Collaborating with local firms Cyberview and Allo, NTT Group is to launch its first smart city proof of concept in Malaysia.
 
As part of the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ FY 2019 project, based on the smart city initiatives that have started in Las Vegas, NTT Group will conduct the smart city proof of concept (PoC) in the Cyberjaya area of Malaysia from this month, in cooperation with local stakeholders.
 
Through this PoC, Japan-based NTT aims to establish a sustainable business model while verifying the possibility of solving social problems in Asia, using the technologies and know-how accumulated in the smart city field in the USA.
 
In Asian countries where stable economic growth continues, various social issues associated with economic growth such as traffic jams and environmental problems have become apparent, and the expectations for ICT-based solutions to these problems are growing.
 
Among Asian countries, Malaysia, a country that built up friendly and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Japan through the Look East policy advocated by prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad in 1981, is no exception. There are high expectations that Japanese companies will use technologies and know-how cultivated globally to contribute to the resolution of social issues and the economic development of Malaysia.
 
Cyberjaya is a neighbouring city of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and has attracted many ICT companies as the nucleus of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). In addition, the 5G network, which was put into trial operation with OpenLab being hosted there, has positioned Cyberjaya as a pioneer test area for the smart city concept in Malaysia.
 
Through field tests using the technology and know-how of smart city services that have been deployed in Las Vega since 2018, NTT Group aims to improve the living conditions of citizens and the sustainability of cities through smart cities using ICT, by studying the possibility of solving social problems in Malaysia and building sustainable business models, together with local stakeholders.
 
Malaysia is a motorised society with road congestion, automobile accidents and dangerous driving occurring daily. This is one of the emerging social problems that a smart city can resolve by conducting data collection and use of vehicle information.
 
During the field test, based on the vehicle monitoring technology that has been provided in Las Vegas since February 2019, NTT will customise and provide similar services to support the needs of local stakeholders. Specifically, by installing cameras at the intersection with the highest traffic volume in Cyberjaya, and analysing traffic volume and vehicle information, NTT aims to reduce traffic congestion, detect stolen vehicles and support the creation of businesses in the neighbourhood.
 
Based on the results of the field test, the following will be verified through discussions with stakeholders:

• Challenges and feasibility of smart city services deployed in Las Vegas in terms of system construction and operational aspects in Malaysia.
• Possibility of business model development using the technology for public safety, smart infrastructure and commercial use.
• Possibility of deployment to Asean countries reflecting market trends, legal systems and local stakeholders’ needs.

Based on the results of the PoC, NTT says it will promote the deployment of smart city services to Cyberjaya and other cities in Malaysia, as well as to Asean countries, with the aim of improving people’s living conditions, improving urban sustainability and realising a smart society.