The i-City smart city project in Selangor is a good role model that others should try to emulate, according to Datuk Teng Chang Khim, Selangor state executive councillor for industry and trade.
Teng said he was pleased with i-City's progress since its inception in 2005.
"I first encountered i-City when I was representing the squatters here. I am very proud of the development's success over the years, and I believe it will undoubtedly position Selangor as a major player in the development of digitalisation.
"I-City will serve as a model for many, from the development concept to the content, ideas, and buildings. I-Berhad has brought new ideas to i-City. Some of the ideas may be incompatible with policies and rules, but I believe that some of them are quite innovative.
"Everyone has put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project runs smoothly. The state government also played a role in the development of the i-City that you see today. So we are very proud to have this development in Selangor," Teng said.
Teng was speaking to NST Property after witnessing a strategic alliance agreement signing ceremony between i-City Properties director Monica Ong, and China Mobile International Malaysia director of enterprise Malaysia Jackie Chen here on January 25, 2022.
According to Ong, this partnership will add value to i-City's eco-system befitting Malaysia No.1 Technology City and reinventing the next generation of AI smart cities.
"Better demand and higher value appreciation for the property is expected, as it offers the community a digital lifestyle convenience for work, play, and live," she said.
Meanwhile, despite the economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic, Teng said that Selangor is focused on becoming a hub for potential investors looking to expand their investment plans in the country while seeking solid ground in the ASEAN region and global markets.
Teng said that the Selangor state government places a high priority on the development of the aerospace and biotech industries.
"We are always eager to work with the industry and visionaries like Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, who helped shape i-City into what it is today. We are researching smart city technology. We hope to work with i-City to build a smart city in Selangor. This is part of our smart Selangor strategy to make the state a regional smart state, he said.
According to Teng, the Selangor government has set aside a sizable budget to transform the state into a regional smart state.
"We will be working on green technology development. We believe we can play a significant role in the development of green technology in Malaysia, and we look forward to collaborating closely with i-City. With i-City's development and commitment over the years, we believe we can have a fruitful collaboration," he said.
He also said that Selangor has created a concept known as a managed industrial park to attract new investments to the state.
"In developing our rules and policies, we considered the management and development of i-city. We plan to develop our managed industrial park using i-City as a model, and we believe it will be a success and will attract investors," he said.
i-City expects to invest RM10 million on its digital transformation plan to enhance its theme park with a Metaverse experience.
The theme park enhancement project will entwine i-City's City of Digital Lights with an immersive 3D Metaverse experience.