The idea of a “smart city” is no longer fiction—it’s unfolding all around us. With digital twins, IoT systems, and AI-driven analytics, the world’s leading smart cities, such as Singapore, Taiwan, and Seoul, show what’s possible when data and innovation shape everyday life.

At the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025, VCI Global , a cross-sector platform builder integrating deep technology with financial architecture to enable sovereign-ready digital ecosystems, explored how AI and digital solutions are reshaping health, transport, and community. Sharing his perspective in a fireside chat hosted by Malaysiakini and Digital News Asia, Dr. Chan Wai Mun, VCI Global’s Chief AI & Data Officer, highlighted the essentials for creating secure and trusted smart cities.

Health at the Heart of AI

For Dr. Chan, the promise of smart cities begins with improving everyday well-being. AI-powered platforms can analyse medical history, symptoms, or even photos submitted via mobile devices to provide early diagnoses.

“This kind of technology is especially useful for people in rural areas with limited access to medical specialists. When combined with connected health records and real-time environmental monitoring, communities can respond quickly to outbreaks and authorities can take targeted action,” he explained.

The vision extends beyond individual care. Sensors across a city could track air and water quality, feeding into centralised systems that map risks and guide both citizen precautions and government interventions.

Smarter Mobility, Safer Roads

For urban dwellers, traffic often tops the list of frustrations, but Dr. Chan sees AI stepping in with solutions. He envisions transport systems that adapt in real time to congestion levels, while accounting for vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren and the elderly.

Beyond road traffic, he also points to the gaps that still exist within the public transport system. While services like the trains are widely used, last-mile connectivity remains a challenge for many commuters. With smarter, data-driven planning, these gaps could be bridged, creating a more seamless journey from start to finish. “Imagine getting to work faster, with less hassle and fewer risks,” he said.

The Trust Factor

But technology alone cannot carry a smart city vision. For Dr. Chan, the central challenge is trust.

“When AI controls buildings, transport, or even healthcare decisions, the question becomes: who takes responsibility if something goes wrong?” Cyberattacks on city systems are no longer just science fiction; they’re happening today. That’s why security and trust must be built into the foundation of any smart city,” he explained. 

He pointed to examples where some cities have had to suspend services following cyber incidents. The lesson, he said, is that digital convenience creates vulnerabilities if not backed by strong infrastructure and ethical safeguards.

Securing the Digital Backbone

VCI Global’s focus is on embedding trust in the smart city ecosystem. From encrypted networks to military-grade cybersecurity, the company develops solutions designed to protect data throughout its lifecycle.

“In an interconnected city, every premise and business will be part of a shared ecosystem. People will only participate if they trust that the system is secure. This isn’t about verbal assurances. It’s about proving resilience at the infrastructure level,” said Dr Chan.

He also stressed the need for regulatory compliance and continuous auditing. Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), for instance, requires organisations handling sensitive data to appoint data protection officers — a step he described as essential in closing knowledge gaps and aligning businesses to global standards.

Malaysia’s Smart City Path

Building secure smart cities requires both strong governance and reliable technology. Dr. Chan praised Malaysia’s proactive efforts, noting that city councils have studied international models while working to define best practices for local needs. The country’s collaborative approach, uniting government, academia, and industry, is, in his view, key to ensuring technology serves people first.

On the tech side, solutions like encryption, firewalls, and AI-driven systems are essential, but oversight is just as important. Threats such as “model poisoning” highlight the need for expert monitoring and safeguards. At the city level, protecting assets like CCTVs, buildings, and meters is critical to prevent large-scale disruptions.

Since no system is flawless, disaster recovery must also be a priority. The ability to restore data and operations quickly ensures cities remain resilient. As urban areas become more technology-driven, the focus must be on innovation that is secure, reliable, and sustainable.

Ultimately, the promise of AI-powered cities is not about machines, but about people. As Malaysia positions itself within the next wave of urban innovation, companies like VCI Global are showing how advanced technology and secure digital ecosystems can help cities run smarter, cleaner, and more connected, without losing sight of the human heartbeat at their core.

About VCI Global

Founded in 2013 as a capital market consultancy, VCI Global has grown from advising Malaysian SMEs on listings, funding, and growth strategies into a multi-industry platform builder spanning capital markets, AI, cybersecurity, and automation. Over the past decade, the company has advised more than 50 public firms and supported numerous private enterprises in IPOs, cross-border M&A, cybersecurity upgrades, and AI adoption, positioning itself at the heart of Southeast Asia’s innovation frontier. Today, VCI Global is expanding into renewable energy and digital assets, while pursuing its long-term ambition to be recognised as “The Berkshire of ASEAN.”