The Sarawak delegation had the opportunity to learn from Mr Hans-Jacob Roald, a renowned Norwegian architect and urban planner, and Lecturer at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen. With extensive expertise in sustainable city development and heritage conservation, Mr Roald’s work focuses on creating urban spaces that are not only functional but also healthy and culturally rich.

During the session, Mr Roald shared Bergen’s transformation into a climate-resilient city, highlighting the delicate balance between modernisation and heritage preservation. Key insights included the importance of strong urban planning foundations, integrating natural landscapes into development, and building resilient infrastructure, all while ensuring that communities remain at the heart of progress.

Bergen’s approach provides valuable lessons for Kapit’s Master Plan, led by RECODA, which seeks to develop Kapit into a sustainable, well-planned town that retains its cultural identity.

This knowledge exchange reinforces Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable, people-centred development where progress goes hand in hand with nature, culture and community needs.