Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) continues to make waves on the international stage, having been selected to represent Malaysia in the World Healthy and Positive Aging City project for the 2025–2027 term.
In a TVS news report, Kuching North Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman said the recognition further strengthens DBKU’s reputation as a progressive and competitive local authority globally.
“This honour follows DBKU’s significant achievements in Istanbul, where we secured two awards at the 2025 International Award for Livable Communities (LivCom Awards),” he said during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex on Monday (Nov 24).
DBKU is among only five pioneer cities worldwide, joining Porti (Georgia), Katowice (Poland), Dali Prefecture (China), and Recife (Brazil). The global initiative, led by the International Expert Committee of Active Aging and the International Institute on Aging United Nations, aims to empower cities in promoting healthy and positive aging.
Over the three-year programme, DBKU will receive guidance from international experts, technical support, and strategic coordination to implement community-based initiatives, senior well-being programmes, and inclusive urban development strategies.
At the LivCom Awards 2025, DBKU won the Silver Medal in the Whole City category, recognising its excellence in holistic urban planning, environmental management, community engagement, arts, culture, heritage preservation, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Darul Hana Musical Fountain project also earned a Bronze Medal in the Technology Solutions category, celebrating its innovative use of technology to enhance city vibrancy and foster community development.
From 281 entries across 52 countries, DBKU was ranked among the top 30 cities invited for final presentations in Istanbul.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi, expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government for its ongoing support of Kuching North’s development under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This global recognition reflects DBKU’s success in achieving SDG objectives, particularly in environmental management, inclusive community participation, and effective stewardship of arts, culture, and heritage,” he said.
At the state level, DBKU also achieved a milestone by receiving the Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) Certificate during Sarawak Public Service Day 2025, awarded for digitising compound notices, which reduced processing time from 30 days to just one day.
These accolades collectively highlight DBKU’s proactive, innovative, and sustainability-driven approach, reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking urban community.
