KUCHING – The Sarawak Urban Forum 2.0 (SUF 2.0), organised by the North Kuching City Hall (DBKU), will return this year with the theme “Future-Ready Cities: Building Resilient Futures – Collaborate, Adapt, Thrive”.
Scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 October 2026 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC), the forum is set to be a major platform for dialogue on sustainable, smart and resilient urban development.
The forum will bring together policymakers, industry experts, academics, local authorities, government agencies, the private sector and community stakeholders to discuss strategies for building cities that can withstand global challenges.
With climate change, rapid urbanisation and technological disruption reshaping societies, SUF 2.0 aims to provide solutions that balance growth with sustainability.
A diverse panel of speakers from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia, will share experiences and best practices.
Their participation underscores the regional significance of the forum, which is expected to attract around 1,000 participants.
One of the highlights of SUF 2.0 will be the launch of the Kuching Low Carbon Master Plan, a strategic blueprint to reduce emissions and promote sustainable living.
Key projects under this plan include the development of Unity Park, the Bamboo Garden at Kuching Civic Centre and the Kuching Park Connector.
These initiatives reflect Sarawak’s commitment to environmental conservation and improving the quality of life for urban communities.
The forum will also feature the DBKU Community Council, which includes the Children’s Community Council, Youth Community Council and Senior Citizens Community Council.
Their involvement ensures that perspectives from all age groups are represented, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event. A series of side programmes will complement the main discussions.
These include the Kuching Car Free Morning SUF 2.0 Edition, the Friendly Neighbourhood Carnival, and Project Legacy, all designed to engage the public in sustainability practices and community empowerment.
Such activities aim to make the forum not only a policy-driven event but also a celebration of urban innovation and civic participation.
The opening ceremony will be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
His presence highlights the state government’s strong support for initiatives that promote smarter, greener and more resilient cities.
DBKU hopes that SUF 2.0 will continue to serve as a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, academia and the community.
By fostering dialogue and partnerships, the forum seeks to realise Sarawak’s vision of sustainable, inclusive and future-ready cities.
Preparations for the forum began with a main committee meeting chaired by the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who is also the project coordinator for the Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs.
The meeting was followed by a media conference to outline the objectives and programmes of SUF 2.0. Also present were Datuk Bandar Kuching North, Dato Haji Hilmy Othman, DBKU Director Encik Ramzi Abdillah, and representatives from various government agencies.
Their participation reflects the collaborative spirit behind SUF 2.0, which aims to integrate diverse expertise and perspectives into shaping Sarawak’s urban future.
As cities worldwide grapple with the impacts of climate change, resource constraints and technological disruption, SUF 2.0 positions Sarawak as a proactive player in the global conversation on urban resilience.
The forum’s theme – Collaborate, Adapt, Thrive – captures the essence of building cities that are not only sustainable but also capable of evolving with changing times.
By combining strategic planning, community engagement and innovative projects, SUF 2.0 is expected to lay the groundwork for Sarawak’s urban transformation.
The launch of the Kuching Low Carbon Master Plan, in particular, signals a long-term commitment to reducing carbon footprints and promoting healthier, more liveable cities.
