Webinar (29 Sept): How data and AI support better decisions to bolster city operations

SmartCitiesWorld webinar will explore how local authorities can strengthen workforce decision-making by combining unified data, agentic AI and secure digital foundations.

OnDemand Panel Discussion: Resilient infrastructure – planning, prioritising and protecting critical assets

In this SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026 virtual panel discussion, discover how cities can move towards a more strategic, risk-based approach to infrastructure resilience.

SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026: connecting climate action, resilience and urban innovation

As cities confront the combined pressures of climate change, infrastructure resilience and digital transformation, the SmartCitiesWorld Summit 2026 will bring together urban leaders and partners during London Climate Action Week to explore how these agendas intersect – and how cities can translate strategy into practical action.

How AI cities shape Malaysia’s digital future – and the role of the region’s first Smart City ExpoSponsored by Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur

Discover how Malaysia is leading the way in AI-powered urban innovation at the first Southeast Asian Smart City Expo in Kuala Lumpur.

Smart Cities Reports

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Singapore

Find out how the island city-state of Singapore is further building its reputation as one of the smartest nations in the world in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Sunderland

Find out how Sunderland is repositioning itself as a leading smart city – using digital infrastructure and low-carbon innovation to build a resilient, future-focused economy in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

Podcasts

Podcast: Tracking the journey from smart cities to AI cities (part two)

Re-join our in-depth conversation with Professor Jung Hoon Lee, exploring how AI is moving from pilots to real-world impact in cities worldwide.

Podcast: Tracking the journey from smart cities to AI cities (part one)

Professor Jung Hoon Lee joins the SmartCitiesWorld Podcast to talk the latest Global Smart City Index, the emerging “AI super gap” between cities, and why the next phase of urban innovation depends on data platforms, AI-ready infrastructure, and effective governance.

Opinions

Transforming indoor public safety with smart sensor networksSponsored by Motorola Solutions

How smart sensor networks can help improve indoor safety by detecting risks early, improving situational awareness and supporting healthier, more secure and sustainable buildings.

How AI will define cities and mobility in 2026Sponsored by ST Engineering

Gareth Tang, President of Urban Solutions at ST Engineering, explains how urban AI applications are set to evolve, detailing projects where AI is already making significant impact.

Home | Research | Video

Interview: Building the next wave of urban connectivity

19 May 2026

Sponsored by ST Engineering

Sebastian Tan, GM of Advanced Connectivity and Head of Enterprise Communications and Digital Business at ST Engineering, reveals how a strategic focus on next‑generation connectivity since 2020 has led to an AI-driven, programmable 5G platform for the public and private sectors.

In this interview, Sebastian Tan, General Manager of Advanced Connectivity and Head of Enterprise Communications and Digital Business at ST Engineering, shares how the company has spent the last several years building the next generation of connectivity solutions. He outlines their journey from a strategic decision made in 2020 to invest in advanced connectivity, through to the creation of an AI-driven, programmable 5G system and an ecosystem of technology and business partners. Tan explains how this enables not only improves connectivity, but also acts as a foundation for new applications and services that can transform both public sector operations and commercial use cases.

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How does an AI-driven programmable 5G platform improve urban connectivity?How can 5G and edge computing enable real-time public sector services?How might IoT sensors enhance city resilience and emergency response?How can AI and machine learning optimize network programmability and performance?How does collaboration with technology partners accelerate inclusive citizen engagement?

Latest City Profile

SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – Singapore

Smart Cities Reports

Find out how the island city-state of Singapore is further building its reputation as one of the smartest nations in the world in the latest SmartCitiesWorld City Profile.

Latest Summit Speakers
(22-26 June)

Sherelle Fairweather

Digital Strategy Lead

Manchester’s Digital Strategy

Find out more

Liz St Louis

Smart City Director

Sunderland City Council

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Julie Foley OBE

Director of Flood Risk Strategy & Adaptation

Environment Agency

Find out more

Mark Wheeler

CIO

Montgomery County

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Lord Marvin Rees OBE

Former Mayor

Bristol City Council

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Cllr Susan Aitken

Leader

Glasgow City Council

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John Moran

Mayor

Limerick City and County Council

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Matjaž Rakovec

Mayor

City of Kranj

Find out more

Erin Mendenhall

Mayor

Salt Lake City

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Julia King

The Baroness Brown of Cambridge DBE FREng FRS

House of Lords

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SmartCitiesWorld Newsletters (Daily/Weekly)

Our editorial newsletter pulls together our latest news items into one email, direct to your inbox. We also feature our latest city interviews, Special Reports and Guest Opinions.