ASEAN to embark on creating a Smart Cities Network

Foreign affairs ministers of ASEAN countries, gathered in Singapore for a retreat, expressed support for a proposal to build an ASEAN Smart Cities Network. The proposal was put forward by Singapore, which chairs ASEAN throughout the year, and is aimed at ‘improving the urban living environment and enhancing business opportunities for Southeast Asia’ through the use of technology. The project is to be implemented as a collaborative platform in which up to three cities for each ASEAN member states work together to drive smart and sustainable urban development. Internet of Things technologies will be used to improve services in areas such as transport, water, energy, healthcare, education, and public services.