Singapore and Shenzhen deepen their collaboration in smart city development with the launch of 14 innovative projects during the 4th Singapore-China (Shenzhen) Smart City Initiative (SCI) Joint Implementation Committee meeting.
SINGAPORE, 14 DECEMBER 2023 – The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have announced a significant step forward in the collaboration between Singapore and Shenzhen. Eight Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were inked with key partners from Shenzhen, and 14 new joint projects were launched at the 4th Singapore-China (Shenzhen) Smart City Initiative (SCI) Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) meeting. Concurrently, four companies signed MOUs, committing to operate as the first batch in the smart city demonstration zone.
These developments reflect the ongoing enthusiasm of enterprises from both regions to capitalize on the positive momentum of the SCI and explore fresh opportunities within the digital economy.
The meeting, held in Shenzhen, was co-chaired by Singapore Permanent Secretary for Communications and Information, Mr. Joseph Leong, and Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Qin Weizhong.
Mr. Joseph Leong expressed confidence in the continued success of the Smart City Initiative, stating, “Singapore and Shenzhen share many complementarities given our focus on harnessing digital technologies for the common good, and our openness to new ideas and talent. I am confident that the Smart City Initiative will continue to serve as an important platform to pursue collaboration in forward-looking areas.”
Strengthening Cooperation between Singapore and Shenzhen in Digital Innovation
The SCI, initiated in 2019, aims to bolster digital and business ties between Singapore and Shenzhen. The collaboration focuses on three key pillars: digital connectivity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and talent exchange development. This initiative aims to create opportunities for Singapore-based enterprises to access the Chinese market in the Greater Bay Area and for Chinese companies to enter the Southeast Asian markets through Singapore.
Eight MOUs signed during the SCI JIC meeting span various sectors, including AI, innovation, and talent exchange. Simultaneously, 14 new joint projects were introduced, emphasizing emerging areas such as AI and sustainability. These projects encompass the utilization of AI in e-commerce logistics, green energy storage, smart rehabilitation care, and smart city solutions. To date, 43 projects have been initiated, and 29 MOUs have been signed at SCI JIC meetings.
Singapore-Shenzhen Smart City Demonstration Zone
Beyond the MOUs and joint projects under the SCI, the Singapore-Shenzhen Smart City Demonstration Zone serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge smart city technologies and solutions. Four new projects within the Demonstration Zone focus on new-generation information technology, digital economy, low-carbon solutions, and biomedicine. These initiatives aim to unlock innovative solutions, establish best practices in smart city technologies, and promote deeper collaborations between Singapore and Shenzhen companies through knowledge sharing and talent exchange.
