News

26 Nov 2019

Developers across Asia are seeking innovative solutions to help them create more liveable and environmentally sustainable cities, opening up opportunities for Australian designers, constructors and building operators.

Already the world’s fifth largest economy, the ASEAN region is expected to grow by at least 5.4 per cent each year for the next decade, well above the global average. ASEAN’s rapid urbanisation rate will lead to an additional 54 million people moving from regional areas to Southeast Asian cities by 2025.

ASEAN leaders are preparing to meet the challenges of a low-carbon future by designing urban environments that are liveable and environmentally friendly. The World Bank predicts the region’s investment in green design and buildings will reach US$3 trillion by 2030.

‘As Southeast Asia works towards the creation of smarter, more efficient and more sustainable cities, this presents unique opportunities for Australian technology providers to offer their solutions to major project owners,’ says Susan Kahwati, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade Bangkok.

ASEAN city planners are seeking innovative inputs into the design, construction and operation of buildings and associated services. Other areas of interest include building technology for improving operational efficiency and enhancing residents’ liveability, as well as building materials which support sustainable and eco-friendly living.

Innovative Australian building technology companies are already making their presence felt in the region. Abuzz Solutions recently won a deal with one of Bangkok’s leading developers to provide its state-of-the-art way finding digital solutions for a major property development. The company secured the contract – its first in Thailand – through in-market introductions facilitated by Austrade.

Abuzz Solutions partnered with a leading multinational property developer to deliver 70 digital screens for a new A$900 million mixed-use development in Bangkok. The project is expected to be Thailand’s first to achieve the WELL and LEED certifications, delivering a healthy working environment when it is fully completed in 2025.

The company’s digital way finding solutions include smart interactive directories and advertising content for visitors, improving the customer experience. Abuzz Solutions hopes the partnership will pave the way for its systems to be incorporated into other future mega project developments.

Contact Austrade for more information on smart cities opportunities in ASEAN.