KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) welcomed Member of the Perak State Executive Council (EXCO), Sandra Ng along with its Mayor and local councils Chairman during a working visit to exchange ideas on Smart City development and sustainable urban management.

MBKS Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng extended a warm welcome to the delegation, describing the visit as a meaningful platform for inter-city learning and cooperation.

He said that both local councils in Sarawak and Perak share a common goal, that is to build cities that are liveable, sustainable, and inclusive, guided by innovation, collaboration, and care for the community.

“At Kuching South, our Smart City development is not just about technology, but about connecting technology with the people. Every innovation we introduce must ultimately make our residents’ lives easier, safer, and better,” he said.

Dato Wee shared that MBKS’ Smart City transformation is shaped around the 5R Principles, namely Resident-Centric, Responsiveness, Reliability, Resourcefulness, and Resilience.

These principles, he explained, form the foundation of MBKS’ long-term strategy to deliver efficient city services, strengthen urban safety, and promote sustainable growth through partnership and innovation.

He noted that MBKS’s initiatives including the ESG Smart Pole Project, AI-enabled surveillance systems, iPeople digital engagement platform, iBuyBack recycling app, and Smart Traffic Management System reflect the council’s shift toward a data-driven and people-centred governance model.

“The essence of a Smart City lies not in gadgets or systems, but in how these tools help us respond faster, plan better, and serve our residents more effectively,” he added.

Dato Wee noted that MBKS’ Smart City agenda aligns closely with Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the PLANMalaysia Smart City Framework, both of which emphasise sustainable growth, digital transformation, and community wellbeing.

He also welcomed opportunities for collaboration between Kuching and Ipoh, recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, to explore joint cultural, tourism, and creative economy initiatives that celebrate Malaysia’s rich diversity and strengthen its global presence.

“We look forward to working together with Ipoh on creative city activities that connect our strengths in gastronomy and music, fostering innovation and community well-being through shared cultural experiences,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to Sandrea Ng and the Perak delegation for choosing Kuching as their learning destination, noting that such visits strengthen inter-governmental ties and promote knowledge sharing among local authorities.

The visit concluded with a presentation by MBKS Acting City Secretary, Wong Ming Kong, who shared details on the council’s Smart City implementation, digital infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. -UKASnews