The Most Promising Cities are urban areas in Southeast Asia that are leading the movement toward active, inclusive, and sustainable mobility. These cities, while not perfect, show strong commitment to improving urban mobility—making strides in creating mobility systems in urban spaces that empower people to move freely and safely.

Public Transport Commuter-Friendly Cities are transforming streets with safe, well-lit, and connected sidewalks, accessible pathways and transport modes for all, and public transport systems that are convenient, reliable, integrated, and eco-friendly. Meanwhile, Bicycle-Friendly Cities are building safe, continuous, and unobstructed cycling lanes, ensuring accessibility of cycling for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities, and providing secure end-of-trip facilities to support everyday cyclists.

To represent diverse contexts and progress across the region, this special recognition was given to both metropolitan and component cities, highlighting efforts from major economic centers as well as emerging cities.

• Metropolitan cities or highly-urbanized cities — These are the biggest and most influential cities in a country, usually capital cities. They are national centers for politics, economy, and business, and often serve as a country’s focal point for global connections.
• Component cities or growing cities — These are small to mid-sized cities that drive growth at a sub-national level. They serve as regional hubs for local governance, production, and trade.