KUCHING, Sept 11 — Sarawak is on the brink of a transformative journey, as Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian calls for the state to embrace smart city principles. The goal is to position Sarawak as a beacon of sustainable urban development while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Embracing Smart City Principles for a Sustainable Future
During his keynote address at the Sarawak Smart City Workshop 2024, held at a prominent hotel in Kuching, Dr Sim emphasized the need for Sarawak to adopt smart city initiatives. He highlighted that these initiatives are essential not just for addressing current urban challenges but for laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Leveraging Technology for Urban Solutions
A smart city, according to Dr Sim, is defined by its integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and advanced technologies to tackle urban issues. This includes fostering inclusivity, driving economic growth, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
“In the context of Sarawak, implementing smart city principles means utilizing these technologies and innovations to address our unique challenges, as outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” Dr Sim explained.
Addressing Urbanization Challenges
The Deputy Premier underscored the urgency of smart city initiatives, citing the rapid urbanization of Sarawak as a driving factor. Key issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, outdated infrastructure, and rising crime rates necessitate innovative solutions. Additionally, the increasing sophistication of citizens’ lifestyles further underscores the need for smart city transformation.
A Collaborative Approach to Smart City Development
Dr Sim urged the Smart City Committee to adopt a top-down approach in addressing these challenges, ensuring that the benefits of smart city initiatives extend across all regions of Sarawak, rather than being limited to specific districts.
Enhancing Citizen Interaction and Information Flow
“One of the core aspects of a smart city is the seamless flow of information between service-providing agencies and residents. This intelligent interaction is what truly makes a city ‘smart’,” Dr Sim noted. He emphasized that residents should experience improved efficiency and responsiveness in their dealings with authorities.
The Role of the Smart City Committee
To facilitate this ambitious transformation, the Smart City Committee has been established under the leadership of the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU). The committee, which includes various ministries and local authorities, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of smart city initiatives.
Dr Sim also assured that any agency encountering challenges—particularly in terms of inter-agency collaboration—can seek assistance from the Smart City Committee to resolve their issues.
Key Figures in Smart City Development
The workshop was attended by key figures such as Datu Lester Mathew, Director of Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), and Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, General Manager of Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA). Their presence underscores the collaborative effort required for the successful implementation of smart city projects in Sarawak.