MALAYSIA STRENGTHENS ASEAN-CHINA COMMITMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE CITIES, QUALITY HOUSING AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES VIA ACMROCH 2026

IPOH, 1 AUGUST 2026 – The ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2026 was officiated by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming today at AC Hotel by Marriott in Ipoh, Perak. 

Also present at the conference was Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, together with ministers, deputy ministers, senior government officers and delegations from ASEAN Member States and the People’s Republic of China.  

The three-day conference, themed “Sustainable Cities, Quality Housing, Cohesive Communities”, brought together 300 delegates from ASEAN Member States, including Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, comprising ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officers, to strengthen strategic cooperation in the housing and urban development sectors that are more sustainable, inclusive and resilient.  

Malaysia, through the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), chaired ACMROCH 2026 as a manifestation of the nation’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in addressing rapid urbanisation challenges, climate change, rising living costs, energy security and housing affordability, as well as society’s aspirations for cities that are more inclusive, safe and liveable.  

As the host, Malaysia emphasised that ACMROCH 2026 serves as a catalyst for implementing joint initiatives that can be translated into tangible actions for the wellbeing of the people.  

The conference emphasised on three key dimensions of ASEAN-China cooperation: strengthening inter-governmental cooperation through the sharing of policies and best practices, reinforcing industry cooperation via innovation and technology, and expanding city-to-city cooperation through the exchange of experiences and sustainable urban development solutions.

The ASEAN-China Roundtable session will focus on four key areas:  

1. Development of energy-efficient and climate-friendly housing as a measure to address climate change challenges and reduce the long-term household costs;
2. Value-based housing development, inclusive urban growth and the increasing housing demand; 
3. Efforts to strengthen resilient urban services and sustainable infrastructure development; and
4. Building cohesive communities and quality neighbourhoods as the foundation of the people’s wellbeing.

Overall, these discussions demonstrate that the housing, construction and urban development sectors can no longer be viewed merely as technical issues, but rather as the foundation for social stability, economic growth, environmental sustainability and the resilience of the region.  

According to Nga Kor Ming, “ACMROCH 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging views, but a strategic arena for Malaysia, ASEAN and China to jointly formulate solutions to urban development challenges.  

“Through closer cooperation, we can accelerate sustainable urban development, expand access to quality housing and enhance the wellbeing of people across the region. 

“The hosting of ACMROCH 2026 in Ipoh sends a clear message that the benefits of regional cooperation should not be confined only to major metropolises or national capitals.  

“Instead, these benefits must also be felt by secondary cities and the people at large, who are the core of all our development efforts,” he added.  

Malaysia welcomes the constructive participation of all ASEAN Member States and the People’s Republic of China and is confident that ACMROCH 2026 will produce substantive outcomes, including progress towards the Ipoh Accord as the flagship deliverable of the conference.  

This document is expected to serve as the foundation for long-term cooperation in sustainable urban development, provision of quality housing and the formation of inclusive and resilient communities for the wellbeing of people across the region.