IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

The Korean Government said a consortium of 23 public institutions and private companies has been established amid plans to build urban infrastructure and develop smart cities in the Philippines, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

“The National Agency for Administrative City Construction [NAACC], led by Administrator KIM Hyeong Ryeol, is leveraging its expertise in the Administrative City Sejong development and international networks to support Korean companies entering the Philippine urban development market,” BCDA said in a statement on Monday.

AI and the Smart City Revolution: AI is revolutionising urban living by solving traffic, waste, and energy challenges. Ethical use, inclusivity, and privacy are key to harnessing its full potential in smart cities.

As urbanisation accelerates, the concept of smart cities has emerged as a sustainable solution to manage the growing complexities of modern urban life. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in this transformation, offering innovative ways to address challenges, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for city residents.

Urban India is currently in the midst of a dramatic transformation. In June 2015, the Indian government launched a flagship initiative called the Smart Cities Mission to develop 100 cities across India into more sustainable, livable, higher-tech societies through the use of enhanced data utilization, citizen engagement, and technology. Among the cities involved in the Smart Cities Mission, Pune has emerged as a leading example of urban innovation and transformation. Today we are providing an Odds96 review to explore its efforts, its mission,and achievements in becoming a smart city.

Saudi Arabia shared a new update on the progress of its visionary Neom project, particularly on the construction of its futuristic mega-city, The Line.

Neom is an urban area being built by Saudia Arabia in Tabuk province and is part of plans to transform the country's predominately oil-based economy to one focused more on tourism.

The future of urban living is experiencing a paradigm shift as Barcelona ambitiously steps forward with a radical concept: the integration of Gyokeres technology in its city planning. Known for its architectural beauty and vibrant culture, Barcelona is now making waves in the world of smart city innovations.

At the heart of this transformation is the deployment of Gyokeres, a groundbreaking project focused on using real-time underground data to revolutionize urban infrastructure. This technology maps subterranean resources and utilities through advanced sensors and data analytics, allowing for a more adaptive and resilient city environment.

The evolution of urban life hinges on a blend of sustainability and forward-thinking design. This is what makes the concept of smart cities so captivating — places where innovation meets resilience, creating environments that are not only efficient but also deeply connected to the needs of their inhabitants. Yet, achieving this vision requires more than technological advancements. It calls for a reimagining of urban systems, fostering a new perspective on how cities can adapt, thrive, and coexist with the natural world.

Satellite data can be a key enabler of this shift, providing a unique vantage point to optimize resource management, prioritize environmental stewardship, and take urban planning to another level.

Over the last decade, the concept of a “smart city” has materially evolved from a utopian dream to a tangible reality for urban planners. During 2025, cities around the world will continue to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their core functions, from traffic management and crime reduction initiatives to social inequity plans.

Now, as we enter 2025 with the smart city agenda, questions still remain. Will AI-powered smart cities deliver on the promise of a global transformative effect? And how will AI smart cities intersect with the human needs of ethics, social equity and individual well-being rather than embarking on a dystopian “hyper-efficient” solution that is devoid of the essence of unique human culture?

The Philippines, like many rapidly developing nations, grapples with the complex challenges brought on by rapid urbanization. Urbanization, as defined by the United Nations, is the transformation of a society from one rooted in dispersed rural settlements and agriculture to one concentrated in dense urban centers with economies driven by industry and services. It is driven by factors such as population growth, rural-to-urban migration, expanding city boundaries, and the emergence of new urban centers.

The authority has also covered the entire sports complex with CCTV cameras and the space can now be monitored from the GMDA command and control centre at its office in Gurugram’s Sector 44

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has turned the Tau Devi Lal stadium into a free Wi-Fi zone by installing ‘hotspots’ at seven locations as a pilot project, which if successful will be replicated across the city. GMDA officials said that the free Wi-Fi hotspots are currently being used by officials and government staff and they will create a backend soon, which will allow people to use it for free provided the pilot project is successful.

Since its launch in 2015, India’s Smart Cities Mission aimed to transform urban landscapes by developing 100 cities with advanced infrastructure and sustainable practices. However, nearly a decade later, the initiative has faced challenges and criticism, with many projects failing to meet their objectives. The concept of a “smart city” in India has often been confused with simply providing basic amenities rather than integrating advanced technologies.

The development of an R84 billion smart city in Modderfontein, east of Johannesburg, did not go as planned.

Back in 2014, Chinese developer Zendai had grand plans to turn Modderfontein into Africa’s version of New York – a high-tech smart city with everything from a CBD to schools, churches, and even low-cost housing.

The vision was a bustling hub that would house 30,000 families, create 200,000 jobs, and be completed by 2030.

The Punjab Government has announced to start the system of e-challaning of vehicles in four major cities, including the holy city, of the state.

The traffic police here have geared up for the launch of the facility. Apart from Amritsar, the project would be launched in other three major cities — Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Mohali. The online challaning system would be commencing from January 26.

The Hanoi People's Committee has announced plans to install over 40,000 new surveillance cameras across the capital during the 2025–2030 period.

The move is part of a project aimed at bolstering public safety, traffic management, and urban order.

Under the plan, 16,000 of the cameras will be designated for state management, focusing on traffic safety, environmental oversight and city maintenance. Of the total number, 12,000 will be pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras capable of changing direction and zooming in or out, while the remaining 28,000 will be stationary.

The future of SmartCity Kochi became a topic of discussion after Tecom wrote to the state government, highlighting its inability to continue with the project.

A month after the appointment of a committee to finalise the contours of the withdrawal of Tecom Investments from the joint venture, the Kerala government is set to take over the SmartCity Kochi project in a move that enables the government access to the 246-acre IT park at Kakkanad.

As India accelerates toward becoming the world’s largest EV market by 2030, city planners and policymakers are reimagining traditional transportation systems.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is pivotal in shaping transportation policies, influencing urban development decisions, and improving infrastructural design quality.

The Pongal festival and holidays are over, but a shopping spree was visible in Big Bazaar and nearby streets on Saturday as many bought gifts for their friends and colleagues before leaving their hometown. But among these shoppers, there were people struggling to locate the nearest parking spots and asking commuters for directions.

Some managed to locate the multi-level parking facility near the Big Bazaar. Often outsiders visiting the city find it difficult to locate the parking lots. Residents want the corporation to come up with a mobile application or other facility to help commuters spot the nearest parking space.

The Lagos State Government is set to launch the Omo-Eko App, a mobile application designed to provide real-time traffic updates and transit insights to residents and visitors in the state.

The app, now 90% complete, was reviewed during a stakeholders’ meeting, highlighting its role in advancing Lagos toward a smart city status.

The European Union is set to embark on a transformative journey with its new Commission Agenda, focusing on digital innovation and sustainability. This initiative aims to enhance the EU’s digital landscape, ensuring that member states are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The agenda was discussed in a recent webinar, highlighting key strategies and objectives that will shape the future of the EU’s digital economy.

The 175-acre site, built at the base of a world-admired landmark, will serve as a futuristic "living laboratory" for robotics, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

Toyota’s ambitious $10 billion (£8 billion) "smart city," Woven City, is poised to welcome its first residents later this year.

Situated at the base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the 175-acre site is envisioned as a futuristic "living laboratory" for robotics, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, praised Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for its achievements in digitising services, making them accessible to all segments of society.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri made this statement in a panel discussion held on the final day of the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) 2025. Beside Al Marri, the panel included Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Global Digital Transformation Expert | Strategic Leader in Smart City Initiatives, and Dr. Stephanie Hare, Technologist & Researcher. The session was moderated by Laura Buckwell, Former News Anchor, TV Presenter, Producer & Event MC.

The City of Knoxville is the first Tennessee city to join Charging Smart.

The new technical assistance and designation program provides no-cost technical assistance to local governments in order to facilitate equitable and widespread electric-vehicle adoption in their communities.

“The City of Knoxville invests in EV chargers to achieve our sustainability and air quality goals as well as to support infrastructure for residents and visitors who drive electric vehicles,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Membership in the Charging Smart community will help us continue to advance our achievements in EV technology, help more people adopt EVs, and serve as a leader for cities across the state.”

India has experienced rapid urbanization over the years, which have posed immense challenges, from congestion and pollution to lack of infrastructure and resource management.

India has experienced rapid urbanization over the years, which have posed immense challenges, from congestion and pollution to lack of infrastructure and resource management. In response to this situation, the Government of India initiated the Smart Cities Mission India in 2015. The mission is designed to develop 100 smart cities in the country. The mission focuses on using technology, sustainability, and inclusion to improve urban living and prepare urban development in India for the future.

Goh Hong Ching says the development must focus on accessibility, efficiency, affordability and future-ready architecture to enhance the quality of life.

An urban planning expert has called for the Bandar Malaysia project to exemplify the qualities of a future-ready township, ensuring it benefits the local residents.

Universiti Malaya’s Goh Hong Ching said integrating green and smart city components would be essential in achieving this goal.

Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd’s advanced survey of the city’s topography, stormwater drainage network, and mapping street utilities is nearing completion. The survey is part of the ‘Urban-Act’ project, which focuses on systematically understanding and addressing Panaji’s topography and drainage infrastructure, aiming to build a future-proof database that will guide climate-resilient urban planning.

“Almost 98% of the work is complete. Only the ground verification is in progress, and soon it will be completed,” an official said. IPSCDL has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ India) to execute the project.

As cities around the world continue their journey toward becoming fully integrated smart ecosystems, parking systems are emerging as key players in the evolution of urban infrastructure. With artificial intelligence and smart technologies transforming urban landscapes, the parking industry is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping city operations. In 2025, parking is no longer a standalone component; it’s a dynamic and interconnected hub within the AI-driven smart city grid.

The Department of Science and Technology Samar has provided P1.5 million in technical assistance for a four-year plan to help Catbalogan City become a smart and sustainable city.

The project is about maximizing the use of technological and digital solutions as well as innovative means to improve people’s lives, creating new opportunities, and addressing future challenges in health care, education, infrastructure, security of resources, public safety, disaster risks, and climate change,” said Dr. Evelyn Bacarra-Tablante, DOST-Samar provincial director.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship on Monday said that it aims to digitalise 80 per cent of government services by the end of this year, covering a wide range of ministries and public institutions.

The ministry highlighted the significant expansion of digital services through the "SANAD" application, which now provides 244 services, in addition to its existing inquiry features, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

• Smart city technology makes citizens safer.
• Emergency vehicles faster to incidents.
• Public transport performance improves.

Congested city streets may be the cause of much frustration, but the irritation of running late or the occasional missed appointment pale into insignificance beside the effects of congestion on emergency vehicles in snarled-up traffic. Police, fire, and ambulance traffic need and should have priority in built-up areas – and smart technology is increasingly enabling that to happen.

Sweden is on the brink of a technological transformation that intertwines sustainability with innovation. With a bold vision to become the world’s first fossil-free welfare state by 2045, the nation is leveraging its vibrant tech scene to lead a green digital revolution. This initiative not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also sets a global benchmark for integrating technology with environmental responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• Sweden aims to be the first fossil-free welfare state by 2045.
• The tech sector is crucial in achieving sustainability goals.
• Innovations include renewable energy-powered data centers and electric vehicle technologies.
• Smart city initiatives utilize IoT and AI for energy efficiency.

The Odisha government will introduce a town planning scheme for urban development, announced Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra on Sunday.

A dedicated department will be established to manage this extensive initiative, ensuring that it adheres to a specified timeline.

Additionally, a new office will be set up to streamline the planning process. The Minister emphasized that there will be no unplanned developments within city limits. The initial implementation of these urban plans will focus on cities such as Cuttack, Berhampur, and Rourkela.

Olufemi Ayilara, a Principal Technical Architect at the Standard Testing Agency in the UK, member of the British Computer Society and the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, in this interview, says the success stories like Flutterwave and Paystack demonstrates that Nigeria tech start-ups are not only problem-solvers, they are visionaries shaping the country’s digital future. Ayilara also spoke on several issues associated with Artificial Intelligence; such as ethical concerns; danger to creativity/originality; concerns about security, privacy and others. Excerpts:

Nestled in the heart of Montana, Missoula is swiftly becoming a hub of technological innovation, promising a future that blends nature with the digital age. While traditionally known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant arts scene, Missoula is now garnering attention for its commitment to becoming a “smart city.”

One of the most exciting developments is the implementation of smart traffic solutions. Supported by cutting-edge technology, these systems aim to reduce traffic congestion and cut emissions, enhancing the quality of life for Missoula’s residents. State-of-the-art sensors and AI-driven algorithms will analyze traffic patterns in real-time, enabling smoother and more efficient roadways.

The private sector should take a more proactive role in driving the digital transformation in public schools through the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Adopt-a-School Program, according to think tank Stratbase Institute.

“The digital transformation of our public schools is no longer an option but an urgent necessity. Modernizing our ICT infrastructure, ensuring reliable broadband connectivity, and equipping our teachers with digital skills are foundational steps to elevate our students’ learning competencies,” Victor Andres Manhit, president of the Stratbase Institute, said.

The Sultanate of Oman is designing its future urban planning factoring its continuous urban expansion of the population and the development of major urban centres. It aims to create economic opportunities to ensure safety and enable a dynamic space for living and working.

Smart and future cities of Oman aim to provide a high standard of sustainable living in line with Oman Vision 2040. In the renewed era of Oman's renaissance, Sultan Haitham City is a model for a futuristic city. The Sultanate of Oman is working to keep pace with the latest trends in urban planning that highlights the use of technology for smart living.

In an effort to boost security under the Smart City project, Davanagere City has in-stalled a high-definition camera on a street corner. These automatic cameras are a part of a comprehensive surveillance system that spans the city.

Davanagere: In an effort to boost security under the Smart City project, Davanagere City has in-stalled a high-definition camera on a street corner. These automatic cameras are a part of a comprehensive surveillance system that spans the city. Serving as a deter-rent to criminals, these cameras have proven to be instrumental in solving various cases, significantly assisting the police department in keeping crime in check.

Imagine a city where self-driving electric cars whiz along roads designed exclusively for them. The sidewalks are a mix of people and robots going about their daily business. A drone flies overhead to deliver your latest Amazon package of toothpaste, thankfully, as you used up the last of yours that morning. But your house knew that already, and it placed the order for you.

In fact, your smart house not only knows, but can automatically set exactly what temperature you like, your preferred mood lighting, play your TV shows when they're on or DVR when they're not, and even notify your humanoid robot to start cooking your favorite meal for you as you're on your way home from work.

Technological breakthroughs in the last decade have significantly changed both city dwellers and cities themselves. Increasing levels of innovation have created ample opportunity for the improvement of urban environments and increasing their effectiveness. But what is it that makes a smart city ‘smart’? These modern cities are characterized by the use of state-of-the-art technology that improves their citizens' quality of life and the efficiency of services provided, forming complex ecosystems that function in synergy.

The Baltic states have embraced technological advances since regaining their independence, taking bold steps in developing their cities and testing new methods in collaboration with businesses, investors, and scientists. Though many advanced technologies are in use and Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius have surpassed many metropolitan cities such as Tokyo, Barcelona, and San Francisco in the IMD International Smart City Index, continuous development of services and improvement of the urban environment are necessary.

The world’s population is becoming increasingly urbanized. Over the past century, millions of people have moved from the countryside, creating vast “mega-cities” – a term defined as a city with more than 10 million inhabitants.

This level of population - examples include Tokyo (population 37 million), Delhi (30 million) and Sao Paulo (20 million) – creates new challenges that society hasn’t previously had to deal with.

Unlock smarter cities

The concept of a smart city has been around for a long time, but many cities end up providing only isolated services, such as bike-sharing schemes or smart bins. In reality, a truly smart city involves much more. It requires a well-designed IT infrastructure capable of managing a range of functions—from traffic management and water services to administrative tasks. For a city to be genuinely smart, its infrastructure must be built to deliver these services effectively and leverage AI to enhance collaboration among various departments within the city government.

Toyota Motor Corp. has announced plans to open a prototype smart city at the foot of Mount Fuji as early as this fall.

The city will feature hydrogen power, autonomous mobility, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda revealed the plans on Jan. 6 at CES in Las Vegas. This marks the auto giant’s return to the annual technology trade show after a five-year hiatus since Toyoda first unveiled the concept of Woven City in 2020.

A new business case study examining the challenges of managing a smart city project in Qatar is being integrated into Carnegie Mellon University Qatar (CMU-Q)’s curriculum, thanks to a collaboration between Meeza and Msheireb Properties.

Titled “Meeza QSTP (Qatar Science and Technology Park) and Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD): A Smart City Project”, the study is set to provide students with a relevant and thought-provoking analysis of a real-world smart city initiative.

Provinces and centrally governed cities are tasked with implementing their respective provincial plans effectively, including those covering urban development, climate-resilient projects, smart city initiatives, green transition, low-emission urban projects and housing welfare programmes.

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà has signed a decision to launch the comprehensive plan for urban and rural systems for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

The Head of the Passports, Nationality, and Foreigners Affairs Authority held talks with the Public Prosecutor's Office to strengthen cooperation and modernize administrative processes.

A statement from the authority highlighted efforts to support the Public Prosecutor’s Office in digitizing nationality records using advanced technologies, adding that the initiative aims to protect citizens' rights and ensure the security of their personal data.

Among 100 smart cities, Amritsar ranks 53rd, Jalandhar 62nd

Even as most parts of the city still grapple with lack of basic civic amenities, Ludhiana has retained the best smart city rank in the state.

The latest rankings released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently have ranked Ludhiana 49th among 100 cities being developed as smart in the country under the Smart City Mission (SCM). With Amritsar ranking 53rd and Jalandhar lagging at 62nd rank, Ludhiana remains at the top among three smart cities in Punjab.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a global leader in sustainable urban development, with key nations including the UAE and Saudi Arabia spearheading transformative projects to meet growing urbanization demands. By 2030, 60% of the region’s population is expected to live in urban areas, prompting significant investments in smart city initiatives.

In the UAE, flagship projects such as Masdar City and Zayed International Airport highlight the country’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Masdar City, a hub for clean technologies and sustainable design, has been at the forefront of these efforts for over 15 years. According to Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, the development focuses on net-zero energy projects and fostering collaboration across industries like AI, renewable energy, and Agri-tech.

As governments and industries around the world grapple with the challenges of integrating digital solutions into their infrastructures, Japan has emerged as a leader in creating a resilient and adaptive digital ecosystem. Its strategic approach, rooted in robust policies, cutting-edge infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives, has turned digital transformation from a lofty goal into a tangible reality. The World Bank's report, "Riding the Wave of Digital Transformation: Insights from Japan’s Journey," sheds light on how Japan navigated the complexities of digital adoption, offering valuable lessons for emerging economies. Published under the Quality Infrastructure Investment Partnership (QII) initiative, the report underscores the transformative power of robust policies, digital infrastructure, and innovative governance.

Big data and big data processing applied to the management and operation of the State apparatus are considered as the strategic foundation for smart urban development, with this being a "problem" that must be solved in order to be successful in building smart cities.

Preliminary statistics indicate that as of December, 2023, the country had 902 urban areas with an urbanisation rate of about 42.7%, on a par with the rest of Asia's urbanisation rate.

The national level study has focused on smart cities of Chennai, Nagpur, and Tumakuru for detailed primary impact assessment

A safe urban environment for women has been created across 93 smart cities in the country with the installation of over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

New systems introduced under the project utilise real-time data to adjust traffic signals in different conditions to optimise the flow and reduce congestion in busy areas. Commuters who regularly travel between home and work can use these technologies to get updates on traffic conditions, signal timings, alternative routes, etc.

Under the Smart City Project 2015, Hyderabad took a smart mobility initiative to improve the traffic system for the citizens. The Hyderabad Traffic Integrated Management System (HTRIMS) and Adaptive Traffic Signal Control (ATSC) was introduced for this reason.

Algeria will execute 500+ digital projects by 2026, modernizing public services under its national digital transformation strategy.

Algeria is set to implement more than 500 digital transformation projects between 2025 and 2026 as part of its ambitious national digital transformation strategy. As reported by the Algeria Press Service , Meriem Benmouloud, the High Commissioner of Digitization, announced this.

Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s enterprise and public sector arm, TM One, has partnered with the Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG) and Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd (SAMB) to drive Melaka’s digital transformation. This collaboration focuses on enhancing urban governance, water management, and public safety through advanced digital technologies and smart solutions.

At the heart of this initiative is TM One’s Local Urban Observatory (LUO) smart solution, a data-driven platform designed to improve urban monitoring and decision-making for MPAG. The LUO system integrates real-time data analytics, predictive insights, and performance tracking to streamline public services and infrastructure management.

The Maha Kumbh-2025 in Prayagraj will utilize an AI-based surveillance system to monitor citizen-centric services. A pilot run under the Smart City Mission achieved an 86.4% resolution rate for urban issues, demonstrating successful implementation of AI technologies in waste management, streetlight maintenance, and encroachment control.

The Maha Kumbh-2025 is set to be the first mega event where many citizen-centric services will be monitored by an artificial intelligence-based surveillance system.

*IIT-Kharagpur has raised significant concerns about the financial sustainability of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in India’s 100 smart cities. These centres, which serve as the nerve hubs for city operations, are facing a critical funding crisis as state governments and municipalities have not been allocating enough financial resources for their maintenance and operation. The study underscores how this financial shortfall could hamper the effective functioning of smart cities and hinder the goals set by the Smart City Mission.*

93 cities across India have installed over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes with real-time monitoring systems

Integration of surveillance systems under Smart Cities Mission (SCM) with police operations has enhanced evidence-based policing and the introduction of smart classrooms has led to an increase in overall enrolment in schools, two separate reports have said.

Future-ready homes and cities will soon dominate the country’s urban landscape

In response to the growing Filipino homebuyers’ demand for convenience, energy efficiency, and security, real estate developers are now building smart homes that fit a modern lifestyle. These home units are provided with a setup where appliances and devices are controlled remotely via smartphones or voice assistants, provide enhanced security, help reduce energy consumption, and improve the overall living experience.

Imagine a city where traffic congestion, housing issues, waste management, pollution control, and even crime prevention are seamlessly managed on a single screen.

This vision is no longer futuristic but a reality, thanks to Huawei's groundbreaking "One Screen City 360 Degrees" solution.

During a recent visit to Huawei's Executive Briefing Center in Beijing, a delegation of Bangladeshi journalists, including BSS correspondent, was introduced to the intricacies of this innovative system.

MPs from Maharashtra had asked the government about the measures taken by the Government to overcome the obstacles and meet the project deadlines

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs told Lok Sabha that and the Smart Cities Mission aligns with the Government of India’s urban development policy, which is guided by constitutional provisions. Urban planning, including town planning, is primarily the responsibility of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Urban Development Authorities, as per the 12th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Article 243W). The Centre, however, supports States with strategic interventions and schemes, viewing urbanisation as a key driver of economic growth.

NEC Corporation (Thailand) Ltd., or NEC Thailand, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Umong Municipality in Lamphun Province to jointly develop a digital technology platform aimed at enhancing elderly care and supporting dependent patients, including homebound and bedridden individuals. This collaboration is part of the efforts to elevate Umong Municipality into a Smart City.

The project will begin with the development of a digital healthcare platform connected to local medical facilities, playing a critical role in providing long-term care for the elderly and chronically ill patients. The platform is designed to improve the efficiency of medical personnel and caregivers.

"They were included in the 'Digital Transformation of Local Government Authorities' program with a budget exceeding €85 million"

Imagine in the city where you live, the pedestrian crossing sees the pedestrians, the traffic light counts the traffic and flashes accordingly, and drivers are informed via the municipality’s application on their mobile phones about where there is a free parking spot. Algorithms oversee the green spaces and their watering, any leaks in the water supply system, and the lighting in schools and municipal buildings. This future, infused with plenty of digital technology, may seem distant or utopian, but it is becoming a reality in hundreds of municipalities across every corner of the country.

Smart cities are revolutionizing daily life with tech like predictive traffic lights and leak-detecting water systems. While they promise faster, cleaner living, concerns about privacy and tech accessibility still need addressing.

Imagine hitting every green light on your way to work. No unnecessary stops. No honking. Just smooth sailing. That’s not luck — it’s a smart city at work.

Smart cities aren’t just stuffed with shiny gadgets. They’re live, breathing systems that see problems before they happen. Think of it like a chess master planning 10 moves ahead. Using IoT (Internet of Things), AI, and real-time data, these cities aim to make daily annoyances—like traffic jams, missed trash pickups, and random power outages—less of a headache.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation with the launch of a new Digitalization and Technical Processing Center, alongside the unveiling of the Unified Documents and Records Platform.

These initiatives were announced by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser during a ceremony attended by senior officials and industry leaders, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The launch of the first ‘Smart Pole’ project at Kuching Waterfront marks a proactive step by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) towards realising the vision of transforming Kuching into a smart city.

In pointing this out, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunications Sarawak Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi hails the project, which reached completion on Nov 18 this year, as a part of a smart-technology effort aimed at enhancing the efficiency of urban services.

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) enables critical societal functions like digital identity, payments and data sharing.
• DPI boosts financial inclusion, economic growth and market competition.>
• Initiatives like the World Bank's ID4D is supporting DPI adoption in at least 60 countries.

Last year, India made Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) a central theme of its G20 presidency, championing how it uses technology to facilitate economic development, improve access to banking and reduce the costs of government services.

In a groundbreaking move, Glasgow has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city by introducing autonomous security patrols. This innovative initiative is deploying AI-powered robots throughout the city center to enhance public safety.

The robotics project is part of Glasgow City Council’s vision to integrate cutting-edge technology into urban life. The robots, equipped with advanced surveillance cameras and sensors, can monitor crowded areas, detect unusual activity, and alert authorities in real-time. The autonomous machines are guided by sophisticated algorithms that allow them to navigate busy streets and adapt to various situations, ensuring minimal disruption to daily routines.

KOTRA expects Bangladesh to be seventh country coming under Korean Economic Innovation Partnership Program after Indonesia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Ecuador and Kenya

Mirsharai, strategically located within around 70km radius of an international airport and a sea port in the country’s commercial capital, Chittagong, now being developed as a national special economic zone (NSEC) has all the protentional to be turned into a seaside bayview smart city.

The World Bank today approved a comprehensive project to enhance digital services and improve digital skills in Tajikistan, including dedicated interventions targeting rural areas. The initiative aims to improve the delivery of digitally-enabled public services and boost digital literacy, fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy.

The Tajikistan Digital Foundations Project, with a total funding of $39 million, is supported by an International Development Association (IDA) grant of $30 million and an initial $9 million grant from the Government of Switzerland.

The rise of intelligent transport systems (ITS) marks a significant leap forward in urban mobility, addressing long-standing issues like traffic congestion, road safety, and pollution.

The world is becoming more urbanized than ever before, and with this shift comes the challenge of managing traffic efficiently in growing cities. Gridlocks, pollution, and wasted time are major pain points for urban dwellers and city planners alike. This is where intelligent transport systems (ITS) come into play. These advanced systems leverage technology to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and make cities smarter and more sustainable. By integrating data-driven solutions and real-time monitoring, ITS is shaping the future of urban mobility.

The MVV City development, a smart modern city soon to take shape here, will help transform Negri Sembilan into a high-income economy and put it in a strategic position to attract more foreign and local investors, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The Mentri Besar said the project would also strengthen the foundation for a Negri Sembilan that is economically vibrant, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

Inkhosi Mlambo II indicated how the trust has already begun with the plans to build a smart city on the N4 corridor towards Komatipoort.

The Bambanani Mlambo Trust convened at Shonga Events on November 27 to finalise the alterations they wish to make to their title deed.

The trust unanimously voted to have their title deed amended from agricultural to commercial purposes, in line with their upcoming development plans. This was done in the presence of the chief director for land restitution support of the Mpumalanga Office of Land Reform and Rural Development, Sam Nkosi.

Napoli (Naples), the historic Italian city known for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine, is stepping into the future with ambitious plans to transform into a leading smart city. As urban areas worldwide grapple with the challenges of modernization, Napoli is embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban life and preserve its charm.

Leveraging the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), Napoli is integrating smart solutions across various sectors, enhancing public services, transportation, and environmental management. Smart Transportation is at the forefront of this transformation. With the implementation of real-time public transport tracking and smart ticketing systems, Napoli aims to improve commuter experience and reduce carbon footprints.

Senior BJP leader and MLA Bahu constituency, Vikram Randhawa, asserted that the ongoing Smart City Project will soon transform Jammu into a model city that sets a benchmark for urban development across the nation.

He made these remarks during a tour of Bahu constituency, where he kick-started various developmental works worth Rs 2.5 crore under the Smart City Mission in presence of JMC Commissioner Devansh Yadav. The projects included significant upgrades to infrastructure, such as improved drainage systems, road development and installation of smart lighting.

Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet chaired a meeting on December 13 to discuss the management strategy for the 5G Pattaya Smart City project, aiming to enhance urban governance and improve the quality of life in the EEC area.

Pattaya City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Telecommunications Public Company Limited (NT) to collaborate on the 5G Smart City development. This cutting-edge technology will integrate smart poles across the city, connecting various municipal systems with secure and reliable data exchange. The system will enable data collection, such as surveillance footage, weather reports, heat detection, and vehicle license plate recognition, analyzed using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

These investments have focused on 5G technology and smart city development according to ICT Minister Amr Talaat.

During his speech at the 5G and Beyond Forum, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat shared that the Egyptian government has invested over EGP 150 billion since 2018 to modernise the nation's digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on 5G technology and smart city development. He highlighted the potential of 5G to facilitate the creation of smart cities that prioritize environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and digital inclusion.

Resident associations have the potential to transform Nairobi into a modern and smart city. Jubilee Holdings Ltd Group CEO Julius Kipng’etich said associations play a critical role in the city’s development, urging them to leverage their talents for urban renewal.

“You have the capability to transform the metropolitan into a smart city full of modern comforts. Let us use the talents in our resident associations to restore the glory of the city,” Dr Kipng’etich said.

As a step forward to enhance the commute in Srinagar City, the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) is going to build ultra-modern bus stops with amenities to inform the passenger about smart city bus movement in the City.

The bus stops will be built with modern technology, and the City is set to witness the addition of 360 ultra-modern bus stops all over Srinagar.