As a part of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) program, ASEAN Leaders established a collaborative platform to ten ASEAN countries. The program which was launched at the 32nd ASEAN Summit on April 28, 2018, in Singapore, is purposed to achieve smart and sustainable urban development in ASEAN.
The following ASEAN Summit of the same year also discussed the adaptation of the guide for smart city initiatives, also called the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) initially included 26 pilot cities: Bandar Seri Begawan, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Makassar, Banyuwangi, Jakarta, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Yangon, Cebu City, Davao City, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
In mid-2024, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Rayong, Sumedang, and Sihanoukville City were added. It is projected that 108 smart city projects have been implemented as of September 2024.
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What ASCN Does
The Framework outlines key features of ASEAN’s smart cities by identifying strategic outcomes, defining key urban systems, and identifying enabling factors. It aims to complement existing national development plans or assist in creating new ones.
The program highlights six focus areas, civic & social, built infrastructure, quality environment, health & well-being, safety & security, and industry & innovation. The first two areas have the biggest development in 2024, reaching about 26%.
The program is initiated as a response to rapid urbanization and digitalization. ASCN’s primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for ASEAN citizens by leveraging technology as a tool. The initiative adopts an inclusive, people-centered approach that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the ASEAN Charter.
In addition, the ASCN promotes cross-cultural understanding through networking among ASEAN cities. It focuses on fostering collaboration for smart city development, encouraging private sector involvement in bankable projects, and securing funding and support from ASEAN’s external partners.
Challenges and Opportunities
There are a few challenges to comprehend with the rapid urban globalization. One of them is ineffectiveness of governance and policy frameworks. Clear guidelines and regulations are needed to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical use of technology.
Smart city initiatives also require significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and human resources. This funding constraint is often in line with common standards development because different cities may use different technologies and standards.
During the ASCN's Inaugural Meeting in 2018, the Smart Cities Action Plans (SCAPs) for these pilot cities were approved. The SCAPs detail each city's vision, key focus areas, strategic objectives, and proposed smart city projects. Since then, the scope and number of ASCN city projects have grown.
ASCN is hoped to include supporting cities in formulating smart and sustainable urban development priorities. It is essential to also ensure the most efficiency on resources and partnerships between the public and private sectors.
In 2018, 33 partnerships were established, which have since expanded to provide various forms of support. The support are as of capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technical assistance. In the future, more cities are planned to be developed as smart cities as ASCN will develop more partnerships to deliver qualified capacity-building and programs.
