Smart city expo kicks off in Taipei, physically and online

Taipei, March 23 (CNA) The 2021 Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE), an annual international gathering that focuses on smart city developments and solutions, kicked off Tuesday in Taipei featuring both physical and online displays.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there was no reason to cancel the event, especially when countries and cities around the world are focusing on smart city development, said Peng Shuang-lang (彭双浪), president of the Taipei Computer Association, one of the organizers.

The physical show this year features nearly 1,000 booths from 251 exhibitors, Peng said, adding that he expects the virtual part of the show to reach over 600,000 views worldwide.

According to the TCA, more than 139 government officials from 62 cities across 35 countries or territories are expected to attend this year's online events, including forums and discussions focusing on smart solutions in renewable energy, the Internet of Things, as well as 5G developments.

Due to Taiwan's COVID-19 prevention efforts, Taiwan has been able to successfully roll out the 2021 SCSE, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said in an opening speech at the event on Tuesday, indicating that smart city exhibitions have become one of the most important shows in Asia in recent years.

Tsai said she also looks forward to accelerating the country's smart city development after the pandemic and assisting local industries to develop applications that can be exported to emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

The annual event is being held at Hall 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center until March 26.