Yang Mulia Ir. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), attended the 7th ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting, held from 30th to 31st July 2024 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
The 7th ASCN Annual Meeting was officiated by His Excellency Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR. In his opening remarks, His Excellency emphasized the need for significant investment in infrastructure and capacity building to integrate smart technologies effectively. He also highlighted the importance of robust data governance frameworks to ensure data privacy and security, as well as the crucial role of public awareness and acceptance in the successful implementation of smart solutions.
Chaired by His Excellency Dr. Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR, the 7th ASCN Annual Meeting discussed the latest developments and achievements of smart city projects and initiatives. Brunei Darussalam shared the progress of the projects under the Bandar Seri Begawan ASCN Smart City Action Plan including Digital Identity, Digital Payment Hub, National Information Hub, GOV.BN and Bus Passenger Information System.
In addition to the discussion on the implementation of ASCN smart city projects, the meeting also addressed the priorities of the ASCN 2024 chairmanship, including the Development of ASEAN Smart City Investment Toolkit Project and the Accelerating the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy Phase II Project. Representatives from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Republic of Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as US-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership, were also in attendance to exchange ideas on enhancing existing collaborations and developing new partnerships.
Following the meeting, an ASCN Conference on Smart Solutions for Solving Urban Issues was held on 31 July 2024. The conference aimed to capture lessons, share ideas and discuss innovative solutions to advance smart and sustainable urban development, considering the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapidly urbanising ASEAN.
Established in 2018, the ASCN began with 26 member cities from the ten ASEAN Member States. As of June 2024, five new cities have joined, increasing its membership to 31 cities. The ASCN meets annually to review the progress of each city's smart city action plan and discuss smart city-related opportunities with ASEAN's external partners.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) accompanied Yang Mulia Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, as part of the delegation to the 7th ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting.
Prepared by:
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Brunei Darussalam
6th August 2024
