Curtin Malaysia academics drive urban sustainability dialogue at ASEAN Workshop in Miri

Miri, Sarawak – 8 November 2025 — Two academics from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) joined leading regional experts and policymakers in shaping the future of sustainable urban development at the Diagnostic Workshop for the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) Project, held recently in Miri.

Representing the higher education sector, Dr. Yong Leong Kong and Dr.Tan Yee Yong from the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, shared valuable academic perspectives on sustainable urban planning, resilience, and the integration of education in driving long-term urban sustainability.

Their participation underscores Curtin Malaysia’s pivotal role as a knowledge partner in advancing Sarawak’s urban sustainability agenda, bridging academic research, policy development, and community impact.

“Our newly-developed subject, ‘Sustainable Urban Management and Planning’, aligns closely with the ASUS initiatives,” said Dr. Lai Wai Yan, who is the subject developer. “It equips our students with the expertise to design future-ready, environmentally responsible cities that balance innovation with inclusivity,” added Dr. Yong Leong Kong.

The event marked a major milestone for Miri, now the first city in Borneo to join the ASUS Project, a regional initiative by UN-Habitat that aims to strengthen urban resilience and sustainable growth across ASEAN.

The workshop gathered representatives from UN-Habitat, the Sarawak Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak, the Miri City Council (MCC), and other regional partners. Together, they tackled the root causes of urban challenges, ranging from infrastructure and finance to digital inclusion and social equity.

The ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) provides a regional framework to address rapid urbanisation through shared learning and cross-border collaboration, helping ASEAN cities become more connected, sustainable, and future-ready.

ASUS focuses on six key areas: Civil & Social, Health & Well-being, Security, Quality Environment, Built Infrastructure, and Industry & Innovation. It serves as a cornerstone of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, promoting urban resilience, innovation, and connectivity across the region.

As Miri progresses toward its vision of becoming a Green, Smart, and Most Liveable International Resort City by 2030, Curtin Malaysia continues to play a strategic role in supporting this transformation through education, applied research, and industry collaboration.

The city’s ongoing sustainability efforts include Green Building Development (Miri City Hall and One Shell Square Miri), Smart Infrastructure (Smart City App, Smart City Bus, Kenyalang Smart City, and Miri Wireless Walk), Eco-tourism & Heritage Conservation (Miri Handicraft Centre), and Renewable Energy Projects (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) initiative).

“As a university deeply connected to Miri’s growth, Curtin Malaysia is committed to developing solutions that support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban futures,” added Dr. Tan.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Dr. Yong (fifth from left and Dr. Tan (back row, second right) with Miri Mayor Adam Yii (eighth from left) and other workshop participants.