RMIT shares key insights on smart and sustainable city development

RMIT shares key insights on smart and sustainable city development

The Smart and Sustainable Cities (SSC) Forum 2024, by RMIT University, presented significant trends, challenges, and opportunities in smart urban development across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the world's fastest urbanising areas.

Experts engaged in discussions at the forum. Experts engaged in discussions at the forum.

Cities in the APAC region are under immense pressure due to rapid urbanisation. The population is projected to grow from 2.4 billion in 2020 to 3.5 billion by 2050, accounting for 90% of global urban growth. This dramatic increase exacerbates issues related to infrastructure and the environment.

In response, a research team at RMIT University, led by Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung, conducted a study on smart and sustainable cities in the APAC region. The research analysed data from various smart city rankings, prior studies, and reports by respected organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It provides a comprehensive overview and practical solutions for SSC development.

A snapshot of smart cities in APAC

The research revealed significant disparities in the development of smart and sustainable cities across APAC. Cities like Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, and Tokyo are at the forefront, thanks to their adoption of advanced technologies, effective governance, and active citizen participation. Meanwhile, cities such as Jakarta, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City face substantial challenges related to infrastructure and resources, requiring urgent attention and strategic efforts to prioritise SSC development and establish smart governance systems.

Experts engaged in discussions at the forum. Experts engaged in discussions at the forum.

A key finding highlights that while cities occupy 5% of the world’s land area, they consume 60% of the global potable water, 75% of energy, and generate 60-80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, climate change - as floods and rising sea levels - poses a severe threat to coastal cities, especially in developing nations. Financial constraints and digital inequality remain major barriers to progress.

Cities like Seoul and Sydney have demonstrated how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks can be effectively used in traffic management, energy efficiency, and public services. The findings also emphasise that safeguarding data privacy and strengthening cybersecurity are crucial for SSCs to develop sustainably and equitably.

Policy recommendations for a smart and sustainable future

The research team proposed a five-phase model for SSC development: identifying needs, assessing readiness, developing strategies, implementing plans, and monitoring progress. This strategic framework enables policymakers to measure effectiveness and make timely adjustments.

Trung Nguyen The five-phase model for effective smart city initiatives was introduced.

Currently, the APAC region faces an annual shortfall of approximately USD 500 billion to invest in infrastructure and integrate digital technologies into transportation, energy, and public services. This gap makes public-private partnerships (PPPs) a critical solution, as only 16% of global cities can self-finance SSC projects.

SSC development is transitioning into its third phase, emphasising active social participation over government-led or purely technology-driven approaches. The research team calls for flexible policy frameworks to integrate new technologies, enhance resilience to climate change, and foster smart governance.

Learning from cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney is essential. These cities have successfully applied advanced technologies in traffic management, energy optimisation, and public services, improving quality of life and boosting economic efficiency.

Jago Dodson speaking Regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing were emphasised.

The research highlights that regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cities are key to optimising resources and building sustainable foundations. Initiatives must ensure inclusivity, bridge the digital divide, and leave no one behind.

Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung, co-leader of RMIT Vietnam Smart and Sustainable Cities Hub, emphasised: “Developing smart cities isn’t just about technological innovation, it’s about building a sustainable society centered around people. This research serves as a valuable resource for policymakers to shape SSC strategies in alignment with new realities.”

Story: Quan Dinh H.

30 November 2024
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