THE Penang government today received a boost as Maxis explores a smart city partnership with the state to support its Penang2030 vision.
Maxis has been playing an integral role by having a strong presence in the state with a 4G population coverage of 100 percent.
Last August, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the Penang2030 vision with an objective to build a family focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo expressed gratitude to Maxis for its commitment.
Touching on the smart city concept, he pointed out that the state had been leading in this aspect with a few initiatives already outlined.
Jagdeep cited the opening of the Penang Digital Library Phase Two in Jalan Masjid Negri in January this year and engaging with schools to have a digital library, besides plans to set up an Islamic digital library and a smart parking system this year.
Apart from that, he said a smart bus stop system would be announced soon.
Another initiative includes a pilot project involving Intel on the implementation of CCTVs, street lights, environmental sensors and upgrading of an operational centre at the Seberang Perai Municipal Council.
“We aim to become a state of equal standing with smart cities around the world and be the talk of the global community, in line with country’s digital transformation agenda as well as Industry 4.0,” Jagdeep said.
Jagdeep was speaking after officially opening a forum, titled ‘Penang: Beyond Smart Government and Smart Network for a Better World.’
The forum saw key stakeholders discussed requirements for the Penang2030 vision and a Smart City Blueprint, such as key points needed for the successful development of policies, initiatives, and programmes for the state and subsequent implementation of smart city elements.
Maxis head of sales and service Tan Lay Han said the initiative was important as it demonstrated a shared vision between business and government.
“We applaud their (state) efforts for their foresight and leveraging the power of technology to achieve the 2030 mission. We are eager to play an instrumental role in the journey to achieve their ambitions,” he said.
Tan added this was a positive step forward for the telecommunications company to become a preferred partner in connectivity and digital solutions.
By Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting