KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s smart city ambitions will depend on how effectively artificial intelligence (AI) improves urban governance and public service delivery, rather than simply increasing the use of digital technologies, says CitySage co-founder and chief executive officer Daniel Wallis.
He said AI could help local authorities address urban challenges, including traffic congestion, development approvals and infrastructure management, but its effectiveness would depend on reliable data, sound governance and better coordination between agencies.
“The success of Malaysia’s smart city agenda should not be determined by the number of digital platforms, AI systems or connected technologies introduced.
“Instead, the focus should be on whether these technologies can help authorities make better decisions, improve coordination between agencies, and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and communities,” he said in a statement.
Wallis said urban planning involved multiple stakeholders, including local councils, planning departments, infrastructure providers and environmental authorities, which often maintained separate information systems.
This could result in fragmented, outdated or inaccessible data, making it difficult for authorities to assess development proposals, coordinate infrastructure projects and respond to emerging urban issues.
For instance, a proposed development may require information on land use, drainage, road networks, utilities and environmental conditions. When such information is scattered across different systems, officials may spend considerable time gathering, and verifying the details before making decisions.
AI could help streamline the process by consolidating information, identifying inconsistencies, and highlighting potential risks earlier, he said.
However, Wallis stressed that AI systems must be designed to ensure transparency and accountability, enabling officials to trace the information behind recommendations and explain how decisions were reached.
At CitySage, he said, this approach was known as “Transparency with Wisdom”, where technology supported informed decision-making without compromising human accountability.
“For public-sector AI, transparency should be considered from the beginning rather than introduced only when questions or disputes arise. A well-designed system should not only provide recommendations but also allow authorities to explain the evidence supporting them,” he said.
Wallis said that professional expertise, local knowledge and an understanding of community needs remained essential to responsible urban development, with AI serving to strengthen rather than replace the judgement of planners, engineers and local government officials.
He said more efficient and predictable planning processes could also benefit businesses and investors by reducing uncertainty over investment decisions, project timelines and operating costs.
The success of smart city initiatives, he said, should be measured through tangible outcomes, including faster planning approvals, earlier identification of infrastructure conflicts, better coordination between departments and more reliable public services.
Wallis also said that Malaysia had an opportunity to shape the next phase of smart city development through better governance, stronger institutional capabilities and improved public outcomes.
“The real measure of a smart city is not how much technology it uses, but how effectively that technology improves the decisions shaping its future,” he added.
-- BERNAMA