Sarawak delegation explores smart city innovations in China

KUCHING (Sept 22): An official delegation from Sarawak is currently on a week-long visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China to gain valuable insights into sustainable smart city planning, development and technologies.

Led by Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, the delegation began their trip with a tour of the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. This centre focuses on urban transformation, sustainable development and city planning.

“The innovative approach taken by Shanghai in modern urban management aligns with Sarawak’s ambitions for sustainable urban growth and modern infrastructure planning,” said a press release yesterday.

The delegation also visited the Shanghai Huangpu District Administrative Service Centre, where the officials observed a cutting-edge facility offering one-stop government services to citizen and businesses.

“Key to it is an online and offline approach which combines services from specialised service personnel supported by integrated information system to ensures efficiency and clarity for citizens and businesses seeking government services.”

Tiang noted: “Smart City is not just about applying technology but combining it with a humanised approach to provide government services efficiently and effectively, as seen here in Shanghai.”

At the Shanghai Smart City Development Research Institute, the delegation gained deep insights into how advanced technologies are being transformed into strategies for inclusive and purposeful smart city implementation in China.

Additionally, the delegation attended Huawei Connect, where they discussed with senior management of Huawei how emerging technologies such as big data and Internet of Things (IoT) can support smart city development and citizen-centric services.

Other areas covered included model urban rejuvenation and redevelopment efforts in historical districts at Xintiandi and Panlong Tiandi, as well as a visit to XNode entrepreneurial and business acceleration centre.

On Sept 20, Tiang and the delegation also met with Sarawakian students studying in Shanghai during a dinner hosted for the Sarawakian student community, fostering closer relationships with the students abroad.

The delegation will continue their trip to Hangzhou, where the focus will shift to exploring infrastructure and technological solutions for smart cities.

The delegation includes Miri mayor Adam Yii, Sarawak Multimedia Authority general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong, Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Dato Rosely, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Andrew Chien and IoT Solution and Services director Allen Liew as well as staff from the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.