By Dr Yong Adilah Shamsul Harumain
Agility in urban planning refers to the ability of cities to adapt and respond swiftly to changing circumstances, challenges, and opportunities. This concept is particularly vital for Kuala Lumpur, a city known for its rapid growth and development. As urban environments become more complex and unpredictable, the need for agile strategies in city planning becomes increasingly important. Agile methods enable cities to be more resilient, sustainable, and liveable by allowing for flexibility, continuous improvement, and swift responses to urban challenges.
The International Conference on Integrated Urban Planning (ICIUP) 2024, themed “Agile Cities: Creating an Enabling Ecosystem for Sustainable Future,” took place at the Saujana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from 24th to 25th July 2024. Organized by the Department of Urban Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment University Malaya, the event brought together 120 participants from across Asia, including Indonesia, India, China, and Korea, to discuss the critical importance of agility in urban planning and development.
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Professor Akinori Morimoto, former president of the City Planning Institute of Japan, and Datin TPr Hajjah Noraida Saludin, President of the Malaysia Institute of Planning. Professor Morimoto emphasized the need for integrating advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to foster agility in urban ecosystems. He highlighted successful case studies from Japan where agile methodologies have significantly improved urban resilience and sustainability.
Datin TPr Noraida Saludin shared insights on Malaysia’s challenges in rapid urbanization, climate change threats and socio-economic disparities. She also highlighted urban development strategies and the role of agile practices in enhancing the planning processes. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, private sectors, and the community to create a responsive and inclusive urban environment by encouraging economic diversity and innovation, embracing technology and innovation as well as fostering including governance.
The conference facilitated valuable exchanges of ideas and best practices among urban planners, academicians and policymakers from the participating countries. This international collaboration is crucial, as it can draw lessons from other rapidly developing cities and implement innovative solutions tailored to its unique challenges.
Participants engaged in various sessions and workshops that covered a wide range of topics, including smart city technologies, sustainability, and community engagement. These discussions underscored the need for a holistic approach to urban planning, where agility is not just a strategy but a fundamental principle guiding the development process.
The ICIUP 2024 conference, marked a significant step towards fostering a more adaptable and resilient urban environment. By embracing agile methodologies, the city can better navigate the complexities of modern urbanization and create a thriving, sustainable future for its residents. As cities worldwide continue to evolve, the lessons and insights gained from this conference will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to make cities an exemplary model of agile urban planning in the region.
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