The Road to Sustainable Cities - THE INSIDE VIEW ASEAN Smart Cities
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ISSUE 14 | JUNE–JULY 2021
The Road to
Sustainable
Cities
ISSN 2721-8058
THE INSIDE VIEW SHIFTING CURRENTS CONVERSATIONS
ASEAN Smart Cities COVID-19 Response An Urban Renewal
Updates
ts of
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Ministerial Bodies Sectoral Bodies *) takes guidance from and reports to both AMCA and AMRI
AMRI-ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information AHMM-ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting SOMS-Senior Officials Meeting on Sports
AMCA-ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts AMMDM-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting SOMRDPE-Senior Officials Meeting on Rural
on Disaster Management Development and Poverty Eradication
AMMY-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth COP-AADMER-Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN SOMSWD-Senior Officials Meeting on Social
Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response Welfare and Development
ASED-ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting AMME-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment ACWC-ASEAN Commission on the Promotion
and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children
AMMS-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports COP to AATHP-Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN ACW-ASEAN Committee on Women
Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
AMRDPE-ASEAN Ministers on Rural Development and SOMCA-Senior Officials Meeting on Culture and Arts SLOM-Senior Labour Officials Meeting
Poverty Eradication
AMMSWD-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and COCI-The ASEAN Committee for Culture and Information SOM-ACCSM-Senior Officials Meeting
Development on ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters
AMMW-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women SOMRI-Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information SOMHD-Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development
ALMM-ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting SOMY-Senior Officials Meeting on Youth ASOEN-ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment
ACCSM-The Heads of Civil Service Meeting SOMED-Senior Officials Meeting on Education COM to AATHP-Committee under the Conference of Parties
for ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
Contents 3
11
Secretary-General of ASEAN
Dato Lim Jock Hoi
Deputy Secretary-General of
ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community (ASCC)
Kung Phoak
EDITORIAL BOARD
Directors of ASCC Directorates
Rodora T. Babaran,
Ky-Anh Nguyen
Assistant Directors of
ASCC Divisions
Benjamin Loh, Ferdinal Fernando,
Jonathan Tan, Mega Irena,
IN THIS ISSUE Riyanti Djalante, Sita Sumrit,
Vong Sok
THE ROAD TO EDITORIAL TEAM
SUSTAINABLE Editor-in-Chief
Mary Kathleen Quiano-Castro
CITIES
Associate Editor
Joanne B. Agbisit
Dato Lim Jock Hoi
Secretary-General of ASEAN 6 Staff Writer
Novia D. Rulistia
Promoting Smart and
Senior Officer, Analysis Division
Sustainable Urbanisation
in ASEAN: Progress 37 46 Kiran Sagoo
Officer, Analysis Division
and Challenges 8
Pricilia Putri Nirmala Sari
Capturing the Urban EDITORIAL ADDRESS
Opportunity in Southeast Asia 11
Viewpoints Snapshots The ASEAN Secretariat
Shaping Smarter ASEAN ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Cities: The Path Towards Community Department
Hugh Lim Building Greater Jalan Sisingamangaraja 70A
Environmentally Executive Director, Understanding and Tolerance Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Sustainable Cities 17 Centre for Liveable Cities 14 in a Troubled World 45 Tel: 62-21-7262991
Confronting Urban Transport Non Arkaraprasertkul, PhD Fostering Greater E-mail: ASCCAD@asean.org
Woes in Southeast Asia 23 Senior Expert, Smart City Understanding: Tolerance
ISSN 2721-8058
10 Things to Know About Promotion Department and a Sense of Regional
Southeast Asian Cities 27 Digital Economy Promotion Agendas Among
Southeast Asian Cities in the Agency (DEPA), Thailand 20 the Peoples of ASEAN 46
UNESCO World Heritage List 28
Conversations Bridges
Shifting Currents
Kotchakorn Voraakhom The Land of Gold, Spices
ASEAN Health Ministers Landscape Architect 37 and Coconuts: India’s Voyage
Vow Stronger Regional Muhammad Agung Saputra to Southeast Asia 49
Cooperation on COVID-19 Founder and CEO, Surplus 40 Understanding India’s
Response and Future (Food Rescue App) Ties to Southeast Asia
Preparedness 31 Han Jing Toh through Literature 50
Old Threat, New Threat: Sustainability Educator 42 The Beats of Indian-Southeast
Fighting Dengue in Bjorn Low Asian Tunes 54
a Pandemic 32 Urban Farmer and Executive
The Shape of Things to Come 34 Director, Edible Garden City 43
Cover Illustration by Fahrizal Aryanto | Composed by Kramakata
4 Editorial Note
A Note from the Editorial Team
This issue takes stock of ASEAN initiatives to turn cities—home UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif outlines
to half of the region’s populace—into habitable, sustainable, the various forms of assistance—from urban policy development
and resilient urban environments. to technical support—that the UN-Habitat has rendered to improve
living conditions in cities across Asia. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
In an interview, ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi Department’s Vong Sok and Dwight Jason Ronan discuss ongoing
highlights that transforming cities into smart ones, i.e. data- programmes, projects, and partnerships to promote clean and green
driven and technologically-enabled, represents a vital step urban spaces. Our editorial team looks at regional and national plans
towards improving people’s quality of life in cities and addressing to solve road transport-induced air pollution and health issues.
a multitude of urban problems, including disasters and pandemics.
ASEAN Connectivity Division’s Lim Chze Cheen and Benazir Syahril Our Conversations section features remarkable individuals
provide an overview of the regional frameworks and strategies who launched their own initiatives to make their cities more
developed to guide Member States in carrying out smart and liveable and sustainable. These include an app to address food
sustainable urbanisation. waste, projects to transform “wasted” spaces like rooftops and
abandoned infrastructures into organic farms and public green
Non Arkaraprasertkul of Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion spaces, and urban garden projects.
Agency Digital discusses the progress and challenges of establishing
digital connectivity in the region, a key component of smart cities, Our Shifting Currents and Snapshots sections provide updates on
and the opportunity-in-crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic presents ongoing ASEAN initiatives related to COVID-19, dengue, and cultural
for engineering a digital shift. Centre for Liveable Cities’ Hugh Lim understanding. We also have a reflective essay from the University
talks about ways to create pandemic- and climate-resilient cities, of the Philippines’ Clement Camposano on how education
emphasising the role of smart solutions and an innovative administrators can make remote learning work for teachers
population in swift pandemic response and recovery. and students, even post-pandemic.
Along with mainstreaming smart technologies into urban systems, The issue rounds off with four articles exploring the historical,
ASEAN also recognises the need to address the range of challenges literary and musical ties between Southeast Asia and India.
caused by rapid urbanisation, including competition for limited
resources, environmental degradation, and health problems.
Issue 1 Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4
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The ASEAN Regional Living Through WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL
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ASEAN ASEAN
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DOUBLE ISSUE DOUBLE ISSUE
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Nurturing Creative Mental Health Care Women and Girls Feminine Leadership Managing Director
Learners in a Pandemic Who Code World Bank
The ASEAN June-July 2021
The Inside View 5
T h e
In s i d e
Vi e w
ASEAN works towards smart
and sustainable urbanisation
Photo Credit: © Imanuel Kristianto/Shutterstock
Hotel and office towers
viewed from Waduk Melati,
Jakarta, Indonesia
6 The Inside View
Viewpoint:
Dato Lim Jock Hoi
Secretary-General of ASEAN
ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi talks to The generating new sources of growth.
This may invigorate more cities to make
ASEAN on the qualities and benefits of smart cities, as smart development the foundation of
well as the ongoing initiatives to support the region’s long-term urban planning. Technology
26 major cities in developing, updating, is often considered an enabler, but
today, technology will also be a
and implementing their smart city action plans under differentiator and an accelerator.
the ASEAN Smart Cities Network initiative.
It is critical for ASEAN to put in place
W
policies that boost digital connectivity
hat characterises a smart city? ecosystem remains an important and encourage an innovative ecosystem.
Secretary-General Lim: foundation of its development and There is also a need to develop open data
A smart city harnesses competitive advantage, a smart city cooperation and strengthen digital data
technological as well as digital solutions and should be designed according to its governance in the region. This aims to further
other innovative means to address urban unique characteristics and potential. enhance data management, facilitate
challenges, create new opportunities, and harmonisation of data regulations
continuously improve the quality of life of Why is technology considered the and promote cross-data flows.
its people. enabler to improving people’s lives in
cities? What other aspects constitute Smart city initiatives need more than
A smart city also promotes social sustainable urban development? just technology to succeed. It requires
and economic development alongside Secretary-General Lim: The COVID-19 people-centred approaches, as well as
environmental sustainability through pandemic has created an impetus for close collaboration between different
effective mechanisms to meet current smart cities to embrace technology levels of government, the general public
and future challenges. As a city’s natural in addressing urban challenges and and the private sector. Collaboration
on the design and implementation of
smart city initiatives will help authorities
to understand and incorporate the needs
of various stakeholders, particularly
vulnerable groups, and, instil a greater
sense of ownership and stewardship
of smart city projects.
At the regional level, the ASEAN
Smart Cities Network (ASCN) provides
a collaborative platform where cities
work together towards the common
Photo Credit: © jamesteohart/Shutterstock
goal of smart and sustainable urban
development. Through this platform,
the ASCN also continues to develop
synergies with other relevant ASEAN
initiatives, such as the ASEAN Sustainable
Urbanisation Strategy, and strengthen
smart city partnerships beyond the region.
Such collaborations can bring about more
tangible outcomes by pooling together
the knowledge, expertise and resources
on the requisite hardware and software
for digital connectivity.
The ASEAN June-July 2021
The Inside View 7
Plans (SCAPs); and (ii) the Guidelines for
ASCN Engagement with External Partners
which serves as reference to the terms
and modalities for ASCN engagements
and partnerships.
Different cities encounter different
challenges. These could include the
need for integrated planning, evidence-
based planning, access to alternative
sources of project finance, social
inclusion, capacity building and
technical feasibility, among others. Cities
will need to find the right combination
of technologies, policies, and partners
to suit their own starting points and
priorities. Collaborative partnerships
involving public and private sectors as
broader stakeholders, through the ASCN
and other relevant platforms, can help
bring about better solutions and value
to the development of smart cities.
What are the priorities of the ASCN
this year?
Secretary-General Lim: The ASCN has
continued to strengthen the monitoring of
progress for SCAPs, facilitate partnerships,
develop projects that further improve the
lives of ASEAN people, and promote new
business opportunities in smart city
development. This year, the ASCN has been
looking into the possibility of developing
an online portal and an ASEAN smart city
investment toolkit.
The ASCN online portal aims to function
as a common platform for ASCN cities
to take stock of their SCAPs and update
their priorities, build partnerships, and
access important resources for smart
city development.
The ASEAN smart city investment toolkit is
envisaged to help cities understand various
funding and financing options, assess the
advantages and disadvantages of each,
and identify strategies that best fit cities’
Photo Credit: © ASEAN Secretariat
What has the network accomplished projects, foster existing partnerships, respective contexts.
so far since it was created? What are explore untapped potentials and build
the challenges to building smart cities, capacity to deliver smart city projects. In November 2021, the Ministry of
and how are these being addressed? Transport and Infocommunications
Secretary-General Lim: Since its In 2020, the ASCN has endorsed: (i) the ASCN of Brunei Darussalam will be hosting
establishment, the ASCN has grown from Monitoring and Evaluation Framework which the ASCN Conference with the theme
strength to strength. Around 50 projects provides a standardised approach to support of “The New Normal.” The conference
have been developed and 40 partnerships ASCN cities by monitoring progress and will focus on sharing experiences around
have been forged. The ASCN has strengthened preparing annual updates on the status of how cities will address the new normal
its institutional mechanisms to monitor these implementation of their Smart City Action in a post COVID-19 environment.
8 The Inside View
Promoting Smart and Sustainable Urbanisation in ASEAN
Progress and Challenges
LIM CHZE CHEEN BENAZIR SYAHRIL
DIRECTOR, CONNECTIVITY DIVISION PROJECT OFFICER, CONNECTIVITY DIVISION,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL OFFICE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL
Cities are at the frontline of key global trends and
P
ursuing smart and sustainable
urbanisation in ASEAN can help
challenges affecting the region, from pandemic to cities to recover from and adapt
climate change and digitalisation to inclusive growth. to current challenges and better prepare
Around half of ASEAN’s people already live in urban for future problems, whether these are
internal or external, short-term or
areas, and by 2025, a further 70 million people in this long-term, expected or unexpected. Photo Credit: © Muhammad Syahid/Shutterstock
region will be city dwellers. Rapid urbanisation would Smart and sustainable urbanisation has
place increasing pressures on most of these cities that therefore become an important part of
ASEAN’s efforts to raise the standards of
may not be adequately equipped to deal with a growing living of its peoples and empower them
range of potential threats. to seize opportunities and tackle head
on whatever challenges may arise in the
coming years. Connecting urban areas
can also strengthen regional production
networks and promote inclusive growth.
Above
Johor Baru, Malaysia. One of 26 ASEAN
Smart Cities (ASCN) Pilot Cities
The ASEAN June-July 2021
The Inside View 9
This is where enhancing ASEAN Connectivity (ACRF) adopted by ASEAN Leaders and well-being; security; quality
and increasing investments in infrastructure at the 37th ASEAN Summit in November environment; built infrastructure;
are critical. 2020. The ACRF underscores the need and industry and innovation.
to synergise ASEAN’s initiatives in
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted sustainable urbanisation and smart Connecting cities across ASEAN through
the promise and possibilities of smart and city development through the ASEAN exchange of knowledge and expertise is
sustainable urbanisation. One key Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy one way to promote sustainable actions
development is the need to use (ASUS) and the ASEAN Smart Cities and solutions. In addition, cities’ varying
technology. Whether it is sustainable Network (ASCN). capacities and journeys in managing
public transport options or low carbon urban challenges provide opportunities
technology solutions, innovation and The establishment of ASCN and ASUS for enhanced collaboration.
technology will shape the future of cities in 2018 provided a platform to share
in ASEAN. With technology redefining best practices and generate more The prioritisation of actions and the
what is possible for cities to achieve, opportunities for growth, innovation, development of ASUS toolkits had
it is essential to build the capacity capacity-building, and inclusive sustainable emerged from the finding that many cities
and capability of the region’s human urban development. The ASCN and ASUS in ASEAN lack a comprehensive long-term
capital to seize this opportunity. share a similar framework and focus on strategy to guide them in implementing
six areas, namely: civic and social; health their sustainable urbanisation actions or
A mid-term review of the Master Plan
on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025
conducted in 2020 showed the increasing The establishment of ASCN and ASUS
relevance of connectivity in supporting in 2018 provided a platform to share
the socio-economic recovery and
strengthening the resilience of the best practices and generate more
ASEAN Member States and their cities opportunities for growth, innovation,
as they emerge from the pandemic.
This is also emphasised in the ASEAN
capacity-building, and inclusive
Comprehensive Recovery Framework sustainable urban development.
Photo Credit: © metamorworks/Shutterstock
10 The Inside View
lack the capacity to develop financially partners for further technical assistance, Achieving smart and sustainable
viable proposals. Cities can use the ASUS financing, and implementation. urbanisation will not be easy. The cities
toolkits to prioritise their sustainable need to look at their key threats, priorities,
urbanisation actions as well as develop In addition, ASEAN is working with the and goals and identify what resources
action plans or project proposals relevant UN-Habitat in preparing for the ASEAN are required to deliver their smart and
to their unique contexts. Moreover, Sustainable Urbanisation Forum in the sustainable urbanisation vision. It is also
funders and investors often consider third quarter of 2021 and the Report on useful to assign roles and responsibilities
small-scale city projects unattractive the State of Urbanisation in ASEAN to be for individual and collective actions over
due to the high transaction costs of completed by the end of the year. The Forum time and in the event of a shock. The
evaluating proposals. will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform implementation of ASEAN smart and
for policy discussions and knowledge sustainable urbanisation initiatives will
Developing smart and sustainable sharing. The Forum will also provide an continue to complement other ASEAN
urbanisation requires a holistic approach. opportunity for cities to engage partners efforts on infrastructure, digital connectivity,
Every city is different. It is essential to to explore potential cooperation for city the fourth industrial revolution, and
appreciate the underlying fabric of a city, projects, refine and finalise the cities' mainstreaming gender equality and
the systems they are in, and the risks they technical proposals. Meanwhile, the the rights of persons with disabilities.
face. Understanding the specific challenges Report on the State of Urbanisation
to a particular city and their potential in ASEAN is intended to give a more Through collaborations and partnerships,
impacts is vital for ensuring that the city can in-depth understanding of where ASEAN will develop a strong network of
effectively respond to them. We can learn ASEAN cities are in terms of sustainable cities with a pipeline of smart and sustainable
from the good practices around the world, urbanisation efforts and what can be urbanisation projects that will benefit
which are emerging and evolving. There is done further to support national and local the peoples of ASEAN.
thus a need for concerted multi-sectoral government endeavours in responding to
collaboration and partnerships among the challenges and opportunities within
different government institutions, private the ASUS priority actions. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
sector, non-governmental organisations,
international organisations, and other
external partners.
Hence, ASEAN has collaborated with
various partners, through ASCN and
ASUS, to support cities across the region
in developing action plans, undertaking
city diagnostics, and developing technical
project proposals, among other initiatives.
For instance, in collaboration with
the United Nations Human Settlements
Programme (UN-Habitat), ASEAN has been
working with cities to undertake city
diagnostic exercises towards developing
city technical proposals. The city technical
proposals will help cities in engaging
Photo Credit: © neoneyesriver/Shutterstock
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 11
Capturing the Urban
Opportunity in Southeast Asia
MAIMUNAH MOHD SHARIF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)
Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif shares with
C
ities worldwide are urbanising at
a rapid rate. Since 2007, cities have
The ASEAN how good urban governance is crucial to ensure
been home to more than half of the
urbanisation leads to equitable and sustainable growth. world’s population. That share is projected
to rise to 60 per cent by 2030 and to 70 per
cent by 2050, making urbanisation one of
the most significant and defining trends
of the 21st century.
The speed and scale of urbanisation in ASEAN
are quite striking. Today, more than half of the
people in ASEAN live in urban areas, and an
additional 70 million people are estimated to
live in ASEAN cities by 2025, which is equivalent
to more than the current population of all
capital cities in ASEAN. Moreover, urbanisation
in Southeast Asia is taking place across the
urban-rural continuum, from the smallest
and most remote communities to
burgeoning megacities.
How we plan for, manage, and anticipate
urbanisation will shape development
trajectories and the lives of millions. To meet
the needs of our planet and people, cities must
be supported and governed to be sustainable,
resilient, green, healthy, just, inclusive, and safe.
Having had the honour of serving
as the Mayor of Penang, Malaysia, I have
seen firsthand the urban transformations
taking place in my home city and across
Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation
Strategy, launched in 2018, is grounded
on a deep understanding and forward-
looking perspective that no country has
Photo Credit: © UN-Habitat
yet achieved high-income status without
high levels of urbanisation. Consequently,
the prosperity of ASEAN is intimately
linked to the prosperity of its cities.
Urbanisation has been a propeller of economic
growth in Southeast Asian cities. Much of this
growth occurs not only in mega-cities such as12 The Inside View
Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila but also in smaller
and intermediary cities with populations
between 500,000 and five million.
Across the region, cities are fulfilling
their promise as engines of national
and regional growth, continuing to attract
households and individuals while offering
countless economic, social, and cultural
opportunities. This promise is captured
in UN-Habitat’s World Cities Report 2020:
The Value of Sustainable Urbanization, which
affirms that well-planned, managed, and
financed cities create unquantifiable value
that can vastly improve the quality of life.
However, urbanisation is making
development challenges more complex,
not only in terms of demand for better
housing and basic services provision
but also with regard to environmental,
public health, and climate change issues.
Poverty, informality, and inequality are
still prevalent across the region. Indeed,
urbanisation is exerting serious pressure
on freshwater supplies, resource extraction,
ecosystems, biodiversity, and health and
sanitation systems. multi-level governance frameworks, and Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
partnerships with relevant national and
The resource footprint of cities across local agencies and stakeholders help
the region is expanding. According to the deliver results. To understand what is happening in our cities
ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy, and how we can act, we also must build smarter
by 2025, waste volume in Southeast Asia Integrated and inclusive strategic planning cities that are able to gather and manage data
is expected to increase by 150 per cent that responds to and anticipates the needs for sustainable urban development at the
from 1995 levels. Many cities in Southeast of cities can mitigate future challenges and local level. In collaboration with ASEAN,
Asia face the existential threat of rising deliver better urban environments. UN-Habitat is providing technical support
sea levels and the increased frequency to cities in developing viable technical project
of natural disasters. UN-Habitat has supported 56 countries proposals focused on digital solutions to
globally in different stages of their national enhance safety and security in urban areas, in
So, what are some of the important elements urban policy development, including alignment with the priorities indicated by the
that make up a sustainable city? Myanmar and the Philippines. ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy.
To provide a fertile ground for sustainable Strengthening capacity to deliver basic urban We must also strive for sustainable cities
growth, cities require holistic approaches services such as water and sanitation, waste by exploring critical and emerging policy
integrating sectoral solutions. Urbanisation management, mobility, and energy, is critical opportunities and new ways of thinking
cannot be addressed in silos. to securing improved livelihoods, particularly and working. The Future of Asian and Pacific
for marginalised communities. In 2020 alone, Cities report, produced in collaboration with
Irrespective of a city’s profile and 500,000 people were reached globally the United Nations Economic and Social
demographics, good urban governance through UN-Habitat’s Urban Basic Services Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP),
is a critical enabler of sustainable urban Trust Fund, set up by UN-Habitat to support identifies 15 policy pathways that can guide
Photo Credit: © Holger Mette
development. Strengthening policies, member states in addressing the increasing future urbanisation in the region to deliver on
deficit in urban basic services in the face of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
rapid and unplanned urbanisation. In this and the New Urban Agenda.
regard, one of our initiatives is the Waste
Wise Cities Campaign, which brings These elements for achieving sustainable
together over 200 cities committed urbanisation demand greater attention as
to promoting the 5Rs: Rethink, countries globally face the seminal wake-up
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. call of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 13
We must also strive for sustainable
cities by exploring critical and
emerging policy opportunities and
new ways of thinking and working.
across Southeast Asia have been hit hard by The report provides guidance to local,
recent waves of COVID-19 cases. Nevertheless, regional and national governments, and
the pandemic must be an opportunity to practitioners on designing coordinated
build more sustainable cities, not just policies from the local to national levels that
in overcoming the current and future are based on strong local data of more than
pandemics but also in responding to 1,700 cities and well-documented evidence.
other long-term global stresses.
It is encouraging to see the great efforts
The UN Secretary-General’s policy brief, of ASEAN to support cities in achieving Australia Development Cooperation Program-
COVID-19 in an Urbanizing World, and the sustainable urbanisation and harnessing Phase II (AADCP II) and collaboration with
UN-Habitat COVID-19 Response Plan, aim to this collective potential. various partners.
support local government and community-
driven solutions in informal settlements; Sustainable and inclusive urbanisation Cities across Southeast Asia have an
provide urban data, evidence-based is a key priority to achieve the objectives immense wealth of lessons and experiences
mapping and knowledge for informed of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity to share with the world. One example is the
decisions; mitigate economic impacts, 2025 and to raise the living standards of growing effort of ASEAN cities to complete
and initiate recovery. communities all over Southeast Asia. their Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the
SDGs. The VLR approach complements
The recent UN-Habitat report, Cities Since 2020, UN-Habitat has been Voluntary National Reviews (VNR),
and Pandemics: Towards a More Just, Green, collaborating with ASEAN to accelerate represents a valuable instrument for
and Healthy Future, suggests that there the implementation of the ASEAN cities to monitor their progress towards
is an opportunity from the pandemic for Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy, sustainable development, and offers fertile
cities to seize the moment and enhance providing technical support to pilot ground for fruitful exchanges with partners
their inclusiveness and sustainability. cities and bridging knowledge and and cities at the national, regional, and
lessons learned to regional-scale global scale.
initiatives. This work is being conducted
Urban slum in the Philippines with the generous support of the ASEAN- It gives me great pleasure to welcome
cities from across Southeast Asia to the
next World Urban Forum 11 (WUF11),
to be held in Katowice, Poland, from
26 to 30 June 2022, with the theme
of Transforming Our Cities for a Better
Urban Future.
WUF11 presents a timely opportunity
for us to come together and share the
invaluable lessons learned from the
ongoing pandemic, accelerate sustainable
urbanisation, and suggest ways cities can
be better prepared to address future
shocks and challenges.
In this spirit of transformative change, we
Photo Credit: © UN-Habitat
must continue to look for and implement
innovative ways to plan, build, and govern
our cities.
UN-Habitat stands ready to work in partnership
across Southeast Asia towards sustainable
urban development and a better quality
of life for all.14 The Inside View
Viewpoint:
Hugh Lim
Executive Director, Centre for Liveable Cities
Hugh Lim, Executive Director of Centre for Liveable Cities, He discusses the benefits of transforming
weighs in on what it takes to build pandemic-proof and Southeast Asian cities into smart cities,
particularly the role that smart solutions
resilient cities based on the practices that worked and play in accelerating post-pandemic
deficiencies that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. recovery and ensuring urban resilience
to future crises.
COVID-19 spread rapidly in cities
and caught the urban population
off-guard. What changes—especially
in infrastructure, human settlements,
and urban systems and logistics—should
cities make to keep urban dwellers
safe from and more resilient against
similar public health emergencies
in the future?
Lim: Singapore entered the COVID-19
pandemic with the benefit of prior
experience dealing with the severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in
2003. However, the COVID-19 crisis
brought with it even greater risks from
the asymptomatic spread, which was
different from our previous battle with
SARS. This experience has shown us that
any new disease outbreak could be very
different from the last one.
Notwithstanding this, there are steps
we can take to build up resilience in the
face of future crises, including public
health emergencies.
First, cities should invest in whole-
of-society resilience.
Photo Credit: © Centre for Liveable Cities
When the pandemic first struck,
cities needed to rapidly roll out
infrastructure for treatment and
quarantine whilst rolling out interventions
to promote safe distancing and a clean
and safe environment. Such just-in-time
responses require cities to invest in
building resilience, such as identifying
and preparing just-in-case facilities and
spaces and developing emergency
preparedness mechanisms.
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 15
As an island-city-state, Singapore has limited land to produce
much of its goods and food, and leverages its connectivity and
global trade to facilitate supply flows. Keeping supply chains
resilient is something we pay constant attention to.
This pandemic has also highlighted it is clear that COVID-19 has accelerated Above
the importance for cities to invest digitalisation in our cities. Digitalisation Singapore
in sufficient social infrastructure such presents opportunities for greater agility
as healthcare services to support all in how we plan and programme our ensure food security, and provide
communities. Otherwise, a crisis may cities—more spaces can serve multiple essential goods and services for its
result in uneven outcomes, as well as purposes, and digital platforms can be population in the pandemic? What
unwelcome competition for resources. leveraged to enable places to be more lessons can cities learn from
flexible in use. Singapore’s experience?
Achieving environmental health also Lim: As an island-city-state, Singapore has
requires a whole-of-community effort. Similarly, hyper-local living patterns limited land to produce much of its goods
Aside from investing in cleaning services observed across cities during lockdowns and food, and leverages its connectivity
and technology, cities need to think about highlighted the important role that and global trade to facilitate supply
how to sustain public hygiene habits and neighbourhoods play in liveability. flows. Keeping supply chains resilient is
behaviours, and more generally, build Cities will need to consider how something we pay constant attention to.
the trust that is required for adherence to create better, healthier, more inclusive
to health and safety measures, such neighbourhoods, with a mix of uses that Since SARS, Singapore has kept a certain
as the wearing of masks. support work and leisure and access to level of stockpiles for essentials such as
nature, near the home. Planning and medical supplies. However, the speed
Photo Credit: © Travelpixs/Shutterstock
Important elements like trust and activating a city for the health of its and scale of border closures, disruptions
collaboration across society need residents is not a new theme, but it is to supply chains and imposition of export
to be built up over time. certainly one that has come to the fore restrictions due to the COVID-19
because of the COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic were unprecedented.
Second, there is a need for us
to rethink planning paradigms. The pandemic disrupted the food supply There are five observations from
chain, affecting farm production, food our experience.
COVID-19 has shifted the way we live, processing and manufacturing, transport
work, play, and learn. It is too soon to and logistics, and consumption. This First, given the global disruption
conclude the eventual landing for trends impacted cities the most. How does in supply chains, keeping a certain
such as working-from-home, but Singapore handle these disruptions, amount of stocks for essential goods16 The Inside View
like food and medical supplies is a Fourth, cities need to understand and Cities should accelerate their
necessity. Cities may also need flexibility address risks and interdependencies in digitalisation plans to better serve
in land and space usage to cater for surge essential supply chains. Key strategies to citizens and residents across age
requirements. For instance, parts of mitigate such risks include diversification groups and income brackets.
the recently decommissioned from any single source, assessing
Tanjong Pagar Terminal were interdependencies in supply chains, In a post-pandemic recovery, cities
retrofitted and repurposed into working closely with different nations to will need to consider how physical
a dedicated cold storage facility keep borders open, and leveraging on the infrastructure should be planned to
for vegetables and protein. resources of private and non-profit sectors. include digital infrastructure, to support
remote working and schooling. Such
Second, to prepare for future crises, Fifth, in the medium-term, cities must digital infrastructure may also support
cities may need to expand their scope seek to move towards greater circularity. remote healthcare and services for
in stockpiling and have an emergency Supply chain disruptions highlighted the elderly at home.
procurement strategy. Expanding the the need to promote a more sustainable
scope of stockpiling will have implications way of living. A circular system would There is an increasing opportunity
on space and infrastructure needs —cities mean that cities could make resources for greater digital innovation to meet
will need to consider how to enlarge the last longer. Reusing discarded items or the need for urban services. To respond
capacity of current storage spaces and refurbishing is an effective way of reducing to the challenges of COVID-19 in
the logistics needed for effective last-mile dependency on imports. Singapore is Singapore, for example, applications
distribution of items. Cities also need to investing to identify innovative ways to such as TraceTogether and SafeEntry
consider emergency procurement strategies improve recycling and reuse rates such were extremely important to support
to respond to disruptions quickly. as repurposing its incinerator bottom contact tracing efforts, whilst the
ash to be used as road construction Space Out and Safe Distance @ Parks
Third, land-scarce, high-density cities material (i.e. NEWSand). platforms provided information on
need to make innovative uses of land crowd levels so that people could
and space to ramp up local production Countries have developed strategies make informed decisions on their
to achieve some degree of self-sufficiency to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and outdoor visits during periods of
for essential items. For example, Singapore emerge even stronger. What role do smart heightened risk.
encouraged the development of Integrated cities development play in post-pandemic
Construction and Prefabrication Hubs— recovery and reconstruction? The private sector and civil society
multi-storey manufacturing facilities for Lim: Technology and digital services also responded by rolling out new
building components with a high degree have become crucial in providing platforms and apps such as e-payments
of automation, for more efficient land and new and safe ways to connect and for hawkers, delivery services and cloud
space utilisation, and to reduce wastage access urban services, and will kitchens, and community-based apps
of raw materials. continue to do so. to match volunteers with seniors
needing help. Some of these new
solutions have potentially long-
lasting implications for how we plan
and operate our cities in the future.
For instance, cloud kitchens are not
new, but their growth has been
accelerated by COVID-19, as more
people make use of food delivery
services in Singapore.
Importantly, while smart city
technologies are key enablers
Photo Credit: © kandl stock/Shutterstock
for liveable, sustainable, and resilient
cities of the future, they must be
accessible to all. The effectiveness
of digital solutions for the health
and resilience of a city often depends
on their acceptance and use by a large
part of the population. In Singapore,
“digital ambassadors” assist small
businesses and the elderly to get
comfortable with smartphones and
applications, among other initiatives.
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 17
Shaping Smarter
Da Lat, Viet Nam
ASEAN Cities
affected by these climate-induced
disasters will come from the region.
The competition for limited resources,
unmanaged waste production, and
The Path Towards Environmentally vulnerability to climate risks bring about
serious socioeconomic and governance
Sustainable Cities implications, including to key sectors
such as health, employment, and other
social services. Recent efforts towards
VONG SOK, PHD DWIGHT JASON RONAN greener cities recognise the increasing
HEAD, ENVIRONMENT DIVISION, SENIOR OFFICER, ENVIRONMENT
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL DIVISION, ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL
importance of maintaining the vital
COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT ecosystem services of urban environments.
Smart and climate-resilient cities require
an integrated and holistic approach to
urban planning, especially in adopting
The last few decades saw the dramatic expansion mechanisms to control inputs needed
and outputs produced in these
of megacities in Southeast Asia. The region has one human settlements.
of the fastest growing rates of urbanisation, with more
than half of its residents living in urban areas. Several initiatives have been implemented
by ASEAN to tackle these emerging urban
A
challenges. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural
SEAN cities, like Manila, Bangkok, Similarly, metropolitan areas leave larger Community Blueprint 2025 outlines
and Jakarta, are also some of the ecological footprints. Recent estimates from strategic measures in mainstreaming
world’s most densely populated the United Nations suggest that while cities green growth in urban areas, including
cities with numbers still expected to grow occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth’s land, (a) promoting sustainable urbanisation
Photo Credit: © Hien Phung Thu/Shutterstock
due to rapid industrialisation and the influx they consume about 75 per cent of natural through participatory and integrated urban
of locals migrating from the countryside. By resources, produce 50 per cent of all wastes, planning approaches; (b) enhancing local
2050, six out of 10 people in the region will and account for 75 per cent of carbon capacities to promote more liveable cities;
be urban dwellers, according to the UN emissions. On top of these, many ASEAN (c) improving multi-stakeholder cooperation
Environment Progamme. This significant cities are some of the most vulnerable to ensure equitable access to vital resources;
demographic shift will redefine how the to natural disasters and climate change. (d) supporting the development of greener
cities of the future will look like. Rising sea levels and global warming put infrastructures; and (e) putting in place
many of the region’s metropolises at risk enabling policies and institutional
As cities expand, the demand for resources to more frequent floods, stronger tropical mechanisms to realise these goals.
also increases, creating a heavier burden on storms, and prolonged drought. A study
the environment. Larger urban population cited in the ASEAN Sustainable Complementing this, the Master Plan on
translates to a higher demand for clean Urbanisation Strategy revealed that ASEAN Connectivity 2025 was also adopted
water, air, energy, and other vital resources. almost 80 per cent of those worst to serve as a blueprint for building up regional18 The Inside View
Recipients of the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award
connectivity by enhancing infrastructure,
First ASEAN ESC Awards (2008)
promoting innovations, and boosting people’s
Brunei Darussalam Temburong mobility, among other initiatives. In 2018, the
Cambodia Phnom Penh ASEAN Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy
Indonesia Palembang was adopted and the ASEAN Smart Cities
Lao PDR Luang Prabang Network was established to support ASEAN
cities in building resilient and sustainable
Malaysia North Kuching City Hall
cities. Both initiatives highlight the value
Myanmar Taungyi of enhancing environmental protection
Philippines Puerto Princesa and strengthening urban resilience.
Singapore South West Community Development Council
Thailand Bangkok
Over the years, significant progress has
been made to further support sustainable
Viet Nam Ha Long
urbanisation through the work coordinated
Second ASEAN ESC Awards (2011) and spearheaded by the ASEAN Working
Brunei Darussalam National Housing Scheme Rimba Group on Environmentally Sustainable
Cambodia Phnom Penh Cities (AWGESC). Specifically, AWGESC
Indonesia Surabaya
has coordinated and implemented
various projects in the region addressing
Lao PDR Xamneau
two priority programmes on Sustainable
Malaysia Perbadanan Putrajaya Urban Planning, Development, and
Myanmar Pyin Oo Lwin Implementation and Increasing Climate
Philippines Puerto Princesa Resilient and Low Carbon Cities.
Singapore South West Community Development Council
Notably, the ASEAN Environmentally
Thailand Phuket
Sustainable Cities (ESC) Award Programme
Viet Nam Danang was launched in 2008 to recognise ASEAN
Third ASEAN ESC Awards (2014) cities that have adopted eco-friendly policies
Brunei Darussalam Bandar Seri Begawan and programmes. The ESC Award is held every
four years to encourage urban environmental
Cambodia Battambang Municipality
sustainability in the region by recognising
Indonesia Balikpapan
exemplary efforts and sharing best local
Lao PDR Luang Prabang practices in keeping ASEAN cities clean
Malaysia Melaka and green. Forty cities from all 10 ASEAN
Myanmar Yangon Member States have been awarded since this
initiative was launched. In 2011, ASEAN also
Philippines San Carlos
started issuing Certificates of Recognition to
Singapore North West District
small cities (with population size of 20,000–
Thailand Chiang Rai City 750,000) and big cities (with population size
Viet Nam Hue City of 750,000–1.5 million) for their laudable
Fourth ASEAN ESC Awards (2017) achievements in three specific criteria: Clean
Air, Clean Land, and Clean Water. Additional
Brunei Darussalam Bandar Seri Begawan
consideration is given to those that adopt
Cambodia Kep City
innovative solutions in promoting urban green
Indonesia Tulung Agung spaces. To date, 21 ASEAN cities have been
Lao PDR Luang Prabang awarded under these categories. The latest
Malaysia Putrajaya set of ASEAN ESC Awards and Certificates of
Recognition will be awarded by October 2021
Myanmar Nay Pyi Taw
back-to-back with the 16th ASEAN Ministerial
Philippines San Carlos
Meeting on Environment in Indonesia. Both
Singapore North West District these awards underscore the importance
Thailand Nan Municipality of maintaining clean air, land, and water
Viet Nam Da Lat while ASEAN cities pursue sustainable
development. These further support the
AWGESC priorities of strengthening local
capacities in urban planning and building
climate resilient cities.
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 19
Since 2010, ASEAN has been organising the to address emerging urban environmental ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable
High-level Seminars on Environmentally issues in the region. EU support also targets Cities Award 2017
Sustainable Cities (HLS-SC) for the mutual promoting sustained green investments and
exchange of best practices and to foster forming stronger partnerships among ASEAN
collaboration among green cities in the and European cities. Similarly, the ASEAN Moving towards more environmentally
region. Every year, this activity gathers Municipal Solid Waste Management sustainable and climate-smart cities is
policymakers, experts, and practitioners Enhancement (AMUSE), funded by the increasingly becoming more essential
from East and Southeast Asian countries to German Federal Government, is about to be as urban centres continue to support
share innovative urban development initiatives, rolled out soon. Scheduled to be implemented an ever-growing population. ASEAN cities,
deepen city-to-city collaboration, and develop from 2021–2024, this project aims to improve through the initiatives led by AWGESC, target
specific recommendations for the East Asia waste disposal and recycling capabilities of to further realise these priorities by initiating
Summit (EAS) Environment Ministers Meeting key tourist cities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, activities that will maintain safe and equitable
to improve the region’s urban resilience. The Thailand, and Viet Nam. access to vital resources; build local urban
September 2020 EAS HLS-SC, held virtually, planning capacities; and further enhance
was attended by more than 100 participants Going forward, ASEAN is closely working cities’ climate resilience.
and yielded significant accomplishments. with other development partners to finalise
Photo Credit: © Ministry of Development (Brunei Darussalam)
proposals for more green urban initiatives Tomorrow’s cities should not only be
Building on the outcomes of the ASEAN- in the region. Among these are the ASEAN- technologically modernised, but should
Germany Development Partnership’s ROK Project on Clean Air for Sustainable consistently embrace environment-friendly
Expert Forum in November 2018, the ASEAN- ASEAN (CASA), which seeks to better practices to promote urban green spaces
Germany Project on Urban Climate Resilience understand the impact of air pollution and provide clean air, water, and land. Shaping
also started this year. Designed to build and propose strategies to minimise its smarter cities means building economically
regional and local capacities on climate impact on the environment and public productive urban spaces, while ensuring equal
change adaptation, disaster management, health, and the China-ASEAN Environment access to these economic gains and preserving
and sustainable urban development, this Outlook 2, which aims to document good the integrity of its environment.
initiative involves a series of workshops and practices of eco-friendly cities in ASEAN
forums, where outputs will be used to develop and China and strengthen regional References:
UNEP. (2018). Sustainable urban infrastructure transitions
useful knowledge products. cooperation to complement the crucial in the ASEAN region: A resource perspective. Nairobi:
role of cities in achieving the Sustainable UNEP; UN. (2021). Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe,
This year, the implementation of the EU- Development Goals. Other projects are resilient, and sustainable. https://www.un.org/
sustainabledevelopment/cities/; ASEAN Secretariat. (2018).
supported SMART Green ASEAN Cities is set also being developed with Member
ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy. https://asean.
to commence, focusing on promoting the use States to promote green infrastructure org/storage/2018/11/ASEAN-Sustainable-Urbanisation-
of smart technologies and digital solutions and protect urban biodiversity. Strategy-ASUS.pdf20 The Inside View
Viewpoint:
Non Arkaraprasertkul, PhD
Senior Expert, Smart City Promotion Department
Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Thailand
Dr. Non A serves in the
Smart City Promotion
Department of Thailand’s
Digital Economy Promotion
Agency, where he advocates
the concept and practice of
smart cities. He specialises
in the use of human-centred
design to solve pressing
open-ended problems.
Having lived and worked
overseas, he is constantly
inspired by design,
qualitative research, and
behavioural economics.
Originally trained as an
architect, he holds a
doctorate in anthropology
from Harvard University.
D
r. Non A talks to The ASEAN
about how digital connectivity
transforms and builds sustainable
cities, and what Southeast Asian countries
can do to maximise its benefits, close
the digital divide, and overcome
other barriers.
Photo Credit: © Non Arkaraprasertkul
What are the elements of successful
digital connectivity? How do you think
digital connectivity will transform society
in general and ASEAN in particular?
Non A: Digital connectivity is about
connecting people through digital
means to encourage productive
engagement. We have been living in
the digital age, in which it is difficult
to imagine a life without the convenience
of connecting with people, goods, and
The ASEAN June-July 2021The Inside View 21
the importance of innovation to safeguard
against so-called “disruption.” Often when
society transforms into one that is efficient the legacy business is doing well, these
and inclusive, or divisive and vulnerable organisations and companies take a backseat
depends on the collective measures by rather than proactively identify the domain
the members of the ASEAN states to of risk. The good news is that many
promote digital ecosystems, healthy organisations are using this moment
services through digital channels.That competition, and public-private-partnership to reevaluate their core business, current
said, like all technological advancements, in the building of a culture of open innovation. practices, and macroeconomic projections
there are pros and cons. While digital (e.g., global trends). One obvious example is
technology brings people together, What stage of the digital connectivity education, which, though not yet perfect,
it can also divide them, such as through trajectory do you think most ASEAN has never been so flexible and accessible.
the dissemination of false information. Member States are at today? Do you Creators of educational content, too,
So, the goal of digital connectivity is to agree with the observation that the have to come up with new succinct and
enhance and expand the scope of its COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated interesting content. Using digital tools to cut
benefits while keeping the negative countries’ digital transformation? down on waste and create new value for
impact in check. Non A: In general, ASEAN Member consumers, some of these organisations
States are in the expansion stage of digital are not simply surviving but thriving.
To be connected digitally, you first need connectivity. Despite news about “unicorn
the proper tools, skills, and infrastructure; start-ups” being born, bred and heavily It is remarkable that we have the landmark
the so-called “ecosystem.” Second, a viable invested in, there is still quite a wide gap ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM
and competitive market is key to the on the ground between those who have 2025), the purpose of which is to spearhead
introduction and adoption of superior and do not have basic access to the digital the transformation of the ASEAN region
technology. Naturally, both businesses economy. As the power of digital into “a leading digital community and
and consumers are looking for new and connectivity lies in big data analytics, more economic bloc, powered by secure and
efficient ways to exchange products and digital adoption means more diverse sets transformative digital services, technologies
services. Decades ago, we might have of data can be collected, analysed, and and ecosystems.” With the COVID-19
seen some reluctance towards the digital used to optimise services. Inclusivity, in pandemic positioned both at the core and
medium because consumers had access this sense, is not just admirable but has the periphery of this master plan, it is clear
to a limited amount of information. the potential to optimise the game for that the region as a whole has accepted
Moreover, there wasn’t a strong pull of the the well-being of the citizens. the reality of the situation. We need to set
so-called “network effect” to tip the balance secure, efficient, and inclusive standards
towards digital adoption. Today, both access Both the market economy and the central for cross-border exchange and open
to information and the network effect are governments have played a critical role in innovation through digital connectivity.
the name of the game. Consumers, therefore, increasing digital literacy and, therefore,
adapt to means of digital connectivity that digital activity. With its large population, What are the roadblocks to digital
provide clear benefits such as convenience, the ASEAN region has unrivalled potential connectivity? Do you think that digital
lower cost and environmental friendliness. to grow, especially if served well by the power transformation requires a similar cultural
Third, an open innovation platform, such of digital connectivity. While market forces shift or changes in societal values and
as open data initiatives, will unleash should be credited for encouraging many to norms? How so?
value-based products and services. learn new skills, governments are mandatory Non A: As mentioned earlier, the three
enablers in creating a supportive environment components of digital connectivity are
As the two latest generations of the through various means such as regulations the ecosystem, viable market, and open
world’s population (Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha) and incentives. innovation. These three components
are entering the workforce, they bring a work synergistically to promote digital
natural inclination towards digitalisation. There is some truth in the idea that an connectivity. A delay in establishing any
They will be living in an economic system unexpected crisis may give rise to an of these components will certainly result
whereby they act as both informed essential transformation. Thus, there is in roadblocks piling up. Looking closely,
consumers and digitally savvy workers. no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic what ties them together is cybersecurity.
It is likely that borderless transactions has thrown us into the opportunity-in- Hacking, spamming, and ransomware,
and e-citizenship will become the norm crisis stage. Organisations and companies just to name a few, are threats to positive
for these generations. So, whether ASEAN tend to fail because they underestimate digital exchange and transaction.You can also read
