How can governments aspiring to build smart cities mitigate the potential downsides of these initiatives?
A decade since the launch of Singapore’s SmartNation initiative, some 97 per cent of the adult population in this technologically advanced city-state owns a smartphone
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As one of the world's smartest cities,
Singapore’s government has streamlined public services through apps like LifeSG, enabling citizens to access various services, from registering a birth to applying for housing grants, all within a single platform.
Furthermore, the city-state is pioneering advancements in urban mobility, including autonomous vehicle fleets designed to enhance mobility for the elderly and disabled. This level of connectivity is only possible in a society fully integrated with the digital world.
Despite this, numerous digital divides remain - as they did during the digital adoption stage - and new challenges will continue to arise. The question is, how do we embrace technology without compromising social and economic equality?
Establishing future-ready frameworks
The allure of smart cities lies in their potential to address pressing urban challenges. However, governments must ensure that smart cities benefit all members of society and actively address the challenges of inclusivity and accessibility.
During a panel session held at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) titled “Bridging the Digital Divide in Smart Cities: A Path to Inclusive Urbanisation” at the school’s
Festival of Ideas 2024, Aditya Dharmawan, a Master in Public Policy student, noted that in addition to investing heavily in robust digital infrastructure like data centres and telecommunications, governments also need to ensure that the main drivers for digital transformation, such as innovators and tech companies, are present to enact these changes.
In another session,
former Singaporean Minister-in-charge of Cyber Security Professor Yaacob Ibrahim shared how Singapore “spent S$1 billion (in 2010) wiring the whole island for free”, highlighting that these expectations of the government might not be realistic in all contexts. He stated that while it was a hotly debated policy, the unanimous decision to proceed underscored the government’s dedication to transform Singapore into a smart city.
Future-proofing with digital literacy and skills development
LKYSPP’s Professor in Practice
Vu Minh Khuong stated that the construction of a smart city
relies on six key pillars: a smart government, a strong digital economy, convenient transport systems, quality living conditions for residents, sustainable development with a green environment, and most importantly, the competent digital capabilities of citizens.
Equipping citizens with the necessary skills to use and benefit from
new digital infrastructure is crucial. Targeted training programmes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as seniors or those in lower income brackets, are key to boosting digital literacy and empowering individuals to fully participate in the digital economy and society.
Kritika Sha, a LKYSPP PhD candidate, noted at the ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ panel that determining which “applications are optional for day-to-day life, or which are commercial” lies outside the scope of governance for smart cities. She expressed concern that delaying updates to applications to accommodate those struggling with the technological advancements could stifle innovation.
Moreover, governments need to build public trust and exercise transparency in data collection practices. ensuring there are clear consent mechanisms. Taking responsibility for the collection and use of large amounts of data will also require robust data governance frameworks.
Fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange
Above all, smart cities are products of collective efforts, and governments can encourage and facilitate partnerships between public agencies, private companies, and civil society organisations to leverage expertise, share best practices, and develop solutions that address the nation’s needs.
One example is the Singapore-Shenzhen Smart City Initiative (SCI), launched in 2019 to build stronger digital and business ties between Singapore and Shenzhen. The SCI focuses on three core pillars for collaboration: innovation, entrepreneurship and talent exchange development. It aims to create opportunities for Singapore-based enterprises looking to enter the Chinese market in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, and for Chinese companies to enter the Southeast Asian markets through Singapore, highlighting the potential of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation and knowledge exchange.
Striking a balance between regulation and innovation
Ultimately, the success of smart cities hinges on their ability to harness technology for the common good. As Professor Yaacob emphasises, smart cities should not be solely about digitalisation, but equally about "equity, access, capacity, and empowerment."
The rise of big tech companies in the smart city landscape calls for a delicate balance between
fostering innovation and safeguarding public interests. Governments must establish clear regulatory frameworks that encourage technological advancement while ensuring ethical data practices, addressing potential biases in algorithms, and protecting citizen privacy.