Smart buildings are no longer a futuristic dream. With the emergence of 5G and the array of technological solutions in the market, the reality of a smart city is closer than it seems. But baby steps are needed to reach that potential and a good place to start is by normalising smart buildings.
A smart building is one in which systems are connected to automate and improve the productivity and efficiency of the building. It is something that is already happening today but on a limited scale.
Established as an entrepôt in 1786 by the East India Company’s Francis Light, George Town was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Today, it is the capital of Penang.
The city of George Town includes the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, a high-tech manufacturing hub called the “Silicon Valley of the East”.
Read more: MY: Penang: Becoming a smart city the best bet for George Town
Malaysia envisions having smart cities that integrate advanced technologies to improve the quality of life and public safety in a Cities 4.0 era, said Housing and Local Government Minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin (pictured).
She said these integrated technologies include 5G connectivity, a cashless economy, autonomous public transport, drone delivery, energy-efficient buildings, smart water treatment and waste management, as well as an Internet of Things (IoT)-oriented tracking and tracing system.
Read more: Malaysia envisions having sustainable, competitive and disaster-ready cities
My EG Services Bhd (MyEG) is planning to raise up to RM407 million via placement to fund the development of hostels for foreign workers under an ongoing project, develop healthcare-related services, and to buy fixed assets like kiosks for the online renewal of car and motorcycle road tax under its e-government concession business.
It intends to place out up to 220 million new shares that represent up to 6.29% of its total issued shares to third-party investors to be identified, the group said in a stock exchange filing.
COUNTRY Heights Holdings Bhd allocated RM50 million to fund its digital transformation plan within the Mines Resort City, including the development of a cryptocurrency payment infrastructure.
The group yesterday announced the stepping down of its founder and chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Yew effective Jan 1, 2021, with new appointments to top management positions made to execute the group’s new transformation plan.
Read more: MY: Country Heights allocates RM50m for digital plans