IN a vibrant celebration of innovation and collaboration, Think City, a pioneering force in urban regeneration, marked its impressive 15-year journey with the launch of the inaugural Think City Urban Futures Lectures.
Held in the prestigious Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) auditorium, this landmark event drew an inspiring array of attendees, from diplomats and policymakers to urban practitioners and community leaders, all gathered to envision a more sustainable urban future.
The highlight of the evening was a compelling keynote address by the Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who passionately articulated the urgent need for cities to embrace innovative solutions.
"Cities are not merely places to live," she proclaimed, adding: "they are vibrant ecosystems where communities, culture, and the environment converge." Her words served as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to cultivate sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments lies collectively with all of us.
She went on to praise Think City's commitment to collaborative approaches, calling it a blueprint for building liveable cities for generations to come.
The Urban Futures Lectures coincided with World Cities Day, embracing the theme "Clarion Call: Creative Solutions Today for a Liveable Tomorrow". This theme resonated deeply throughout the event, underscoring the urgency of addressing contemporary urban challenges through community-driven initiatives.
As cities increasingly become the epicentre of global issues — be it climate change, economic disparity, or social unrest — Think City's work demonstrates how transformative change can emerge from local actions fuelled by global innovation.
SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
Since its inception in 2009, Think City has evolved from a grants-delivery partner to a recognised leader in urban regeneration. The organisation's notable projects, such as the historic rejuvenation of George Town and the visionary planning of Kuala Lumpur as a creative and cultural district, have not only transformed landscapes, but also enriched communities.
Its commitment to implementing nature-based climate adaptation initiatives further solidifies its role as a trusted authority in city-making, earning accolades on both national and international stages, including recognition at the World Cities Summit and the Creative Bureaucracy Festival Award in 2021.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Think City managing director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed said: "From our roots in Penang to our nationwide influence today, Think City has remained dedicated to reinventing urban spaces."
He acknowledged the support from partners such as Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Yayasan Hasanah, highlighting their contributions in transforming urban areas into living laboratories for innovation. "Today, Think City stands poised to bring a global perspective to Malaysia's urban challenges and beyond," he affirmed, strengthened by collaborations with esteemed organisations such as the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Getty Conservation Institute.
As part of this milestone celebration, Think City is launching the Urban Futures Series, an initiative designed to inspire collective action and catalyse urban innovation. This platform will bring together thought leaders, global experts, and local communities, showcasing Think City's achievements while fostering dialogue on today's most pressing urban issues.
The series aims to unify diverse voices, sparking new ideas and collaborative solutions that address the complexities of urban living.
MOVING FORWARD
Looking ahead, Think City is committed to its mission, namely to continue pioneering urban solutions that empower communities, advance partnerships, and establish Malaysian cities as global benchmarks for sustainability and liveability. Initiatives such as the Think City Fellowship and Leadership Programmes will nurture the next generation of urban leaders, fostering a culture of continuous innovation and inclusivity.
As Think City embarks on its next 15 years, its vision remains bold yet deeply rooted in the principles of community empowerment and collaborative action. "Every city can thrive through the collective efforts of its people, partners, and policies," asserts the organisation, reminding us all that the path to sustainable urban futures is, and should be, a shared journey.
The launch of the Think City Urban Futures Lectures signifies not just a celebration of past achievements but also a commitment to an inspiring future. It serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders — governments, communities, as well as individuals — to engage in the vital work of re-imagining our urban landscapes.
By harnessing collective creativity and fostering innovative partnerships, Think City aims to not only address the challenges of today but also to lay the groundwork for thriving, resilient cities of tomorrow.
Together, we have the power to shape urban environments that are not only liveable but also vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
For the Benefit of All
THINK City is an impact organisation established in 2009 to create more sustainable and equitable places for the benefit of all. Its knowledge, skills and strategies focus on urban solutions, the environment, social communities, and the cultural economy.
Think City is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia).
For more information, log on to thinkcity.com.my.
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