The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK West Midlands Combined Authority on 17 November 2021 to co-operate in the area of transport innovation and smart cities development for the next three years.
The MoU was signed by Anne Shaw, Interim Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands and Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, IRDA’s Chief Executive, and witnessed by His Excellency Charles Hay, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Maimunah Jaafar, Director of Technology & Innovation, IRDA.
This MoU will pave the way for Iskandar Malaysia Region and the UK West Midlands to share knowledge, ideas and lessons learned, particularly in the urban and transport planning realms; and promote mutual recognition of international design standards for inclusive transport. The partnership also reflects the strong ties between the UK and Malaysia in jointly tackling modern challenges via innovative technology adoption.
His Excellency Charles Hay, British High Commissioner to Malaysia said:
“Sustainable transport is an essential part of reaching net zero targets, and local authorities play a key role in the transition. These were among the main themes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 which the UK has just hosted. Partnerships like this will help drive climate action forward”.
Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA, said:
“I am excited about this collaboration, and I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone. I am also optimistic that this strong partnership will bring about strategic mobility transformation and massive benefits to people and businesses in Iskandar Malaysia. This partnership will also inspire many involved stakeholders to embrace more smart innovations by way of technology adoption to enhance our mobility ecosystem that meets the key thrusts of Sustainable Development Goals.
Anne Shaw, Interim Managing Director Transport for West Midlands at TfWM, said:
“Transport for West Midlands is pleased to be entering into this collaboration agreement with Iskandar Regional Development Authority, and is looking forward to the mutual learning and knowledge sharing particularly regarding the roles and function of regional transport authorities that this agreement will facilitate.
“We have a track record of delivering innovative data and technical solutions, so combining their experience with the learning that IRDA are gaining from their transport innovation developments will be beneficial for both organisations.”
This strategic initiative was facilitated by the UK Global Future Cities Programme in Malaysia under the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The programme is working to deliver smart and sustainable mobility projects in Iskandar Malaysia and Melaka with support from partners Mott Macdonald and UN-Habitat. The interventions aim to achieve inclusive prosperity and drive economic growth in the cities.
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