Channel technology optimally to make Singapore a 'smart city'

HALF of the global population live in cities today, and this number will only continue to grow. How cities expand to accommodate ever-increasing populations and incomes is one of the major questions on the minds of governments and urban planners everywhere. In a world where fast economic growth is often traded for environmental damage, is it possible to develop cities that are sustainable, yet competitive and livable?

At a recent meeting, key opinion leaders across industry and government came together to discuss the future of Singapore as a "smart city". The role of technology was an obvious topic but more importantly, how to invest in it, encourage its widespread adoption, and put our minds together to invent new solutions that can help solve some of the more unique problems we face.

In short, technology is the enabler but we still need to channel it in the right ways to ensure that Singapore grows smartly, cleanly, efficiently and productively. After all, owning a smartphone doesn't automatically make us any smarter.