The country has taken a range of specific actions since joining the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) network, said Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha while chairing the network’s third conference on July 17 through an online platform.

Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha chairs the third conference of
the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (Photo: VNA)

Running with the theme of “Smart cities towards community identity and sustainable development for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN”, ANSC’s activities for the year are designed to accelerate the active participation and co-operation of ASEAN members.

In addition to boosting agendas with the group’s partner countries, the participation of the private sector, along with the maintenance and development of the ASCN dialogue.

ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi stated that the group has served to provide impetus for smart cities to invest greater sums in technology, resolve urban challenges, and create fresh growth sources.

The event therefore represents a good opportunity to take full advantage of the leadership and capacity of cities from various partner countries of ASEAN in an effort to resolve the negative impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

When attempting to rebuild an economy in the post-pandemic period, it is essential to rebuild partnerships among various smart cities both inside and outside the region as a means of achieving tangible impacts, the ASEAN Secretary-General said.
Smart cities must therefore have effective responses to health crises, the official noted, underscoring the importance of stepping up intra-bloc efforts to build more smart cities coupled with greater digital connection and clear strategies relating to urbanization.

It can be considered imperative to gain a greater understanding between both the public and private sectors in a bid to help strengthen the region’s potential and resources, as well as utilising the opportunities that exist for greater development of smart cities moving past the COVID-19, he said.

Most notably, each of the 26 member cities of ASCN aim to build a medium-term vision whilst developing and implementing an action plan annually in line with the situation in each respective nation. This will help to promote the unique identity of each city and each country, therefore contributing to the common identity of the ASCN.

Member cities will provide updates for others with regard to smart city development whilst also sharing their various experiences in coping with the COVID-19.

As the Chairman of the ASCN 2020, the country will make every effort to boost the network’s overall development whilst striving to fulfill its goals, the minister said.

If the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control in the near future, the country will hold the ASCN High-Level Forum later this year to discuss various experiences of members, good practice in developing smart cities, and promoting partnerships outside of ASEAN in a more comprehensive manner, he added.

The ASCN was originally set up at the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore in 2018 with a view to develop a co-operative platform for cities in order to share common goals in developing smart and sustainable metropolises.