Cities and Regional Development: The Political Economy of Megaprojects for Economic Growth

"Sustainable regional growth begins with coordinated planning and inclusive development."

On 21 May 2026, KRI  hosted the Urban Policy Circle on Cities and Regional Development: The Political Economy of Megaprojects for Economic Growth, featuring Professor Hyun Bang Shin of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), moderated by Dr Suraya Ismail.

The event brought together policymakers, planners, and implementing agencies. The session explored the role of megaprojects in shaping urban and regional development while examining the political, economic, and institutional factors that influence their outcomes. Participants exchanged perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of large-scale development initiatives, and their implications for urban well-being, regional growth, and long-term sustainability.

The discussion highlighted the importance of coordinated planning, cross-agency collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking in fostering more inclusive and resilient cities and regions. Insights from the session will contribute to KRI’s ongoing research and policy work on urban development and regional corridors in Malaysia.

KRI is grateful to Professor Hyun Bang Shin and all participants for sharing their expertise, perspectives, and experiences during the discussion.

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