Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha delivers a speech to the Asean Business and Investment Summit on the sidelines of the 33rd Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Singapore, November 13, 2018. (Photo: AFP)
Bangkok (People’s Daily) – Thai government ministers and representatives convened for the two-day ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN) workshop to review development progress and discuss new sustainability strategies among member cities.
The 10-nation pilot program, launched last year in Singapore, is aimed at improving life through innovative technology and to help member-nations work together to achieve sustainable development.
During the opening round of panel discussions, Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Pichet Durongkaveroj, said smart city development is a global essential aimed at improving a nation’s economy and society.
“Thailand has conscientiously driven the smart city concept and is set to be the regional leader of this field,” said Durongkaveroj.
Agenda points included new methods local governments can implement to assist with city expansion and congestion and to balance inequality among urban and rural residents.
ASCN also aims to provide solutions in the agriculture sector, with farmers using sensors, IoT, real-time information on weather, and market rates to improve overall productivity and market presence.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha revealed his country’s intention to develop a smart city network when Thailand was awarded the one-year ASEAN chairmanship.
The seminar was also held in preparation for the upcoming 35th ASEAN Summit that will kick off in November.
CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, reiterated during his closing keynote address that ASCN is a mutual initiative aimed at creating sustainable smart cities to handle expansion issues such as congestion, poverty, inequality, and safety.
ASCN member-cities include Bandar Seri Begawan, Bangkok, Banyuwangi, Battambang, Cebu, Chonburi, Da Nang, Davao, Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kualar Lumpur, Kuching, Luang Prabang, Makassar, Mandalay, Manila, Nay Pyi Taw, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Siem Reap, Singapore, Vientiane, and Yangon.