- ASEAN leaders highlighted the need for significant infrastructure investment and capacity building to integrate intelligent technologies effectively.
- Representatives from Japan, South Korea, and the United States discussed enhancing cooperation for smart and sustainable urban development.
- The ASEAN Smart Cities Network Annual Conference, held on July 31, allowed participants to explore innovative solutions and address the challenges of rapid urbanisation in the ASEAN region.
ASEAN leaders gathered in Luang Prabang for the 7th ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting, which focused on advancing intelligent and sustainable city development across the region.
The event, hosted by Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport, provided a platform to discuss various strategies for financing, technical support, and capacity building essential for innovative city projects. Participants explored ASEAN’s vision beyond 2025 and strategised on mobilising resources in collaboration with partner countries.
Ngampasong Muongmany, Laos’ Minister of Public Works and Transport, underscored the critical need for substantial investment in infrastructure and capacity building to implement innovative technologies effectively. He emphasised the importance of developing robust data governance frameworks to ensure data privacy and security. Additionally, he highlighted that public awareness and acceptance are crucial for successfully deploying intelligent solutions.
Dr Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General of the Ministry’s Housing and Urban Planning Department, chaired the meeting and noted the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions as urban areas expand. He emphasised the meeting’s role in promoting cooperation, facilitating information exchange, and encouraging collective efforts to achieve the goals of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.
The meeting attracted representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, and the United States Department of State. These international stakeholders discussed enhancing cooperation in intelligent and sustainable urban development. They shared their experiences and explored opportunities for joint projects to address common challenges in urbanisation.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network Annual Conference on Smart Solutions for Solving Urban Issues followed the meeting on July 31. This conference allowed participants to delve deeper into innovative approaches and solutions for fostering intelligent and sustainable urban growth. They discussed the opportunities and challenges of rapid urbanisation within the ASEAN region and sought to develop actionable strategies to address these issues effectively.
The Luang Prabang meeting and subsequent conference were crucial forums for advancing innovative city initiatives. Leaders and representatives from various countries shared valuable insights and strategies to enhance urban development, address sustainability challenges, and implement intelligent technologies that transform cities into more efficient and livable environments.