Manila: The 12th Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE), Taiwan's flagship smart city tradeshow, officially opened at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX) here Tuesday. With 2,806 overseas visitors from 59 countries and 138 cities, the SCSE 2025 recorded a 28 percent increase in international attendance compared to last year's turnout.

According to Philippines News Agency, the event was inaugurated by Taipei Computer Association (TCA) Chairman Paul S.L. Peng, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Charles Lin, and Deputy Minister Kao Shien-Quey of the National Development Council. The SCSE is being held at two venues - the TaiNEX (March 18 to 21) and the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (March 20 to 22).

Peng stated that the SCSE 2025 will be a landmark event for artificial intelligence- or AI-driven smart city innovation. "Taipei and Kaohsiung's leadership in supply chain digitalization, sustainable infrastructure, and AI integration is shaping the future of resilient, intelligent urban ecosystems," Peng remarked. The TCA chairperson also highlighted the event's growing international presence, with 569 mayors and representatives engaging with Taiwanese cities and industries.

Among the attendees is a delegation from 11 Ukrainian cities, exploring opportunities for smart technology to aid reconstruction in the war-torn country. Events like "Rebuilding Ukraine with Taiwan: Innovation, Partnership, and Progress" are part of the effort. Delegations from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and Japan are also participating, along with 83 chambers of commerce and technology associations.

AI is a major focus this year, with Taiwan's crucial role in the global AI hardware supply chain showcased at the event. Taiwanese local governments are also heavily involved, with 12 cities, including Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan, showcasing their smart city and net-zero initiatives. Net Zero is the state of balance between producing and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.