Experts: Malaysia should build smart cities that are people-oriented, not entirely tech-centric
As a city dweller who has resided in Kuala Lumpur for almost 10 years, Salina Ahmad regularly finds herself stuck in traffic jams and often wonders why roads that used to be relatively clear are now congested all the time.
Whether she is rushing to a meeting or buying groceries at a supermarket, the 42-year-old bank officer also experiences the frustration of searching for parking space in the city. Not only that, she is also concerned about her car's safety especially when it is parked in a dimly-lit alley at night.
Revolutionising Thailand: Game-changing smart city plan unveiled
At the Thailand Smart City Expo 2023, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai laid bare the nation’s ambitious blueprint for smart cities. Packed with tax incentives and cutting-edge technology, this plan is set to reshape Thailand’s urban landscape.
During his address at the Thailand Smart City Expo, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai catapulted Thailand into a new era of urban development. Unveiling the Smart City Plan as a cornerstone of the 13th national economic and social development plan, Phumtham, also serving as the deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, positioned smart cities as a national priority.
‘Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Future Now Brighter’
The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has predicted that the Nigeria’s digital transformation future would be “brighter and also offers hope of being prosperous.”
The NITDA’s boss expressed this optimism in Lagos while delivering his keynote address titled “Implementing a National Digital Transformation Agenda” at the ongoing Global Tech Africa 2023 with the theme “Facilitating Investments in Africa’s Digital Economy.
Korean funding eyed for e-justice
The Philippine government may need to tap the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for the proposed digitalization of the country’s justice system, which is expected to be funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), according to a special envoy focusing on digital projects.
In a memorandum to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. dated Nov. 13, Dennis Anthony H. Uy, the country’s special envoy to South Korea for digital transformation, said the grant from KOIJICA will not be enough to “fully fund all operations including the maintenance of the systems after project completion.”
Thailand steps up digital capabilities with smart city developments
Thailand is accelerating the development of smart cities, aiming to enhance the country's digital capabilities and the quality of life for urban communities towards a sustainable future.
Designated as a national agenda, the government is strategically leveraging technology for the development of smart cities, with a focus on sustainable economic growth, resilient urban development, and adaptability to change, said Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce.