AECOM announced today that a joint program in which it participates has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a center of excellence, named the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley Sustainability Centre (GKLKVSC), to advance sustainable urban development in Malaysia.

AECOM, along with the Federal Territory Foundation, and with support from the country’s Ministry of Federal Territories and government advisory group InvestKL, will work to enhance the area’s livability by pulling together resources from the public and private sectors.  The center will aim to fast-track research as well as test and deploy commercialized products and consultancy services in order to enhance the quality of life across Klang Valley — with the objective of creating opportunities that will benefit Greater Kuala Lumpur’s economy.  

“The center has established a model that other countries can emulate, bringing together private industry and government expertise to meet complex challenges,” said AECOM Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Gary Lawrence.  “This cooperative model provides a replicable way for the private and public sectors to drive practical, sustainable solutions related to urban development.”

Based in Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the center will aim to leverage AECOM’s worldwide expertise and knowledge about sustainability and will be dedicated to projects, research and development, conferences, workshops, and consulting for public- and private-sector assignments, among other activities.

“More than 70 percent of Malaysia’s population lives in urban areas, and the total population is projected to reach 38.6 million in 2040, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia,” said Datuk Roslan bin Hassan, CEO of the Federal Territory Foundation.  “Achieving sustainable urban and economic growth while building a livable metropolis ranks high on the agenda for Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley.  This center will allow us to further enhance and develop ideas related to Kuala Lumpur’s sustainable development and serve as a guide and source of information for the future of the city.  It will bring us one step closer to our vision of transforming Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley into one of the top 20 most livable cities in the world by 2020.” 

“Over half of the world’s population lives in cities, and there is an increasing need for centers of excellence that are focused on sustainable development and legacy planning,” added Peter Lee, AECOM’s regional executive, South and Southeast Asia.  “The GKLKVSC creates a platform for AECOM to use our global experience and multidisciplinary capabilities in sustainability to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to local institutions.  It will also allow us to develop local talent through our common research.  We are honored to be able to play a key role in enhancing livability and economic vitality in Malaysia.”

About AECOM
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government.  With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves.  AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments.  A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 150 countries and had revenue of $8.1 billion during the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2013.  More information on AECOM and its services can be found at aecom.com.

About the Federal Territory Foundation

The Federal Territory Foundation provides services and specialized assistance to the underprivileged in Malaysia by working to improve their standard of living.  The foundation actively participates in sustainability development by leading certain development activities and providing housing, construction and environmental services in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur.