“Malaysia urges ASEAN nations to adopt the CHASE City framework — a Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-friendly model — to promote sustainable, liveable cities through integrated urban planning.”
Kuala Lumpur, 13th August 2025, 12.30pm – Malaysia has called on ASEAN member states to embrace an integrated urban planning approach through the CHASE City framework, aiming to balance environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic competitiveness.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the CHASE model — which stands for Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe, and Eco-friendly — offers a flexible template adaptable to the diverse needs of ASEAN cities.
Speaking at the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, she emphasised that the framework is not a collection of separate agendas, but a holistic philosophy guiding urban policy, design, and governance.
“It is a guiding vision that is practical to implement and adaptable to varying contexts across ASEAN,” Dr Zaliha said.
She noted that CHASE aligns with ASEAN’s urban priorities by fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to build sustainable and liveable cities.
Real-World Application
Dr Zaliha highlighted Kota Madani in Putrajaya as an example of CHASE in action, featuring low-carbon solutions, AI-powered smart technologies, safe mobility infrastructure, green networks, and inclusive community facilities.
Malaysia’s recent membership in the Davos Baukultur Alliance — becoming the first country outside Europe to join the coalition — also underscores its commitment to cities as cultural and social ecosystems that strengthen identity and civic pride.
She also cited the Warisan KL initiative, which preserves historic landmarks such as Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and Carcosa Seri Negara through adaptive reuse and sustainable design, creating public spaces that boost tourism, economic activity, and community engagement.
Regional Urban Vision
Dr Zaliha said the CHASE City framework could serve as a shared blueprint for ASEAN’s urban future, enabling cities to address interconnected challenges while remaining competitive, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
