A distinguishing feature of recent urbanization in the ASEAN countries of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia is the outward extension of their mega-cities (Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur) beyond the metropolitan borders, resulting in the establishment of new towns, industrial estates, and housing projects in previously rural areas. This process has both positive and negative effects. On one side, household incomes and employment opportunities are increasing, but on the other, the growth often causes serious problems in terms of environmental deterioration, conflicting land uses, and inadequate housing and service provisions.

Mega Urban Regions of Southeast Asia is the first comprehensive work on the subject of ASEAN mega-urban regions. The contributors review T.G. McGee's original idea of desakota zones, and offer arguments both for and against this concept, making a significant contribution to our understanding of the true face of ASEAN cities. The book brings together authors from around the world and will be of interest to a wide audience, including demographers, urban planners, geographers, sociologists, economists, civil servants and development consultants.

Ira M. Robinson's profile page

T.G. McGee is a professor in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia and Director of its Institute of Asian Research. Ira M. Robinson is professor emeritus of urban planning at the University of Calgary.

Overall, Mega Urban Regions of Southeast Asia makes an important contribution to the literature.... the editors have done a very good job of linking the papers and providing useful overview and synthesis chapters.

Urban Studies, vol. 35, No. 4, 779-793, 1998

An important and timely book on a subject eliciting growing attention and development implication worldwide. Every student of urbanization in Asia should read this well-balanced work.

Pacific Affairs

My overall assessment of the book is very positive. Its various sections come together very well and it contains a great deal of useful information about an internationally significant regional development form. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in regional and national development, urban geography, and political as well as sociocultural change in Southeast Asia.

Journal of Regional Science, Vol. 37, No. 3, 1997