TPr. Ts. Norliza Hashim is the Chief Executive of Urbanice Malaysia, a Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, leading national efforts in sustainable urban development through the Malaysia SDG Cities program, knowledge-sharing platforms, and community-based urban solutions. With over 30 years of experience, she is a pioneer in urban and regional planning, championing sustainable cities, inclusive communities, and climate-responsive development. 

She began her career as the founding principal of AJM Planning and Urban Design Group (APUDG), where she led landmark projects such as the Putrajaya Master Plan, Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan, and low-carbon city frameworks. Her expertise has been applied in over 12 countries, advancing urban innovation across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. 

Norliza is a former President of the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and was Secretary-General of EAROPH, where she promoted regional knowledge exchange on housing and urban planning. She currently chairs the Asia-Pacific Localisation Partnerships for Sustainable Cities (APLP-Cities) and serves on the SDSN Malaysia Leadership Council, contributing to national and regional SDG alignment. 

She played a key role in Malaysia’s hosting of the 9th World Urban Forum (WUF9) and continues to advise government agencies and cities on sustainable development, low-carbon transitions, and urban resilience. She is also Adjunct Professor at both IIUM and UiTM, mentoring future urban leaders. 

Her recognitions include: 

• Planner of the Year (2018) – Malaysian Institute of Planners 

• BIM Professional Excellence Award – Recognizing innovation in spatial and digital planning 

• Special Citation by UN-Habitat – For contributions to sustainable urban development and global urban agendas 

Norliza also sits on the Leadership Council for Sustainable Development Solutions Network Malaysia, a Fellow Member of Institute MASA and several organisations related to sustainability as her passion lies in promoting the sustainability agenda and in providing innovative solutions that contributes towards better quality of life and built environment for cities and nations.  

Ms. Norliza continues to be a leading voice in sustainable urbanism, bridging planning practice, policy, and partnerships to advance the global and local urban agenda.