roundtables and national summits.  New Malaysia has brought new hopes for the country and new challenges and this requires innovative strategic thinking, plans and ideas.

 

In line with the revived Malaysia Inc concept to foster closer public – private sector cooperation KSI organises top level exclusive briefings and policy dialogues and provide policy inputs to government derived from policy analysis.

 

KSI is a bridge between Government and Business and is committed to excellence, professionalism and integrity.

 

In addition, KSI assists organisations prepare for the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Age of Disruption through meetings of minds sharing new ideas, insights and intelligence.  KSI is also the Secretariat for the prestigious Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia China Economic Cooperation Council (MCECC) and Dialogue Rakyat.

 

The MCECC organises high level meetings on the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) and works closely with think tanks, business organizations and research institutions in China and ASEAN.

 

The Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur promotes discussions and debate on economic policies and issues and host Roundtables and luncheons with Cabinet Ministers, top CEOs and thought leaders from Malaysia and the ASEAN region.