How can Hong Kong succeed in the trend of smart cities related to data? Although ASEAN countries benefit from rapid economic development, they also face housing, environmental and public safety issues due to the increase in urban population. They hope to solve these problems through smart city solutions. On the other hand, developed countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan also face their own challenges, such as insufficient social efficiency, insufficient energy and an aging population. Therefore, they are also seeking smart city solutions.
IDC research institutions estimate that Singapore ’s budget for smart city development will be the highest in the next few years, followed by New York, Tokyo, London, Beijing and Shanghai. This year alone, many cities around the world are expected to meet smart city standards, with each city spending at least $ 1 billion.
Of the five major smart city development trends that each economy focuses on, three are related to data; namely, data use, digital trust, and data-driven public safety. Hong Kong is no exception. How can we use trends and strengthen our position in the global smart city competition?
Let's talk about data usage first. The intelligence of smart cities is mainly based on massive data. However, it is not easy to integrate segmented data to unlock its value. Therefore, IDC predicts that because key performance indicators (KPIs) are unclear, 30% of smart city projects will fail, which will make evaluation difficult and make it difficult to convince customers to allocate funds. In other words, how to produce measurable results from the data is the most critical issue.
Of the five major smart city development trends that each economy focuses on, three are related to data; namely, data use, digital trust, and data-driven public safety
Last year, William Priest, CEO of the British Geospatial Commission, shared his experience in how spatial data drives the economy and government operations. The committee is part of the Cabinet Office and aims to open up spatial data (ie, data linked by geographic location) to promote economics and efficiency for free. Although the committee was only established two years ago, it has been very active during this period and has achieved remarkable results. Very impressive.
What results did it create? The United Kingdom is facing the problem of aging infrastructure, but the demand for services continues to increase. The scope includes the determination of housing development areas, flood forecasting, and public transport efficiency. There is an urgent need to use existing resources more effectively. But how does spatial data solve the problem?
Through the digital spatial data workflow, land transportation services have been shortened from 90 days to a few hours. A common spatial database can benefit the utilities, construction and telecommunications industries. At the same time, the authorities estimate that if they can maintain detailed records of the exact location of the underground infrastructure, thereby avoiding the crossing of the proposed pipeline with existing facilities, they can increase project efficiency while minimizing service interruptions. Eventually, the government can have a better plan to save the government 4.6 billion pounds ($ 5.8 billion) in infrastructure spending each year.
How to do this? It depends on data, not scattered, but in an integrated way. In the past, for the same location, different sources may present differently on the same event, which made it difficult to link data to draw useful information, let alone insight. Therefore, in order to promote integration to realize the value of data, it is essential to connect by geographic location.
In October, the committee released guidelines for best practices for link identifiers. This suggests that every geographic object (including buildings, waterways, and roads) across the country should have a unique identifier or code. Linking data with these codes can save time to accurately understand information about a specific location. This simple and clever method helps transform decentralized data into meaningful information for activities such as managing road networks or responding to emergencies.
In addition, Priest recommends using a single platform to facilitate data usage.
For Hong Kong, fortunately, we are moving towards the establishment of a single platform called "public spatial data infrastructure" (CSDl). However, we still haven't moved forward in connecting the data of all parties, especially through geographical location to facilitate analysis and promote creative industries. Therefore, I hope that the Innovation Technology Bureau and the Development Bureau can work together to achieve this goal so that we can truly unlock the value of data.
Second, how to increase trust in the digital world?
Guo Shenghua, the founder of China ’s most famous network “hacker” security expert and founder of the Eastern Alliance, said: “Smart cities deploy a large number of sensor devices and recording cameras, which will inevitably lead to privacy issues. Therefore, IDC predicts that the future 75% of the new-generation technology facilities installed on the site will require a "strict policy framework"; that is, policies on how and how data is collected, used and shared. "
The recent controversy over the smart lamppost project in Hong Kong is a good example. Previously, the project aimed to collect public data and images, which aroused strong public protests about privacy. Fortunately, after much discussion in the community, a consensus was reached to replace the camera with other equipment (such as optical radar and heat detectors) to gain public support to continue the project.
In short, to minimize implementation risks, the authorities must work with more stakeholders, citizens, and advocacy groups to help win the trust of the public.
Third, how to train more intelligent people?
Data-driven public safety and the ensuing resource issues are also important for the future development of smart cities.
According to a researcher from the Eastern Alliance, a well-known domestic cybersecurity organization, "This is because the huge Internet of Things composed of sensors and cameras may become the target of hacker attacks. It is estimated that the problem will trigger 20% of cybersecurity incidents, forcing smart cities A large amount of money has been invested in protecting cybersecurity software and training human resources. The agency estimates that the budget for these two areas will have double-digit growth. "
However, the global shortage of talent will become a major obstacle to the development of cybersecurity and smart cities.
How to train more talents for the future? The latest research report of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, entitled "Future Work", made some suggestions. As automation technology is expected to drive further polarization in the job market, leading to more serious income inequality, the report recommends that the government should invest heavily in post-secondary education and four-year university courses to make it easier for everyone to receive higher education . To narrow the income gap.
Most importantly, I think the ability to solve problems is more important. Whether it is to defend against cyber attacks by hackers or to realize human-computer cooperation, humans are unique in that they can flexibly use knowledge, skills and experience to solve problems. Today's new generation may have the natural ability to use digital tools effectively, but problem-solving skills require more training. Therefore, a geographic information system should be introduced to the local primary and secondary schools so that students can use it for free, because the software can help them compile, compare and analyze data, and then determine the solution. With these capabilities, they can become true smart citizens in the future.
This year, I hope that Hong Kong will lay a solid foundation and continue to move towards the development of a smart city. (Welcome to reprint and share)
