Singapore: The Makings of Asia’s Smartest City

Singapore is the perfect example of how technology and progress complement each other

There’s no denying that technology and progress are closely intertwined. Take a look at Singapore for example. The Southeast Asian city-state was recently declared as the most powerful passport in the world, giving its citizens visa-free access to 192 countries. At the same time, it continues to be known as the smartest city in Asia. Let’s take a look at what cemented this status today.

As a member of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, Singapore prioritises smart and sustainable urban development through various channels — affordable housing, careers and employment, green spaces, and road decongestion, to name a few aspects of steady socio-economic growth. These efforts are evident in the country’s status as the smartest city in Asia and the seventh-smartest city in the world, as listed by Straits Times.

Singapore is known for being a smart city because it maximises the Internet of Things, big data analysis, and other technological innovations. All this is a part of local efforts to provide access to green spaces, medical services, quality education, employment opportunities, and other services for better quality of life.

Related: How the Internet of Things powers smart cities

While there’s no denying that Singapore excels in using innovative smart technologies, it isn’t entirely because of the actual technologies that the city-state continues to thrive in the global stage as a smart city. Rather, the intention of making city life healthier, more sustainable, and more convenient are the ultimate driving force in shaping the local government’s smart initiatives.

Given this information, it would do well for other cities to follow in Singapore’s footsteps and integrate smart technologies into public services and other local initiatives. This way, not only will citizens live healthy, fulfilling, and sustainable lives — the city also thrives as a technologically driven urban hub.

Besides, with 70 percent of the global population, according to Business Chief, predicted to live in cities and urban locations by 2050, it’s more important than ever for governments to keep exploring smart solutions that improve quality of life.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].