Modern life has recorded progress earlier, but for the development of urban development, cities have to be built on the pillars of sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.
It is a vision that intends Malaysia to drive his leadership as President of the Human Settlements Program (UN Habitat) General Assembly of the United Nations for the term 2025 to 2029.
The advance for greener, more integrative urban development also coincides with the focus of the 13th Malaysia plan on sustainable cities and reliable infrastructure for 2026 to 2030.
In order to achieve the new urban agenda, the stakeholders say that the built -up environmental professionals of the country such as architects and engineers have to be equipped with the values and skills in order to design urban spaces that serve both humans and the planet.
Zainora
Zainora Zainal, Managing Director of the Development Board (CIDB) construction industry, said the most sought-after environmentally friendly building skills for supervision and management of personnel in sustainable practices, the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems and environmental management.
“Innovative skills with high demand include knowledge of BIM modeling (BUIM modeling), the Industrialized Building System (IBS) as well as construction technology and automation.
“There is also a growing demand for expertise in drone mapping, robot measurement, 3D printing and automation in project monitoring,” she told Staredu.
She added that including design skills are also crucial to ensure that projects, locations and systems are accessible, diverse and fair – both with regard to those who work in the construction work and who benefits from the built environment.
The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) PAM President Adrianta Aziz, who is also an extraordinary professor at the Universiti, said Hussein Onn Malaysia said that the demand is no longer exclusively for iconic buildings, but for thoughtful, responsible design that improves the quality of life and at the same time minimizes the environmental influences.
“Skills in air -conditioning design, passive environmental control strategies, digital tools and the commitment of stakeholders are becoming increasingly important.
“Architects also have to accept regenerative practices – and not only do less damage, but also to heal and improve the environment and social structure,” he said.
Think of the managing director of City, Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed, said that the increasing focus of Malaysia The capacity of local authorities and practitioners in areas such as placemaking and commitment in the community must require and ensure that public spaces are well activated and maintained over time.
“These are not only technical skills, but also include how to work with various stakeholders, control competing interests and support long -term use and care of common rooms,” he said.
Adrianta
He also pointed out the growing need to react to the effects of climate change that already influence urban areas in the form of higher temperatures, flood floods and infrastructure stress.
“Public spaces can play a role in supporting the adaptation efforts, in particular through the integration of natural -based solutions such as shading, green infrastructure and improved surface permeability.
“Understanding how these strategies can use in such a way that the local context fits, becomes an increasingly important ability for those who work in the built environment,” he said.
In addition to the discourse, Taylor University School of Architecture, Building and Design Head Assoc Associc Prof. Camelia Kusumo from the Faculty of Innovation and Technology was emphasized the need for compassion and rounded architects that can design beautiful rooms and at the same time address the needs of people and the planet.
“Malaysian architects should have soft skills that enable them to be resistant, adaptable and sensitive to communities and the environment,” she said.
Repair of training gaps
While graduates of engineering, architecture and built environmental programs have strong theoretical basics, many remain under prepared in key areas, said Zainora.
This includes practical technical competence, industry instruments, soft skills, knowledge of sustainability framework such as the Malaysian carbon reduction and environmental sustainability instrument (Mycrest) or the criteria for environmental, social and governance (ESG) as well as awareness of the current industry regulations and compliance procedures.
In order to close the gap between the academy and industry, she emphasized the need for more cooperation.
“Setting up CIDB-certified modules in university curricula.
“Expand structured industrial placements or live construction projects as part of the industry supervision.
Hamdan
“Develop joint training programs with CIDB, Akademi Binaan Malaysia and other industry partners,” she said.
Zainora also recommended that industry standards to integrate into the learning results of university formation, prioritize digital constructions, sustainability and resilience as a core modules during competence training and to maintain critical soft skills.
When they agreed, Derianta found that gaps remain in real exposure, project delivery and interdisciplinary cooperation.
“We are committed to curriculum improvements that embed sustainability, governance, digital construction and stakeholder engagement right from the start,” he said.
Hamdan quoted the limited possibilities that students often have to apply in real urban environments and suggested that university institutions (Heis) strengthen their programs through more structured internships, applied studios and partnerships with government or industry.
“This experiences can help graduates to better understand the social, regulatory and ecological dimensions of urban work and to build up trust in navigating,” he said.
“The ability to work with communities, manage complexity and react to changing conditions is often developed through practical experience,” he added.
Meanwhile, Camelia noticed a lack of graduates with an environmentally friendly know -how.
“This knowledge is important to control the complexity of sustainable constructions such as design, material selection and building management,” she said.
This is not limited to Malaysia, since there was still a lack of specialized expertise in sustainable urban development in Asia in Asia.
To remedy this, Camelia called for the orientation of educational curricula with sustainable construction frames.
“Programs should offer a comprehensive curriculum for green buildings that look at the students practical skills in areas such as energy efficiency, water protection and material selection,” she said.
“Remember our communities”
Tina
After Rohor Baru quickly thwarted urban, many streetless and dilapidated shops in areas such as Plentong to collect weeds or become informal dumping terrain that were overlooked in favor of new shopping centers and high-rise buildings.
Instead, these rooms could be reinterpreted as a micro pocket parks in which the aging population train safely, while errands can rest or simply enjoy fresh air.
These inexpensive shaded parks can include non -slip hiking trails, ramps with handrails as well as water wells and green to reduce heat. They could also serve as common areas for activities such as Tai Chi. The maintenance could be supported by the city council, whereby the students' volunteer groups contribute to the promotion of ties between the generations.
Pocket parks are environmentally friendly, socially integrative and economically sustainable. An intelligent city is one that ensures that the oldest are not left behind and that everyone feels welcome and supported. I hope that one day I can join those who try to do this.
Tina Low, 15
Mirza
An efficient drainage system and sustainable urban planning are of essential importance for reducing disasters such as fall floods and landslides. At the beginning of this year, Miri, Sarawak, experienced constant heavy rain, which coincided with the royal flood, which led to a sudden water boost, the outdated drainage systems overwhelmed. Immediate maintenance and upgrades are required to make cities integrative, safe, resistant and sustainable, according to the goal of Sustainable Development 11: Sustainable cities and municipalities.
Mirza Irdina, 19
Fiona
One way to improve the sustainability in my city, Kota Kinabalu, is strategic use of rainwater. Heavy rainfall often cause floods, but rain should be seen as a resource, not just as a threat.
With better drainage and rainwater use-permeable walkway, warehouse tanks and even small water hydro systems-we could turn flood risks into options for clean water supply and renewable energies.
This is important to me because I have experienced the destruction of the floods. It not only bothers traffic – it destroys houses and endangered endangered communities. The essence of SDG 11 reflects the transformation of this challenge into a solution.
Fiona Flonika Joshman, 22
Isabel
Batu Pahat, Joor, is my home – but flooding is constantly threatening. After days of rain or even a sudden downpour, the streets disappear. My school flooded and relatives have suffered losses.
The causes are known: clogged drains, slandered rivers, unchecked development, tides. Nevertheless, the upgrades are delayed year after year and the same areas flood again.
We need resistant infrastructure, preventive planning and real preparation. Our systems are outdated and reactive. Climate change is already there and we fall back.
Green infrastructure such as retention ponds, permeable surfaces and urban trees can help. In this way, early warning systems and emergency plans that protect the vulnerable protect.
A sustainable city must protect their population and property before the next storm hit is hit.
Isabel Lim, 14
