KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- A new landmark report has revealed that 9 out of 10 professionals working in Malaysia’s local government sector believe the key to achieving true smart nation status lies with the innovative use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. 

Malaysia, home to about 29 million people, is among the world’s fastest “Smart Nation” adopters supporting the nation’s vision of Transformasi Nasional 2050.

The Local Government Benchmark Study – a joint initiative of the Malaysian Centre for Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MaCGDI) and Esri Malaysia – is the nation’s first piece of comprehensive research into the use of GIS technology in Malaysia and around the world in building smart cities and sustainable future.

86 local government representatives from 13 states participated in the research, focusing on the key areas of sustainability, safe community initiatives, smart cities, policy development and future technology trends.

The Report contains a detailed outline of the Study findings including commentary and comprehensive case studies from Malaysia and across the globe, on the use of spatial technology to support local government initiatives.

“It is only by reflecting and learning – enabled through key pieces of research such as the Local Government Benchmark Study, that we can be ready to face the future,” said YB Datuk Ir. Dr Haji Hamim Bin Samuri, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

“In order to meet this vision, we must embrace technologies – such as GIS – to ensure we can create smarter cities and more efficient processes,” he said.

From the Study findings, it is clear this mandate has been readily embraced with 93 per cent of survey respondents deemed GIS technology as essential to creating a sustainable future.

Director of MaCGDI Hajah Norizam Binti Che Noh said, “The ability to access and share authoritative information on a dynamic geospatial platform has led to innovations that have had far-reaching social and economic benefits in cities not only here in Malaysia, but all around the world.” 
 
“From underpinning the planning and development of cities; to informing emergency response efforts – GIS technology has been identified by local government as fundamental to their day-to-day operations,” CS Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Esri Malaysia, echoed this sentiment.

“It is encouraging to see many of our cities – from Kuala Lumpur to Penang – being recognised as world-leaders on how they use GIS technology to deliver better communities and smarter services.”

The Local Government Benchmark Study is available to download free-of-charge at esrimalaysia.com.my/study.

The Study will also be a key point of discussion at  the World Urban Forum, the world’s premier conference on cities convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) happening at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 7^th to 13^th February 2018.

During the 7-day event, Esri Malaysia will be showcasing GIS technology solutions through demonstrations and scheduled presentations coupled with real-life case scenarios on how GIS plays a critical role in every step of decision-making process for any industry’s growth strategy and sustainability.

SOURCE : Esri Malaysia

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