UTAR and Acmar Group launch international design competition for Bandar Baru Klang

From left: Acmar Group Managing Director Dato’ Steven Tee, Mr Johnson Tee, Dato’ Haji Abd Hamid, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She during the signing ceremony

UTAR and Acmar Group formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on 10 November 2025 at Wyndham Acmar Hotel, Klang. The signing marked the launch of the Bandar Baru Klang Catalytic Development Master Plan International Design Competition 2025/2026, an initiative co-supported by the Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (BRAUIC).

The ceremony was witnessed by Department of Higher Education Director of Governance Division (IPTA) Encik Izamael Zamzuri bin Ismail, who represented and delivered the official remarks on behalf of the Director General of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman. Also present was Mayor of Klang Dato’ Haji Abd Hamid bin Hussain.

The MoU outlines collaboration in urban planning, academic research, student development, and community engagement, while the MoA governs the execution of the international design competition. The competition invites students, academics, and professionals worldwide to propose innovative master plans and architectural solutions for Bandar Baru Klang (BBK). With participation from more than 100 universities across 40 economies, including leading institutions such as Beijing University, the initiative positions Klang on the global stage of sustainable urban innovation.

Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda, in her remarks, emphasised the need for strong academia–industry partnerships to drive impactful development. Mayor Dato’ Haji Abd Hamid highlighted the competition as a prestigious platform to reimagine Klang’s future. Acmar Group Executive Director Mr Johnson Tee Kim Hock, JP, expressed the Group’s commitment to supporting youth innovation and transforming BBK into a modern hub of health, finance, and logistics.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said that the collaboration will support urban regeneration efforts and provide UTAR students with real-world experiential learning opportunities that nurture creativity, sustainability, and community awareness.

The international design competition will conclude with an award ceremony in July 2026. Winning teams may be invited to further refine their proposals with UTAR and Acmar Group for submission to local authorities, contributing to the long-term planning of Bandar Baru Klang.