Under the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) program, ASEAN leaders have established a cooperation platform for ten ASEAN countries. The program, which was launched on the thirty second ASEAN Summit on April 28, 2018 in Singapore, goals to realize smart and sustainable urban development in ASEAN.
The next ASEAN Summit in the identical yr also discussed the variation of the Smart Cities Initiative Guide, also often called the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) initially included 26 pilot cities: Bandar Seri Begawan, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Makassar, Banyuwangi, Jakarta, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Nay Pyi Taw , Mandalay, Yangon, Cebu City, Davao City, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Rayong, Sumedang and Sihanoukville City were added in mid-2024. By September 2024, 108 smart city projects are expected to be implemented.
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What ASCN does
The framework outlines the important thing features of ASEAN smart cities by identifying strategic outcomes, defining key urban systems and identifying enablers. It goals to enhance existing national development plans or help create latest ones.
The program highlights six thematic areas: civic and social, built infrastructure, quality environment, health and well-being, safety and security, and industry and innovation. The first two areas will experience the best development in 2024, reaching roughly 26%.
The program was created in response to rapid urbanization and digitalization. ASCN’s principal goal is to enhance the standard of lifetime of ASEAN residents by utilizing technology as a tool. The initiative adopts an inclusive, people-centric approach that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.
Additionally, ASCN promotes intercultural understanding through networking amongst ASEAN cities. It focuses on supporting cooperation to develop smart cities, encouraging the private sector to have interaction in bankable projects, and providing financing and support from ASEAN’s external partners.
Challenges and opportunities
With the rapid globalization of cities, several challenges should be addressed. One is the ineffectiveness of the governance and policy framework. Clear guidelines and regulations are needed to make sure transparency, accountability and ethical use of technology.
Smart city initiatives also require significant investment in technology, infrastructure and human resources. This financial constraint is usually consistent with the event of common standards, as different cities may use different technologies and standards.
The 2018 ASCN inaugural meeting approved Smart Cities Action Plans (SCAPs) for these pilot cities. SCAPs detail each city’s vision, key focus areas, strategic goals and proposed smart city projects. Since then, the scope and variety of ASCN’s urban projects have increased.
ASCN is predicted to support cities in formulating priorities for smart and sustainable urban development. It can be vital to make sure the biggest possible efficiency in using resources and partnerships between the private and non-private sectors.
In 2018, 33 partnerships were established, which have since expanded to offer various types of support. Support includes capability constructing, knowledge exchange and technical assistance. There are plans to develop more cities as smart cities in the long run as ASCN develops more partnerships to offer expert capability constructing and programs.
