Asian Projects in Focus at this year’s Smart City Forum

31 March 2015, SINGAPORE - How the Internet of Things (IoT) will shape cities and societies in Asia will be discussed at the upcoming Smart City Forum in Singapore at IoT Asia 2015 conference on Thursday, 9 April 2015 at MAX Atria @ Singapore EXPO.

Rob van Kranenburg, founder of the Internet of Things Council, says in his blog, “IoT is a paradigm shift and an ontological change. Our very notions of what it means to be human and what it means to be ‘in the world’ are based on subject-object dichotomies. IoT brings a third party into the equation, a database, algos and scenario reality that is always present in any interaction between object and subject.”

From how airports are managed, to how food is grown, made and distributed, to self-driving, autonomous transport options, or wearables that monitor yours’ and your pet’s health, the Internet of Things, with its intrinsic inter-connectivity, is likely to make the internet so pervasive across every facet of life that it becomes ubiquitous.

In a societal sense, governments and businesses are learning how to use the Internet of Things to shape societies of the future. By analysing information at its most minute level, they aim to build intelligent cities that appropriately use digital technology to enhance functional performance and productivity, improve wellbeing, manage costs and consumption, as well improve communication and engagement with their citizens.

This year, the Smart City Forum will bring smart city projects and initiatives in Asia into focus. Field experts will present case studies, discuss how their approach to challenges and will give detailed insights into inter-government or private sector collaborative projects. Those present at the forum will learn about Singapore’s plans to become the world’s first Smart Nation.

Discussions will take place on the merits of social and technological dimensions of value and how to determine if project outcomes are successful. Speakers will also moot the emerging guidelines and best practices for Smart City deployments.

The Smart City Forum will be moderated by Gordon Falconer, Director of Smart Cities at Schneider Electric in Singapore. The panellists for the session are Rob van Kranenburg, Founder, Internet of Things Council, The Netherlands; Tony Kim, Co-founder & CEO, Cornerstones Technology, Korea; and Wilson Ang, Director, Engineering & Technology, InfoComm Development Authority, Singapore.

Like the old adage “it takes a village to build one”, it is the Small and Medium Enterprises that are expected to collectively build Singapore as a Smart Nation. But to do so is going to require anticipating and jumping over hurdles first. Recognizing this, Oliver Tian, President of the Singapore Industrial and Automation Association (SIAA) says, “We are exploring ways that SIAA members can connect with SME businesses and support the SMART Nation initiative. This involves determining what are the issues and challenges that SMEs will face in the deployment of IoT Solutions and how those challenges may affect the execution of Smart Nation initiative. Over the past year, SIAA has been organizing Technology clinics together with A*STAR to help bridge the gap for SME businesses. Once we understand the challenges, we will be able to work out a plan to create and build viable solutions”.

Alessandro Adriani, CEO of Bridge Alliance in Singapore, who attended the inaugural IoT Asia conference in 2014, urges those engaged in technology and IT to attend. “Having presented at IoT Asia 2014, I’ve found that the event provides a good platform for discussing industry topics with prospective customers, partners, and suppliers who are all within the relevant ecosystem. What I appreciate most is the clear focus on Asia. With the backdrop of the tangible business benefits from my participation, I am looking forward to joining IoT Asia 2015.”

To register or get more information, please visit www.internetofthingsasia.com.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Media may apply for accreditation at http://www.internetofthingsasia.com on the Media tab
2. Requests for interviews with keynote speakers or the organisers should be directed to PINPOINT Public Relations at media@pinpoint-pr.netor call Illka Gobius on +65 9769 8370.
3. Image Caption: HE Iňigo De La Serna Hernaiz, Mayor of Santander, Spain speaks at the Smart City Forum, Internet of Things Asia 2014