Enhancing the Livability of Asian Mega-cities
Yue-man Yeung
215 x 140 mm , 32pp ISBN / ISSN : 978-962-441-148-5
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US$2.50
Worldwide, Asian mega-cities stand out because of their numerical dominance and because they are foci of rapid economic transition. Yet these cities have grown more quickly economically than socially. It is argued that their livability and, specifically, their social sustainability must be promoted alongside economic growth. The paper is divided into three parts. In the first, the recent rapid growth and status of Asian mega-cities are surveyed, and the problems confronting them are noted. Second, the question of the quality of life in Asian cities is addressed, with specific examples cited of how cities have attempted to measure this dimension of urban life. Finally, some major issues and policies regarding the strengthening of the social sustainability of these cities are reviewed. The paper concludes with a plea to begin the task of strengthening the social well-being of Asian cities.