In a significant move to bolster the smart city collaboration, Singapore and Shenzhen have initiated 14 new projects under the Smart City Initiative (SCI). This development was announced at the 4th Singapore-China (Shenzhen) SCI Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) meeting. Alongside this, eight Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with leading partners from Shenzhen. Additionally, four companies have committed to being the initial group to operate in the smart city demonstration zone, highlighting the growing interest from businesses in both regions to capitalise on digital economy opportunities.
Key meeting highlights strengthen digital collaboration
This pivotal 4th SCI JIC meeting in Shenzhen was co-chaired by Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Communications and Information, Mr. Joseph Leong, and a Chinese government representative. Emphasising the synergy between Singapore and Shenzhen, Mr Leong stated, “Both cities have a shared vision of leveraging digital technology for the greater good and are open to innovative ideas and talents. The Smart City Initiative is an excellent platform for collaboration in progressive fields.”
Broadening horizons in digital innovation
Initiated in 2019, the SCI aims to forge robust digital and business links between Singapore and Shenzhen. The initiative focuses on digital connectivity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and talent exchange development. It opens doors for Singaporean enterprises to access the Chinese market in the Greater Bay Area and for Chinese firms to penetrate Southeast Asian markets via Singapore.
At the SCI JIC meeting, eight MOUs were signed, fostering collaborations across sectors like AI, innovation, and talent exchange. The meeting also introduced 14 new joint ventures in areas such as AI and sustainability. These ventures span diverse fields, including AI-driven logistics for e-commerce, green energy storage, smart rehabilitation care, and innovative smart city solutions. To date, the SCI JIC meetings have launched a total of 43 projects and signed 29 MOUs.
Smart City Demonstration Zone: A testbed for innovation
The Singapore-Shenzhen Smart City Demonstration Zone stands as a testament to this collaboration, acting as a platform to test advanced smart city technologies and solutions. The zone has introduced four new projects focusing on next-generation IT, the digital economy, low-carbon solutions, and biomedicine. These initiatives aim to foster innovative solutions, establish best practices in smart city technology, and enhance cooperation between companies from both cities through knowledge sharing and talent exchange.
