KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and Nextdor Property Communications Sdn Bhd (NPC) have entered into a partnership to collaborate and co-organise the inaugural edition of City Expo Malaysia 2021 (CEM 2021).
The year also marks a centennial milestone for Malaysia in town planning with the appointment of Charles Compton Reade as the first government town planner for the Federated Malay States way back in 1921.
"This inaugural event is timely as we hope to draw the public's attention to the importance of good town planning and its impact on urban development, the progress we have made through the years since 1921 as well as the challenges confronting our cities today and what we can expect in the future," MIP president Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar said in a statement.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic, while affecting lives and livelihood, has also impacted cities and has caused many to rethink the usage of urban spaces in future planning and development.
The exhibition component, which is open to the public, will showcase innovative technological solutions related to sustainable urban development and new urban concepts, which are also in line with the New Urban Agenda and the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning.
"In this regard, we call on corporate companies to come on-board and showcase their technological solutions on urban development," he said.
NPC executive director Imran Clyde said running alongside the consumer exhibition is an international conference that will see participation from more than leading professionals from a cross section of professions related to urban management and development from the public and private sectors in Malaysia.
He said the exhibition, themed 100 Years Advancing Our Cities, will among others, explore current policies and issues in urban planning and large scale urbanisation, infrastructure development issues and strategies to address rapid urbanisation without losing sight of the importance of preserving the country's heritage and culture.
"There will also be presentations that will look at best practices, inclusivity and sustainable development
in line with the New Urban Agenda," he said.
Imran said the exhibition will be a great platform for delegates to network and exchange ideas with their industry peers, seek business opportunities and tap into the wealth of knowledge of key industry leaders who will be presenting their viewpoints and case studies.
Ihsan and Imran share the vision of growing CEM2021 into a flagship, biennial event that champions issues of importance to the planning profession, while at the same time, creating public awareness on the role of town and city planners and the importance of good town planning and design.