Rapid urbanisation presents both challenges and opportunities for cities worldwide, requiring innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth. Recognising this, Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) and Chulalongkorn University on 11 March 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance urban development initiatives in Thailand. The agreement, formalised at the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, establishes a framework for collaboration in research, planning, and infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing sprawl, and fostering sustainable cityscapes.
Addressing Urban Challenges and Promoting Sustainable Growth
UR, a leading Japanese public organisation, specialises in urban development, including Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), across Australia, Thailand, and Southeast Asia. Established under Japan’s Act on Promotion of Infrastructure Expansion Abroad (2018), UR actively fosters international urban planning initiatives by integrating public and private sector expertise.
The partnership with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution, aims to facilitate urban research and development projects with domestic and international agencies. The collaboration will focus on:
- Solving traffic congestion and improving mobility solutions.
- Mitigating urban sprawl through sustainable planning.
- Advancing new urban development models.
UR brings experience from over 500 urban development projects in Japan, while Chulalongkorn University contributes its research expertise in urban planning and spatial management in Thailand.
As an initial step, both parties plan to co-host a forum in the near future, fostering knowledge exchange and dialogue on sustainable urban strategies.
For more information, visit Chulalongkorn University or Urban Renaissance Agency (UR Japan).
Faculty of Architecture Building, Chulalongkorn University