Unveiling the Future at the 12th Smart City Summit & Expo
Introduction to the Smart City Revolution
MANILA – From March 18 to 21, the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center will become the epicenter of innovation as it hosts the 12th Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE). Recognized as the largest smart city exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s event embodies the theme of "Digital and Green Transformation," propelling discussions and initiatives surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart governance, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
A Collaborative Effort for Global Impact
The SCSE is organized by key entities including the National Development Council, the Kaohsiung City Government, and the Taipei Computer Association (TCA). This year, the Taipei City Government re-joins as a co-organizer, showcasing the collaborative spirit that makes this summit a cutting-edge platform. Alongside the Taipei venue, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center will also host activities from March 20 to 22, broadening the summit’s reach.
AI: The Driving Force Behind Smart Cities
Alex C.C. Chien, the chair of the Taiwan Smart City Solutions Alliance, highlights the transformative potential of AI as global competition heats up. Innovations in edge AI and generative AI are revolutionizing major sectors including transportation, healthcare, and energy management, setting the stage for a future where technology and urban living are intertwined.
Showcasing Taiwan’s Technological Prowess
Prominent companies from Taiwan and around the globe are expected to be in attendance, showcasing their latest AI-enhanced solutions. Notable exhibitors include Acer, ASUS, Chunghwa Telecom, and Foxconn, among others. Their participation signifies a major leap in Taiwan’s digital transformation journey, providing attendees an opportunity to explore state-of-the-art technologies.
Celebrating Innovation: The Smart City Innovative Application Awards
In conjunction with the summit, the 12th Smart City Innovative Application Awards will recognize pioneering projects that represent Taiwan’s advancements in smart city development. These awards underscore the importance of collaboration among public, private, and academic sectors in realizing smart city goals.
An Unprecedented Gathering of Global Leaders
This year, the SCSE anticipates an influx of international attendees, with participants from 59 countries and regions and 138 cities. A remarkable 2,806 overseas visitors—a 28-percent increase from the previous year—will converge in Taipei to exchange ideas and explore partnership opportunities. Notably, 569 mayors and other representatives are expected to join, marking a significant moment for dialogue and collaboration.
Ukraine’s Smart Future: A Special Focus
In a noteworthy development, over ten city leaders from Ukraine will attend the expo. The summit has organized special events like the "Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Business Opportunities Forum," aimed at discussing how Taiwan’s innovative smart technologies can assist in the country’s reconstruction. This initiative illustrates a commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
The Smart City Global Co-Creation Pavilion
A highlight of this year’s event is the inaugural "Smart City Global Co-Creation Pavilion," aiming to foster partnerships between Taiwanese businesses and international participants. This pavilion underscores the necessity for collaborative approaches to integrate smart city solutions that are both versatile and effective for global markets.
Telecommunications Advancements on Display
Chunghwa Telecom has notably invited several international telecom companies, including NTT from Japan and Singtel from Singapore, to showcase innovations in all-optical networks and smart streetlights. The initiative aims to exemplify the synergies possible through global cooperation.
Navigating the Future with Virtual Power Plants
Cynthia Chen, secretary-general of the Taiwan Smart City Solutions Alliance, pointed out the critical shift towards a nuclear-free future post the decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plant No. 3. This transition toward renewable energy introduces challenges in grid stability and necessitates the implementation of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)—a central feature of this year’s summit. The VPP Pavilion will include significant players such as Delta Electronics and others, focused on promoting distributed energy resources.
Low-Carbon Innovations in Transportation
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Low-Carbon Mobility Pavilion, dedicated to the innovations shaping the future of smart transportation. The Taiwan EV Power Supplement Alliance will demonstrate standards for smart charging stations, which aim to facilitate the integration of electric vehicles into urban infrastructure.
Expanding Opportunities for Electric Bus Operators
Leading companies like Foxconn and Master Bus will reveal their latest electric bus models at the summit. These electric buses hold the potential for significant integration with large battery systems and virtual power grids, presenting new business opportunities in Taiwan’s expanding electric fleet sector.
Spotlight on Smart Startups
The Smart Startups Program is set to feature 115 startups from 11 global accelerators, each showcasing breakthrough innovations in smart technology and sustainability. This platform not only nurtures entrepreneurial spirit but also contributes to a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.
The Inaugural Urban Energy Transition Award
To incentivize progress, the SCSE will introduce the Urban Energy Transition Award, evaluating energy efficiency and resource recycling performances of 22 counties and cities over the past year. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight best practices in achieving net-zero emissions and driving sustainable urban development.
Recognizing Excellence in Energy Transition
The awards will honor Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City for their remarkable achievements in energy transition, alongside Kinmen County and Taipei City for their exemplary efforts in circular resource promotion. Award-winning local governments will have the opportunity to showcase their sustainability achievements throughout the exhibition.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Urban Development
With the SCSE 2023, Taiwan stands at the forefront of global smart city development. As experts and leaders converge to explore innovative solutions, there is a palpable sense of momentum driving the urban digital transformation. The integration of AI technology and emphasis on sustainable practices are paving the way for remarkable advancements in smart city initiatives. This summit is set not only to showcase Taiwan’s technological innovations but also to foster international cooperation and exchange, propelling the conversation on global city futures. Through collective efforts, the future of smart cities will reflect not just local ambitions but shared global aspirations.
