INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, the concept of smart cities has become a hot topic. With urbanisation rapidly increasing, particularly in developing nations, finding sustainable solutions is crucial.

Advancements like big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) are creating a toolbox for building smarter urban environments. We're not talking about flying cars just yet (though wouldn't that be cool?), but smart cities are becoming more of a tangible reality. With leading companies starting to showcase their cutting-edge solutions to create truly connected urban hubs, the future of our cities is brimming with exciting and endless possibilities.

But what exactly makes a city "smart"? That's the million-dollar question, and in this month's special focus, we're on a mission to find the answer. We'll be your guides on a journey to demystify the exciting world of smart cities. We'll crack open the code, revealing the core features that define a smart city.

Close your eyes and visualise a city that eases your commute, automatically handles parking, and keeps you informed about public transport – well, these are just a few examples of how smart cities are already transforming lives. From Malaysia’s smart AI-supported traffic management to Singapore’s smart healthcare environment, it demonstrates how smart cities across Southeast Asia are utilising technology to improve daily life for residents.

Just so you know, smart cities are more than just cool tech gadgets. Technology needs to be used responsibly, making cities not just efficient, but also sustainable and of course, liveable.

So, prepare yourself as we’re about to peel back the layers of this fascinating concept and discover how smart cities are poised to reshape the future of urban living.

Happy reading everyone!