There is immense joy in witnessing a community not just survive but truly thrive. As I reflect on the past quarter-century, moving my gaze from the bustling streets of Dongdaemun, Seoul, to the rapidly flourishing neighbourhoods of Skudai, Johor, I see not just urban development but the deep, abiding strength of the human spirit to build a better life. This is a story of positive change, ingenuity, and the beautiful blossoming of community wellbeing. This journey, perfectly illuminates the ideals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The Warmth of Collaborative Growth in Skudai
Skudai’s journey is one of dynamic, ground-up empowerment, driven by the intellectual and social energy of its academic neighbours. The presence of institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has fundamentally shaped a beautiful culture of collaborative community development.
Instead of waiting for top-down mandates, the community development in Skudai leveraged the abundant energy and expertise of students and faculty. This resulted in an inspiring flow of ‘Bakti Siswa’ (Community Service) projects—not as mere charity, but as partnerships, echoing the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). They worked with local residents to co-design solutions: building accessible pathways, launching entrepreneurship training for local women (a nod to SDG 5: Gender Equality), and creating communal learning hubs in neighbourhoods. This model instilled a powerful sense of local ownership and self-reliance, boosting the collective confidence of the residents who felt truly seen and valued as co-creators of their environment.
Crucially, the rapid growth in Skudai was paralleled by a visionary commitment to enhancing the local social landscape. Projects like the planned Melana River Park Arena represent a beautiful understanding that growth must include spaces for connection, hitting the target of SDG 11.7 (Provide Universal Access to Safe, Inclusive and Accessible Green and Public Spaces). These planned amenities, often championed by local councils and community leaders, are designed to be multi-functional gathering points that intentionally weave together the diverse fabric of the town. They celebrate local culture, encourage physical activity, and provide vital platforms for neighbours to build the kind of deep, personal relationships that form the bedrock of strong, supportive communities. The focus on creating local, accessible ‘third spaces’ has been key to ensuring that, even as the town expands, its heart remains warm and connected.
A Fusion of Heritage and Hope from Dongdaemun
The transformation of Dongdaemun is a spectacular testament to bold vision and creative adaptation. The area’s narrative between 2000 and 2025 isn’t just about the towering presence of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP); it’s about how that investment became a catalyst for dignity, aspiration, and global connection for its residents.
We saw the government’s commitment to community wellbeing shine through its nuanced approach to urban renewal, aligning perfectly with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The immense focus on design and fashion education flowing from the DDP provided local young people with world-class opportunities, connecting them directly to global industries without forcing them to leave their hometown. Think of the surge in design apprenticeships, skill-building workshops, and start-up incubation that anchored creative talent in the district. This created a new kind of social capital: one built on shared professional ambition and access to innovation.
Furthermore, the creation and integration of the History and Culture Park around the DDP site was a masterstroke of positive community engagement, directly supporting SDG 11.4 (Protect the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage). It took a disrupted space and transformed it into a vast, welcoming urban oasis. This green space became the district’s new shared backyard—a place for elderly residents to practise morning exercises, for families to picnic, and for neighbours to share stories, effectively reinforcing intergenerational bonds right in the heart of a global spectacle. The commitment to preserving and showcasing the Seoul Fortress Wall beautifully rooted the hyper-modern district in its deep history, lending a profound sense of continuity and pride to the long-term residents. It’s a powerful, positive example of how heritage can enrich the present and secure the future.
The Radiant Lesson of Sustainable Engagement
What Dongdaemun and Skudai both teach us, in their distinctly successful ways, is that positive community wellbeing is the ultimate measure of development and that the Sustainable Development Goals offer a perfect framework for measuring human-centred progress.
Dongdaemun shows us that major capital investment can be channelled to nurture local talent and create magnificent, unifying public spaces that bridge history and modernity. This is the art of achieving global relevance while maintaining local rootedness.
Skudai demonstrates that intellectual and human capital can be effectively mobilised to create powerful, grassroots-driven solutions that boost local resilience and ownership. This highlights the indispensable role of genuine, empowering partnerships.
In both instances, the true success lies in the engagement that fosters a profound sense of belonging. When people feel connected to their history, valued for their skills, and empowered to shape their shared future, the community truly shines.
Let us carry this positive spirit forward, remembering the beautiful guiding principle that reminds us of the interconnected nature of our actions and our destiny:
“Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Ayat 11 / Qur’an 13:11)
Source: UTM NewsHub
