Latest news with #UN-HabitatGeneralAssembly
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nga presents 'Rise Up Together' sculpture to Anwar for 78th birthday
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming presented a specially commissioned sculpture titled "Rise Up Together" to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in celebration of his 78th birthday today. Nga, who is also the president of the United Nations-Habitat Assembly, said the sculpture, which was customised during his official visit to Nairobi, Kenya, for the UN-Habitat General Assembly, symbolises national unity and harmony amidst Malaysia's diversity. "The artwork represents the strength and unity of Malaysians of all races and religions standing together as one, reflecting the core vision of the Malaysia Madani government to unite the nation and lead it to greater heights," he said in a statement here. Nga, who is also DAP deputy chairman, said the Madani administration under Anwar's leadership has successfully brought political stability over the past two years, ending a period of uncertainty marked by three prime ministers in just four years. "With a growing economy, a strengthening ringgit, and significant improvements in our global competitiveness ranking, Malaysia is on the right track. It is crucial that we continue to safeguard unity and harmony to ensure lasting peace and progress," he said. Nga also noted that Malaysia's standing on the international stage has been reinforced, citing the Prime Minister's recent role in mediating a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which was widely praised by world leaders. "Under Malaysia Madani, our diverse communities can become more united, prosperous, and progressive. The Prime Minister not only champions inclusivity at home but also showcases Malaysia's leadership globally. "I am confident that under his leadership, we will realise the vision of 'Rise Up Together' and establish Malaysia as a model nation of harmony," he added.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nga presents unity sculpture to PM Anwar for 78th birthday
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming presented a unique sculpture titled 'Rise Up Together' to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in honour of his 78th birthday. The artwork was specially commissioned during Nga's official visit to Nairobi for the UN-Habitat General Assembly. Nga, who serves as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, stated the sculpture embodies Malaysia's unity and harmony amid diversity. 'The artwork represents the strength and unity of Malaysians of all races and religions standing together as one,' he said in a statement. He added that the piece reflects the Malaysia MADANI government's vision to unite the nation and achieve greater progress. As DAP deputy chairman, Nga praised Anwar's leadership for bringing political stability after years of uncertainty. 'With a growing economy, strengthening ringgit and improved global rankings, Malaysia is on the right path,' he noted. Nga emphasised the importance of safeguarding national unity to ensure lasting peace and development. He highlighted Malaysia's enhanced international standing under Anwar's leadership. The Prime Minister's recent mediation of a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire earned global recognition. 'Under Malaysia MADANI, our diverse communities can grow more united and prosperous,' Nga said. He expressed confidence that Anwar's leadership would realise the 'Rise Up Together' vision. Nga believes Malaysia can become a global model for harmony under this administration. – Bernama
Hi Dubai
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Approves AED1.2 Billion in Housing Support as Part of Bold National Housing Push
The UAE has approved AED1.2 billion in housing support for 1,838 citizens in the first half of 2025, reaffirming its commitment to improving quality of life and strengthening social stability through the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. Since its inception, the programme has delivered AED50 billion in housing support, benefiting more than 93,000 Emiratis. The initiative is part of the country's long-term strategy to empower families and drive sustainable urban development. The UAE Cabinet has also rolled out a new financing policy for the programme extending to 2041. The plan targets 40,000 housing support decisions in four phases, with 13,000 in the first phase alone at an estimated AED11.5 billion. The new model integrates federal funding with support from national banks, easing the financial load on the treasury while offering more flexible financing options for citizens. Between 2021 and 2024, the programme recorded a 50% cut in processing time for support decisions and increased homeownership among Emiratis to 91% — a 17% rise since 2017. Private sector contributions now account for 76% of housing funding. Complementary initiatives such as the 'Flexible Loan' and 'Reuse of Housing Assistance Value' offer tailored financial solutions, while the award-winning 'Manzili' bundle has drastically reduced red tape, saving millions of work hours and slashing emissions. In a further show of global leadership, the UAE has been elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and secured a seat on its Executive Board, strengthening its voice in international housing and urban development efforts. News Source: Emirates News Agency
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia emerges as Southeast Asia's top destination for tourism and investment: Nga Kor Ming
PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that Malaysia is a rising star in the Southeast Asia region by emerging as a leading destination for both foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism globally. Nga, who was recently elected President of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, said this achievement reflects the Madani government's commitment to good governance, investor-friendly policies, and strong international diplomacy. 'From easing visa regulations to deepening diplomatic ties, the Madani government is paving the way for Malaysia's global recognition,' he said. Nga said that Malaysia was recently ranked the third most attractive destination for FDI globally in the newly released 2025 Baseline Profitability Index (BPI), trailing only India and Rwanda. 'Regionally, Malaysia leads Southeast Asia, outpacing peers such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines,' he added. The BPI, developed by economist Daniel Altman, evaluates 100 countries based on their potential for profit generation, value preservation, and capital repatriation over a five-year horizon. In another significant development, Malaysia has overtaken Thailand as Asean's most visited tourist destination in the first quarter of 2025, according to Vietnam Express. The report, citing official data from several Asean nations, revealed that Malaysia welcomed over 10.1 million foreign tourists from January to March this year. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million visitors, followed by Vietnam and Singapore with 6 million and 4.31 million arrivals, respectively. Nga further highlighted Malaysia's recent appointment as the President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, calling it a timely recognition of the country's leadership in sustainable urban development. 'This role positions Malaysia to deepen international cooperation and expand our influence on the global stage,' he said. 'As Malaysia rises on the global stage, it is crucial that we maintain our momentum to uphold investor confidence and ensure continued political and economic stability,' the minister added. Last month, Malaysia was elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the 2026–2029 term. The appointment, received Nga, marks a historic milestone as Malaysia assumes the presidency from Mexico, which represented Latin America and the Caribbean in the previous term. Malaysia will also serve on the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the same term, jointly with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates. The shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and dedication to urban sustainability,' said Nga in his acceptance speech. The minister described the appointment as a significant recognition of Malaysia's commitment to sustainable urban development, including its progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, with 53% of indicators already being tracked at the local level. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians. In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and dedication to the principles of the United Nations,' he said. The UN-Habitat Assembly is the UN's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. Convening every four years, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat's work. The agency operates in over 70 countries focusing on areas such as urban legislation, land and governance, urban planning and design, basic services, slum upgrading, housing and disaster recovery.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Tops Southeast Asia for Tourism & Investment: Minister
PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that Malaysia is a rising star in the Southeast Asia region by emerging as a leading destination for both foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism globally. Nga, who was recently elected President of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, said this achievement reflects the Madani government's commitment to good governance, investor-friendly policies, and strong international diplomacy. 'From easing visa regulations to deepening diplomatic ties, the Madani government is paving the way for Malaysia's global recognition,' he said. Nga said that Malaysia was recently ranked the third most attractive destination for FDI globally in the newly released 2025 Baseline Profitability Index (BPI), trailing only India and Rwanda. 'Regionally, Malaysia leads Southeast Asia, outpacing peers such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines,' he added. The BPI, developed by economist Daniel Altman, evaluates 100 countries based on their potential for profit generation, value preservation, and capital repatriation over a five-year horizon. In another significant development, Malaysia has overtaken Thailand as Asean's most visited tourist destination in the first quarter of 2025, according to Vietnam Express. The report, citing official data from several Asean nations, revealed that Malaysia welcomed over 10.1 million foreign tourists from January to March this year. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million visitors, followed by Vietnam and Singapore with 6 million and 4.31 million arrivals, respectively. Nga further highlighted Malaysia's recent appointment as the President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly, calling it a timely recognition of the country's leadership in sustainable urban development. 'This role positions Malaysia to deepen international cooperation and expand our influence on the global stage,' he said. 'As Malaysia rises on the global stage, it is crucial that we maintain our momentum to uphold investor confidence and ensure continued political and economic stability,' the minister added. Last month, Malaysia was elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the 2026–2029 term. The appointment, received Nga, marks a historic milestone as Malaysia assumes the presidency from Mexico, which represented Latin America and the Caribbean in the previous term. Malaysia will also serve on the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the same term, jointly with the United Arab Emirates, representing the Asia-Pacific region. 'We take on this role as president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates. The shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and dedication to urban sustainability,' said Nga in his acceptance speech. The minister described the appointment as a significant recognition of Malaysia's commitment to sustainable urban development, including its progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, with 53% of indicators already being tracked at the local level. 'This is a shared glory for all Malaysians. In co-presidency with the UAE, we stand ready to lead with integrity, inclusivity and dedication to the principles of the United Nations,' he said. The UN-Habitat Assembly is the UN's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements. Convening every four years, it sets key priorities for UN-Habitat's work. The agency operates in over 70 countries focusing on areas such as urban legislation, land and governance, urban planning and design, basic services, slum upgrading, housing and disaster recovery.
