By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 17: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is planning to formulate a comprehensive smart city management programme with a well-defined roadmap to ensure systematic project implementation, aiming to secure sustainable growth and long-term progress for Kuching South and its residents.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng underscored the Council’s commitment to re-evaluating its strategies and identifying areas for improvement.
“A city’s vision must transcend individual leadership. It must be a shared vision, where everyone contributes to sustainable growth and progress. At MBKS, we are committed to fostering a resilient and inclusive Kuching South for all its residents,” he said in a statement today.
These remarks were shared during the Dialogue Among Game Changers of Cities Conference held in Penang recently.
Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (Northern Chapter), the conference gathered mayors from Kuala Lumpur, Yala (Thailand), Penang Island, and Kuching South to discuss urban management and the adoption of sustainable strategies to address city challenges.
During the event, Wee shared insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by MBKS, emphasising the critical role of grassroots initiatives to engage communities, bridge societal divides, and transform challenges into growth opportunities.
“This dialogue reaffirmed my belief in the significance of community-driven urban regeneration as a transformative force for cities. I am inspired by the insights shared by my fellow mayors, who are leading their cities through innovative and inclusive approaches.
“While cities face common challenges, the solutions must be tailored to our unique contexts. Communication with our citizens is essential to ensure they are actively participating in the transformation process,” he noted.
He also praised Kuala Lumpur Mayor Dato’ Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif for her vision of transforming Kuala Lumpur into a “lovable” city, rather than just a livable city. She stressed the importance of fostering pride and a sense of belonging within the community to build sustainable cities.
“I am inspired by Dato’ Seri Maimunah’s belief that peaceful societies, driven by empathy from decision-makers, are the foundation of successful city management,” he added.
Echoing the call for closer collaboration between Malaysian cities, he suggested that regional ties be strengthened to benefit local communities and drive collective urban progress.
Yala City Mayor Pongsak Yingchoncharoen shared how digital technology has enhanced community engagement in his city, with 80 per cent of Yala’s citizens using mobile apps and online platforms for city planning and access essential services.
Penang Island Mayor Dato Ir Rajendran P. Anthony outlined his systematic approach to urban planning, including policies addressing climate change, which serve as a model for building resilient, future-ready cities. — DayakDaily
