Agreements have been inked between some Asean cities and corporate partners in Singapore with the goal of becoming “smart cities”. The five agreements include a letter of intent between Chonburi’s Amata Smart City in Thailand and Yokohama Urban Solution Alliance to drive a smart energy management system. This new system will govern the city’s electrical network, energy generation and transmission systems and power distribution systems.
At the signing ceremony of Asean Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Meeting on 8 July 2018, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan mentioned the opportunities and challenges facing a dynamic urbanising and digitalising region. He pointed out that 90 million more individuals are expected to move to cities by 2030; and this will led to greater challenges such as city congestion, water and air quality, as well as security and safety. It will also result in greater strains on transport, housing and IT networks. Simultaneously, technological advancements such as robotics, artificial intelligence and Big Data are transforming societies. Therefore, it is essential to explore the sustainability of smart development initiatives. These technologies should help to advance the delivery of public services and quality of living as well as create new opportunities.
Source: Straits Times
Participate in the upcoming QS in conversation – “University-Public Sector Partnerships: Smart Cities” which will be held from 3-5 October 2018 in Singapore.