Smart city is a global emerging trend that not only focuses on creating a connected and efficient urban environment but also provides ready access to the services that people need, while minimising the impact on the environment. Recently, Hong Kong ranked 19th in the IMD Smart City Index 2023 among 141 cites, a big jump from ranking 33rd in 2021, and is dubbed one of the six “super-champions” by the index report because of continuous improvement. This indicates the city’s success in leveraging smart technologies to improve quality of life and prioritising sustainable development.
Concept of smart city
‘Smart City’ can be generally described as a city that leverages on technology infrastructure and ultilises innovative solutions to address issues, including governance, economy, mobility, environment, living and people. The goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the sustainable growth and competitiveness of a city through ‘smart’ initiatives.
New technologies could improve efficiency, sustainability and power smart city networks. These technologies include information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as automation, smart transportation and smart energy. These are the key components in forming a smart city and creating a seamless and sustainable urban environment for the residents. In recent years, the discussions around how to make cities smarter have been evolving from technology-centric to more human-focused.
As a leader: Government’s actions in driving Hong Kong towards a smart city
HKSAR government has taken the lead in turning Hong Kong into a smart city by implementing various measures. One notable initiative is the "Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong," which was first published in 2017, outlining the strategic direction and key focus areas for transforming Hong Kong into a smart city across six smart areas, namely “Smart Mobility”, “Smart Living”, “Smart Environment”, “Smart People”, “Smart Government” and “Smart Economy”, and setting out 76 initiatives under these areas. “Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0” was later published in 2020, to put forth over 130 initiatives to continue to enhance and expand city management measures and services, such as the application of Building Information Modelling, enhancement of smart tourism platforms, and development of traffic data analytics system. The initiatives aim to bring benefits and convenience to the public and help residents better perceive the benefits from smart city and innovation and technology in their daily lives. Additionally, the Blueprint provides guidance for both the public and private sectors to align their efforts with the government's vision.
The benefits and applications of smart city initiatives in Hong Kong
“Smart Mobility” in Hong Kong
Traffic management poses a persistent challenge in urban development. As a city grows and its population increases, the number of vehicles on the road also rises, resulting in traffic congestion and its associated difficulties. Smart city initiatives offer potential solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance traffic management with greater efficiency.
In Hong Kong, the government has implemented several smart transportation initiatives such as launching a new online platform, “HKeMobility” which enables residents to easily search for commute routes and options and provides real-time traffic news through a single mobile application, facilitating faster and more convenient travel. Intelligent transport systems such as real-time traffic monitoring, free-flow tolling system and smart parking solutions have also been deployed in Hong Kong to enhance traffic management and facilitate smoother and more efficient commuting experiences. Additionally, sustainable transportation options such as ride-sharing and electric vehicles are promoted to create a more environmentally friendly transport network.
“Smart Living” & “Smart Government” in Hong Kong
By leveraging data-driven technologies and insights, cities can enhance urban planning and the delivery of public services, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents. Various digital infrastructure projects and major initiatives have been implemented in Hong Kong to provide convenience to the public and businesses. Examples include the Faster Payment System, the installation of free public Wi-Fi hotspots, and the launch of the "iAM Smart" one-stop personalised digital services platform. These initiatives aim to facilitate the use of digital services and enable seamless commercial transactions for the public and businesses.
“Smart Environment” in Hong Kong
Large amounts of solid waste and high electricity consumption, which lead to pollution and hygiene problems, in Hong Kong can be effectively addressed through smart environment initiatives. With the help of smart city technologies, it can develop sustainable solutions for monitoring and managing resources more efficiently, which optimise resource allocation and waste reduction without compromising the quality of services provided to residents. To support development of smart city in Hong Kong, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched a Pilot Programme on Smart Recycling Systems in September 2020. This program aims to test the local application of smart recycling facilities connected by Internet of Things (IoT) technology in phases. Additionally, the government has installed LED lamps in public lighting systems and promotes retro-commissioning and building-based smart/IT technologies to drive the adoption of green and intelligent buildings. New facilities such as remote pollutant sensing devices have also been adopted to enhance environmental hygiene and monitor pollution levels.
These smart city initiatives will enable Hong Kong residents to enjoy better indoor and outdoor air quality, live in greener buildings with various smart and energy saving features and help reduce daily waste, which can in turn contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city.
“Smart People” in Hong Kong
Nurturing young talents and developing an innovation and entrepreneurial culture are key components in building a knowledge-based society and sustaining the future development of a smart city. In Hong Kong, various initiatives have been launched to support this endeavor. For instance, Hong Kong has been promoting more STEM-related classes and activities in school syllabus to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of technology. These measures contribute to the growth of the smart city in Hong Kong by fostering a robust talent pool and creating an environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement.
“Smart Economy” in Hong Kong
HKSAR government has also been actively promoting Fintech and facilitating the development of the new economy. For instance, the Technology Voucher Programme was launched in 2016 to support local enterprises in using technological solutions to improve productivity, while the adoption of Application Programming Interfaces (API) has been promoted in the banking sector to promote smart banking. Smart city technologies can enhance the overall digital transformation in the business community and attract more leading talents and investments to Hong Kong, and create an environment that supports innovation and fosters economic growth in Hong Kong.
As an investor: MTR Lab’s investments that are contributing to smart city development in Hong Kong
It is undeniable that smart city technology can bring numerous benefits to its residents. As part of MTR Lab’s vision of powering a smarter and greener future which is In line with the government's “Smart City Blueprint". "Smart city" is one of the overarching themes of MTR Lab’s investments. The company aims to invest in, collaborate, and co-create with like-minded partners to explore innovative solutions that make a positive impact.
MTR Lab’s contribution to “Smart Environment”
WeMaintain , one of the companies MTR Lab has invested in, focuses on providing smart maintenance solutions that can help achieve energy consumption reduction, breakdown prevention, and maintenance cost optimisation for lifts and escalators. By utilizing its digital platform and on-site engineering expertise, WeMaintain enables remote, real-time monitoring of building operations, including lifts and escalators. Additionally, it leverages data analytics to facilitate predictive and prescriptive maintenance strategies.
isBIM, another investment portfolio company of MTR Lab, harnesses the power of AI-enabled technology and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency, optimise energy usage, and promote sustainability in construction projects. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Digital Twin applications, isBIM contributes to the field of construction tech and helps drive Hong Kong towards a smart city.
Both WeMaintain and isBIM are change-makers within their respective sectors, offering innovative and advanced solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of building operations and maintenance as well as construction, while also supporting Hong Kong's smart city aspirations. By leveraging technologies including IoT, data analytics, artificial intelligence and Digital Twin, these companies transform conventional practices and enhance the overall quality of maintenance and construction projects in Hong Kong.
MTR Lab’s contribution to “Smart Mobility”
One of the MTR Lab’s internally incubated subsidiaries, Urban Access Solutions (UAS) is a pioneer in using Octopus Cards for access control and management of payment services. It is now expanding its solution offerings to EV charging and smart parking, under the brand name of ‘Jove’. It incorporates convenient features such as contactless entry and exit, car searching, guidance to parked cars, automatic car park payment, and shopping mall parking redemption for both car park operators and drivers. These features contribute to providing more efficient and smarter mobility services.
Transforming Hong Kong into a smart city goes beyond adopting sophisticated technologies. It requires collaboration among public and private. While MTR Lab is collaborating with partners in accelerating the process of Hong Kong becoming a smart city, we would like to invite all stakeholders to join hands and contribute to driving Hong Kong towards a more sustainable future.
You may check this out to learn more about practical cases of developing Smart City application technologies: https://www.mtrlab.com.hk/zh/news/smart-city-sustainable-development/ .
FAQs:
1. What is a smart city?
A smart city leverages technology and innovative solutions to improve urban living and address various issues related to governance, economy, mobility, environment, and community well-being. It aims to enhance residents' quality of life while promoting sustainable growth through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
2. What is an example of a smart city in HK?
Hong Kong is a prime example of a smart city, having implemented various initiatives under its "Smart City Blueprint." Notable projects include the "HKeMobility" platform, which provides real-time traffic information and route planning, as well as smart transportation solutions like intelligent traffic systems and sustainable transport options to alleviate congestion and improve public services.
3. Why are smart cities important?
Smart cities are crucial because they enhance urban efficiency, improve the quality of life for residents, and promote sustainable development. By integrating technology into city management, smart cities can address challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management, and energy consumption, ultimately leading to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
4. How smart city improves citizens’ lives?
A smart city bring benefits and convenience to the public by providing convenient access to services, enhancing public safety, and improving environmental conditions. Through initiatives like smart transportation, efficient waste management, and intelligent public services, residents can enjoy better air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and overall improved living conditions, contributing to a higher quality of life.
