Singapore hopes ASEAN could step up smart city initiatives: PM Lee

It is a pioneer of smart city initiatives in the region for its advanced integration of IoT.

The Lion City hopes that cities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could work out city-specific action plans and innovative projects for their people, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his speech at the 50th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

Singapore has been the ASEAN chairman for the 2018. According to Lee, the country’s leadership focused on the themes of ‘resilience’ and innovation.

“Through innovation and technology, we can bring ASEAN economies and cities closer together,” the prime minister said.

Also read: How Singapore can truly become a smart nation

Lee noted that they have formed the ASEAN Smart Cities Network that has 26 participating cities which held its inaugural meeting in July.

“Given the diversity of our economies and development levels, it is vital for ASEAN to identify and advance shared interests and goals,” Lee commented. “So let us all work hand-in-hand to make our vision of an ‘innovative and resilient ASEAN’ a reality for all of us.”

The Singapore government has allotted $2.38b to its Smart Nation and Digital Government Office in the span of 4 years to drive innovation programmes. Amongst its projects include financial schemes including grant funds for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and talent and innovation incentives. 

According to a study by tech firm Juniper Research, Singapore is the best performing smart city in the world as it is the most advanced in integrating Internet of Things (IoT) in mobility, healthcare, and public safety.