The City Councils of Penang Island and Seberang Perai, in partnership with the Micron Foundation and R-Cities, will develop a strategy to build capabilities for urban resilience.
1 September 2023 – Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council in the State of Penang, one of Malaysia’s most urbanized states, have joined the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) as part of a commitment to build urban resilience. The move, which will ensure the cities’ inhabitants are better protected from the impacts of climate change, future pandemics, and inequity, is supported by the Micron Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Micron Technology, Inc., an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions.
“As one of the most densely populated areas in Malaysia, it is vital that we build resilience to withstand and adapt to a growing number of shocks and stresses,” said Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Development. “With climate change, aging infrastructure, and inequity rising around the globe, we must get ahead of these issues for our residents, communities, and for our future.”
The cities are committed to strengthening their resilience through a combination of initiatives such as protecting infrastructure, building community-level resilience, adapting to climate change, and future-proofing the economy against challenges.
To benefit from the knowledge of resilience practitioners worldwide, Penang Island and Seberang Perai are joining R-Cities – the world’s leading urban resilience network, made up of 100 cities across six regions globally, including Paris, Cape Town, New York City, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, and Singapore.
“We are delighted to welcome Penang Island and Seberang Perai to the Resilient Cities Network and commend their commitment to reducing vulnerability and improving well-being of its residents,” said Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director, R-Cities. “At a time when cities in Asia and the Pacific are facing unprecedented risks from climate change and other resilience challenges, we are eager to start this work and connect Penang Island and Seberang Perai City Councils to the Network’s knowledge and members across the globe.”
The Micron Foundation’s grant will enable Penang Island and Seberang Perai City Councils to join the Network, develop a Resilience Strategy, and appoint and train Chief Resilience Officers (CRO). Additionally, R-Cities and the Micron Foundation are working together to provide young leaders in government and communities with access to an interactive urban resilience curriculum that will promote safety and equity for communities in the long-run.
These investments will support Penang Island and Seberang Perai in the cities’ efforts to institutionalize readiness within its governance system, advance urban adaptability practices and create opportunities for impact on the ground in support of Penang state’s most vulnerable communities, through planning and climate adaptation.
“We are excited to work with the Penang Island City Council, Seberang Perai City Council, and the Resilient Cities Network to enhance the cities’ resilience and support adaptation to environmental risks. Upskilling the young government and community leaders who are managing resilience in cities will help to promote safety and equity for all,” said Antara Lahiri, Director of Micron Gives Asia and EMA. “The Micron Foundation seeks ways to create positive and meaningful impacts for local communities, and we hope the benefits of this program will cascade through communities across Penang state.”
Both city councils will begin the process of identifying the primary acute shocks and chronic stresses to the cities’ resilience, setting the pace for the development of a joint comprehensive urban Resilience Strategy that will pave the way for a more secure and resilient future for the residents and businesses of the two cities.
More information: resilientcitiesnetwork.org/penang-state/
About Resilient Cities Network
Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) is the world’s leading urban resilience network. It brings together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to empower its members to build safe and equitable cities for all. Its unique city-led approach ensures cities drive the agenda to benefit the communities they serve. At work in 100 cities worldwide, the Resilient Cities Network supports on-the-ground projects and solutions to build climate- resilient, circular, and inclusive cities while also facilitating connections and information-sharing between communities and local leaders.
R-Cities’ administrative headquarters and regional office for Asia Pacific is in Singapore. We have 21 member cities in the Asia Pacific region including one other Malaysian city, Melaka.
More information: resilientcitiesnetwork.org
Press Contacts:
Lynette Lim
llim@resilientcitiesnetwork.org
