Adopting smart technology in urban development

SMART technology has become a cornerstone of development in modern cities. Both Malaysia and China have been actively working on developing smart city initiatives to enhance urban living, improve efficiency and foster sustainable development.

In Malaysia, the government is actively promoting and advocating for the implementation of the smart city concept.

The concept is gaining momentum, with flagship projects like the Smart Selangor initiative and the development of Cyberjaya as a smart city.

These projects focus on leveraging technology to improve urban governance, public services and the environment.

The successful initiatives under Smart Selangor included Citizen EPayment (CEPat), a digital platform expediting the adaptation of existing legacy applications for accessibility on mobile devices.

It acts as a unified online platform, offering an alternative that facilitates collaboration and integration of shared services for all local authorities in Selangor, enhancing citizens' access.

The Scan and Ride feature available in CEPat will enable data gathering on bus routes, as part of efforts to improve public transportation.

There are seven routes plied by a total of 14 buses in the Klang district, and the fare is fully waived for Malaysians.

Through the CEPat application, individuals can anticipate the duration of their waiting time and receive information on the estimated arrival time of the next bus.

Separately, Cyberjaya smart city is currently home to over 400 MSC-status companies (including multinational corporations), 429 start-ups, more than 40 government/government-linked organisations, as well as over 900 other business entities.

Cyberjaya is equipped with advanced digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband connectivity, to support smart technologies and innovation.

For example, the Smart Traffic Analytics and Recognition System (STARS) is designed to make traffic lights work better than the traditional approach. Engineers can also keep an eye on live data using the STARS dashboard on their laptops or phones. This lets them change how the traffic lights work whenever necessary.

China has been actively working on developing and implementing smart city initiatives across the country. It has been at the forefront of smart city development, with initiatives in major cities like Shenzhen and Hangzhou.

The Chinese government's support for and investment in smart technologies have led to significant advancements, especially in areas such as transportation, energy and public safety.

Shenzhen has taken the lead in China’s efforts to build smart cities. One notable example is its “City Brain” project, which utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise traffic management, public safety and various urban services.

By employing AI algorithms and real-time data from a network of sensors and cameras throughout the city, the system optimises traffic light sequences, identifies congestion points and suggests alternative routes.

This not only reduces traffic jams, but also enhances the overall efficiency of the transportation network.

Additionally, “City Brain” incorporates AI-powered surveillance and monitoring systems to bolster public safety. The project enables rapid response to emergencies by automatically detecting unusual activities or incidents through video analysis.

This proactive approach allows authorities to respond swiftly to security threats or incidents, contributing to the city's overall safety and security.

On the other hand, Hangzhou’s focus on egovernment services reflects its commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance public services, improve administrative efficiency and provide residents with convenient and accessible government services.

Hangzhou has developed comprehensive online platforms and portals that serve as centralised hubs for various government services.

These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, providing residents with easy access to a wide range of government functions and information. Egovernment services in Hangzhou include electronic payment systems, allowing residents to make online payments for various services such as taxes, utility bills and fines.

This not only enhances convenience but also contributes to the digitalisation of financial transactions.

The integration of different government services on digital platforms creates a unified and seamless experience for users.

Residents can navigate through various services without the need to visit multiple departments, promoting efficiency and transparency.

The concept of smart cities in Malaysia is relatively new and still in its early stages, compared to the more advanced and established initiatives in China.

While Malaysia has recognised the importance of smart city development, it is acknowledged that there is room for growth and learning, especially through collaborations with China, which has made significant strides in this field.

China has often employed effective public-private partnerships in the development of smart cities. Malaysia can explore collaborative models and strategies that involve both government entities and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of smart city initiatives.

China’s experience in urban planning and infrastructure development for smart cities can give Malaysia some valuable insights.

Understanding how Chinese cities have managed rapid urbanisation, integrated smart infrastructure and balanced economic growth with environmental sustainability can provide valuable lessons for shaping Malaysia's strategic approach.

In summary, while the concept of smart cities in Malaysia is still evolving, collaboration with China offers an opportunity to leverage on the latter's extensive experience and successes in this area.

Malaysia can expedite its own development by learning from China’s smart city initiatives. This can also help Malaysia avoid potential pitfalls and build a more robust and effective foundation for its future urban environment.

Dr Foo Lee Peng is an Associate Professor and chairman of the Centre for Business and Policy Research at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Technology and Management (TAR UMT). The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

The SEARCH Scholar Series is a social responsibility programme jointly organised by the South-East Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Technology and Management (TAR UMT), in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.