The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced on April 13 that it would launch a series of pilot projects to test smart city solutions based on AI in five Southeast Asian countries. This is part of a strategy to promote the export of urban technologies and support Korean enterprises in expanding into international markets. According to information released by MOLIT, six projects have been selected to be implemented as part of the K-City Network 2026 program – a collaborative initiative funded by the South Korean government, focusing on sharing expertise in urban planning, technology transfer, and support for feasibility studies for smart city projects abroad. Through this program, South Korea aims to establish a long-term cooperation foundation with partner countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, a region facing rapid urbanization and significant pressure on its infrastructure.
The selected projects this year aim to develop smart urban operating systems, capable of self-analysis and problem-solving using AI and data, in domains such as transportation, security, and the environment. AI will play a crucial role in optimizing transportation, disaster management, and water resource management. Specifically, in the field of transportation – one of the most urgent issues in urban areas – several pilot projects have been selected.
In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), AI and big data-based on-demand transport services will be implemented to reduce waiting times in public transportation and transition to an efficient user-centric transport system. Additionally, in Can Tho City, an AI-based technology for abnormal situation detection, combined with intelligent traffic management, will be deployed to enhance safety at complex intersections. In Bacoor City (Philippines), an intelligent AI-based traffic management system will be established, enabling real-time traffic analysis and optimization of traffic lights. In Penang (Malaysia), an AI-based traffic management system and video surveillance will also be implemented to detect accidents and traffic jams in real-time, verifying the capabilities of a smart city. In Brunei, the project aims to build and operate an integrated smart city platform based on AI to improve water management and disaster response, taking into account local specifics. It is also expected to serve as a springboard for future technological export development in connection with Brunei’s smart city projects.
In the security field, Surin City (Thailand) will test an integrated security management solution for old buildings, combining damping technology and AI-based structural monitoring systems. The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure (MOLIT) hopes that this project will serve as a stepping stone for entering the building security management market in Southeast Asia.
The Ministry of Urban Development and Investment (MOI) stated that through these pilot projects, South Korea will verify the feasibility of smart city technologies in different contexts and countries, while improving technological efficiency to meet the specific needs of partner cities. Building on this, South Korea will enhance its cooperation with host governments and businesses to develop its export and investment projects.
Kim Hyo-jung, Director of Urban Policies at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MOLIT), stated that smart cities are evolving into intelligent systems where AI manages the entire city, moving beyond simple infrastructure. Through this project, South Korea will demonstrate on the ground that Korean-style urban AI technology can address practical issues in foreign cities while developing into a significant export industry.
Source: VietnamPlus – https://www.vietnamplus.vn/han-quoc-thu-cong-nghe-thanh-pho-thong-minh-dua-tren-ai-tai-5-nuoc-dong-nam-a-post1104706.vnp
