• Today: August 4, 2026

Brunei charts path for smarter, sustainable cities through regional accord

Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN member states and China in marking a milestone with the finalisation of the landmark agreement, the ‘Ipoh Accord’, during the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing 2026 (ACMROCH 2026).

In alignment with the objectives of the Ipoh Accord, Deputy Minister of Development Datin Seri Paduka Dr Dayang Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak delivered Brunei Darussalam’s Country Statement, underscoring the nation’s firm commitment guided by Brunei Vision 2035 across four priority areas.

These priority areas are affordable and quality housing for all: maintaining policies that provide subsidised land and infrastructure, while actively exploring cost-effective smart home designs, age-inclusive features for seniors and youth, and alternative financing models to accelerate housing delivery.

Resilient urban planning and climate adaptation: integrating resilience strategies into urban planning through eco-friendly standards, flood mitigation, and biodiversity conservation to ensure development remains balanced with the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage.

Strengthening essential urban services: continuous efforts to upgrade core utilities such as water supply, road connectivity, drainage, waste management, and energy systems to guarantee efficiency and comprehensive well-being for residents.

Smart and sustainable infrastructure investment: leveraging digital technologies and data-driven solutions to future-proof infrastructure in line with smart city aspirations.

The deputy minister also announced Brunei Darussalam’s intention to host the 5th edition of ACMROCH in 2027 to mark a historic chapter for the nation. It will be organised in conjunction with ‘Visit Brunei Year 2027’.

The meeting, which concluded its proceedings in Ipoh, Perak on Saturday, was co-chaired by China and Malaysia.

It was attended by ministers and delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

The roundtable, themed ‘Sustainable Cities, Quality Housing, and Cohesive Communities’, drew over 300 participants from across the region. The adoption of the Ipoh Accord represents a strategic achievement that recognises housing as a long-term social investment and extends beyond construction costs, emphasising quality, durability, accessibility, maintenance, utility efficiency and overall livability to create safe, inclusive, and resilient neighbourhoods.

Through this accord, regional cooperation has been significantly strengthened across three key fronts namely government-to-government (G2G) collaboration through the sharing of policies and best practices; industry collaboration via the adoption of technology, innovation, and sustainable solutions; and city-to-city cooperation through the exchange of knowledge in developing resilient urban centres. – Lyna Mohamad

Deputy Minister of Development Datin Seri Paduka Dr Dayang Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak during the event. PHOTO: MOD
Deputy Minister of Development Datin Seri Paduka Dr Dayang Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak in a group photo. PHOTO: MOD

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/LYNA MOHAMAD

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