Greater Kuching is being developed as a smart city of AI, data

KUCHING, 15 Oct: Greater Kuching will be strengthened as a smart city area through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) based services, integrated urban platforms and digital network infrastructure to improve city management efficiency and public safety.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM), the scope of the cooperation includes urban security monitoring, emergency response support, provision of public Wi-Fi facilities, use of digital twin technology (digital twin) as well as development of Network Operations Centre (NOC).

The initiative was implemented through the cooperation of SKMM with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak (MPHLG) as well as the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications of Sarawak (MUT).

"This strategic cooperation reflects the commitment of the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government to leverage digital technology, data and AI to improve city management efficiency, strengthen public safety, expand digital access as well as open up new economic opportunities for people and business sectors, in line with Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) aspirations.

"The implementation of this project will give an initial focus to the Greater Kuching area, which includes North Kuching City Council (DBKU), South Kuching City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) are in line with Sarawak's Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 aspirations to support more efficient and responsive urban service delivery to the needs of the people", according to the statement today.

The cooperation was signed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of Kuching Smart City and Digital Connectivity project which aims to expand digital connectivity as well as support urban service transformation in Greater Kuching.

The MoU document exchange meeting was completed by SKMM Chairman, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and MPHLG Permanent Secretary, Datu Elizabeth Loh as well as attended by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Communications, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today.

In addition to the development of AI and data-driven smart city services, the cooperation also focuses on strengthening core network infrastructure to support more efficient, secure and responsive delivery of urban services.

The implementation of the project will also take into account aspects of transferability, cybersecurity, data protection and responsible governance.

According to SKMM, the initiative is expected to help improve the efficiency of traffic management and public facilities, accelerate response to incidents and emergencies, as well as provide a better digital experience for residents of Greater Kuching. - TVS