South Korea launches AI smart city pilots across Southeast Asia
Ministry officials confirmed that the K-City Network programme includes six planned pilots
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced the launch of the 2026 K-City Network programme, an initiative designed to pilot artificial intelligence smart city projects across five Southeast Asian nations.
The programme will implement urban solutions in Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, specifically targeting persistent urban challenges while assisting Korean technology firms in establishing an international foothold.
These projects are currently in their initial phase and are scheduled to undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate the efficacy of domestic South Korean technologies in diverse international markets.
The initiative comprises six distinct pilots focusing on critical infrastructure and service upgrades.
In Brunei, South Korea will establish an AI-powered water management and disaster response platform, while the city of Bacoor in the Philippines will test a smart traffic system designed to optimise signal timing.
Vietnam’s involvement includes on-demand transport services in Ho Chi Minh City and advanced intersection controls in Can Tho.
Meanwhile, Thailand will implement a safety monitoring system for ageing buildings in Surin, and Malaysia will deploy a traffic management system in Penang capable of detecting accidents and congestion in real-time.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the testing process is vital for showcasing the reliability of these high-tech systems before wider adoption.
This expansion follows South Korea’s recent domestic successes in smart city integration and its ongoing commitment to global technological leadership.
By exporting these AI-driven urban solutions, the ministry aims to foster long-term partnerships within the ASEAN region and drive the next generation of sustainable city development projects.