[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Billions of dollars are being invested by Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR’s Governments in a bid to create the smartest cities in the world. According to IBM smarter cities drive economic growth; smarter buildings decrease maintenance and energy costs, and improve reliability and sustainability.

Digital security allows business owners to protect systems and information and streamline operations. Manufacturers of contactless technologies such as NFC (near field communications) and RFID (radio frequency identification) for transportation, access and identification as well as payments and security will be showcased at CARTES Asia Secure Connexions on 19 and 20 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.


The fifth edition of the exhibition will also feature a two day conference with international and local speakers discussing the opportunities and challenges of smart technology in Asia and across the world. The Asian SESAMES Awards will once again be held to reward the best technologies and innovation in the region. Over 80 exhibitors from 18 countries have already signed up to participate in the show and many more are due to come onboard before the event.

China has the world's largest urban population of about 700 million people. As part of mainland China’s 12th five year plan, the Chinese Government in 2012 invited proposals from Chinese cities to build a smart city. In January 2013, the Chinese authorities selected 90 sites as the pilot cities for China’s smart city project with an investment of over US$10 billion over three years.

In 2013 Hong Kong was rated the fourth smartest country in Asia Pacific by the Fast Company. The Government’s commitment to research and development and because it is home to the smartest payment card in the world - the Octopus card - was the reason for the accolade. Integrated smart city solutions providers such as Wifinity and Smart China Holdings are opening up offices in the city and just last month, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation held a special event around the theme “Towards a Smart Green City Agenda”.

“It is clear to see that the opportunities for manufacturers to develop smart technologies for urban landscapes is vast,” says Isabelle Alfano, CARTES Events Director. “Government officials and private companies looking to discover the latest in smart technologies for transportation, access and identification as well as payments and security should attend CARTES Asia Secure Connexions 2014 in Hong Kong. Visitors to the show should also attend the two day comprehensive conference programme which will address the most crucial and impactful industry trends and developments.”