KUCHING – Preparations for the upcoming Sarawak Urban Forum (SUF) 2.0, scheduled for October 2026, are gaining momentum following a courtesy visit by Kuching North Mayor, His Excellency Dato Haji Hilmy Othman, and his delegation to the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, who also serves as Minister of Housing and Local Government.
The meeting, held on 22 June, focused on strategies to ensure the forum delivers meaningful outcomes for Sarawak’s urban development agenda.
Both parties exchanged ideas and perspectives on how SUF 2.0 could strengthen Kuching’s position as a progressive, sustainable, and competitive city while addressing challenges faced by urban communities.
The Sarawak Urban Forum is designed as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among policymakers, local authorities, academics, and community stakeholders.
SUF 2.0 aims to build on the success of its inaugural edition by promoting innovative approaches to sustainable urban planning and governance.
Mayor Hilmy highlighted DBKU’s commitment to supporting the state’s urban development goals, noting that collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government is essential for advancing initiatives that benefit residents.
The Deputy Premier echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of aligning local and state-level efforts to achieve long-term urban resilience.
Also present at the meeting were DBKU Director Mr. Ramzi Abdillah, Deputy Director of DBKU’s Community Services Department Mr. Rudzaimeir Malek, and Mrs. Erin Tan Boon Ling, Administrative Officer of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localisation Unit under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government. Mrs. Norhayati Bidin, Head of the Public Relations Division, also attended.
The courtesy visit underscored DBKU’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable urban growth and enhancing cooperation with MPHLG.
By working together, both institutions aim to ensure that SUF 2.0 becomes a landmark event that not only shapes policy discussions but also strengthens Sarawak’s reputation as a forward-looking state committed to sustainable development.
The forum is expected to attract wide participation from local and international stakeholders, offering opportunities to share best practices and explore solutions for urban challenges.
Its outcomes are anticipated to contribute significantly to Sarawak’s vision of building inclusive, resilient, and competitive cities.
