Pioneering Places Executive Leaders Guide

Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaSan Francisco, USANairobi, KenyaMontréal, CanadaUtrecht, NetherlandsMedellín, ColombiaPhysical and Social Infrastructure Resilience and Wellbeing Sustainability and Circularity Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Challenge Across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, hundreds of key buildings stand vacant or underused, representing one of Southeast Asia’s largest adaptive reuse opportunities. Rapid growth and rising construction demand have intensified pressure on resources and heritage assets, limiting progress towards a high-quality built environment. Opportunity Through the RENEW policy (Repurposing Adaptive Reuse), the Federal Territories will demonstrate how the Baukultur principles of adaptive reuse for continuity work in practice. The initiative will update planning rules, pilot new projects and test investment tools that prove how reusing existing assets delivers faster, more affordable and culturally grounded urban renewal across Southeast Asia.Advancing adaptive reuse through urban renewal projects across the Federal Territories by transforming vacant buildings into vibrant places that preserve heritage, reduce carbon and strengthen local identity. H.E. Ms Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), MalaysiaRENEW reflects our belief that cities must respect what they already possess while also daring to dream of what they can become. By breathing new life into underutilised spaces, Kuala Lumpur demonstrates how heritage, sustainability, and innovation can move forward together. This is the pathway to greater global competitiveness and liveability.” Outcomes ‒Advance a national adaptive reuse policy and regional implementation playbook, tested through the CHASE City framework (Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe, Eco -friendly). ‒Share learnings across cities to shape incentives and financing models that strengthen the viability of adaptive reuse. ‒Position Malaysia’s Federal Territories as leaders in adaptive reuse and sustainable urban renewal through engagement with the Davos Baukultur Alliance.