Dr Zaliha wants Malaysian students to return home after their studies and contribute to the country’s development. — Bernama
STRATEGIC twin cities cooperation between the Federal Territories, particularly Putrajaya and Shanghai, China, will allow Malaysia to learn more about smart city management, said Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the initiative would also help the country adopt innovation-based technological solutions and remain at the forefront of adopting modern approaches.
“I am confident this cooperation can elevate the Federal Territories’ (allowing it to implement) resilient and innovative urban management,” she said in a social media post during a recent official six-day visit to Shanghai.
While there Dr Zaliha met with representatives from Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, reported Bernama.
The meeting was held following the Cabinet’s decision regarding the twin city cooperation between Putrajaya and Shanghai.
Dr Zaliha said the meeting focused on sharing expertise in urban regeneration strategies adopted by Shanghai for 10 of its key districts involving the redevelopment of residential, commercial, and industrial areas by 2025 that was expected to impact the city’s overall growth significantly.
“One aspect that caught my attention is the implementation of Sponge City, a smart flood management strategy using advanced monitoring technology, including underground sensors.
“This concept not only strengthens the city’s resilience against extreme weather changes, but also has the potential to minimise the impact of natural disasters in flood-prone areas,” she said.
Dr Zaliha added that the model could serve as an inspiration for the Federal Territories to integrate green technology into urban planning for a more sustainable future.She added that Shanghai has also implemented a detailed urban grid management system, where the city is divided into smaller areas monitored using CCTV technology and a public database.
After Shanghai, Dr Zaliha visited Shenzhen and attended a dinner with Malaysian students, civil servants and representatives of Malaysian-owned companies.
In her speech at the event, she asked them to tap into their global networks to enhance Malaysia’s international competitiveness.
She also urged Malaysian students to return home after their studies and contribute to the country’s development.
Dr Zaliha highlighted Malaysia’s improving economic landscape that she credited to the country’s current political stability.
“The political stability we are experiencing today has significantly boosted investor confidence in Malaysia,” she said.
She also expressed pride in Malaysia’s recent achievement, highlighting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being recognised as the 15th most influential Muslim leader in the world.
Dr Zaliha also emphasised the crucial role played by Malaysia’s three Federal Territories – Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, in driving national growth.
