ASEAN countries discuss smart cities

Representatives from ten ASEAN member states met in Singapore on July 8 to discuss smart cities within the framework of the ongoing World Cities Summit (WCS). (Photo: asean-agrifood.org)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung represented Vietnam at the event.

It was the first meeting of member countries of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) since the establishment of the ASCN was proposed during the 32nd ASEAN Summit in May, 2018. It was also attended by representatives of 26 cities piloting the ASCN, including three from Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

The meeting adopted a draft framework for a smart cities network at a national level to be submitted for review at the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November.

ASEAN nations exchanged their experience and shared their plans to develop a smart cities network. They also discussed action programmes and cooperation to achieve goals for the development of smart cities.

The ASCN was initiated by Singapore, this year’s ASEAN chair. The idea is very original and up-to-date with trends of urbanisation and technological and digital development, said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.

He stressed that Vietnam expects to work with ASEAN to build a joint ecosystem, make the most of technology and digital tools to improve living standards for people in the pilot cities and create links with other cities in the region.

The 26 ASCN pilot cities include Singapore (Singapore); Manila, Cebu and Davao (the Philippines); Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei); Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket (Thailand); Banyuwangi, Jakarta and Makassar (Indonesia); Battambang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia); Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching (Malaysia); Luang Prabang and Vientiane (Laos); Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon (Myanmar); and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang (Vietnam). 

The World Cities Summit is a platform for government leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. 

Themed “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing The Future Through Innovation and Collaboration”, the 6th World Cities Summit in 2018 is exploring how cities can be more liveable and resilient through better governance and planning, technology and social innovations, as well as collaborations with stakeholders and other cities./.

VNA