HDC launches smart city brand 'SmartCom'

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) – the developer of suburban Hulhumale’ – has launched ‘SmartCom’ – its smart city brand.

The brand was launched by Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail in a ceremony at Hotel Jen in Male’ City on Saturday evening.

The ceremony was also attended by top state officials, top officials from HDC’s open network partner companies – Dhiraagu, Ooredoo and Medianet, additional partners involved in the smart city project, and the employees involved in the project.

SmartCom’s long-term vision is to have all the communities in Hulhumale’ linked digitally. HDC said that main objective of the brand is to introduce different smart solutions to ensure the smooth running of the city. Another objective is to form different partnerships to realize its vision with the support of the entire community.

HDC believes the brand will benefit many in the future, and develop multiple sectors – including health, education, and transport. It will also ensure the safety of people and public locations, said the corporation.

HDC said the brand will also boost trade and increase employment opportunities, and increase programs such as partnerships and incubation facilities.

The brand will open the door for youth interested in joining the tech industry to improve their skills, said the corporation.

HDC said the brand will also create opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

This will not only improve the convenience of the people, but also government institutions, said the corporation.

HDC said it is engaged in multiple efforts to make Hulhumale’ a smart city.

The majority of the work on establishing a digital infrastructure in Hulhumale’ with the open source network is complete, said HDC.

If HDC is able to achieve the objectives of SmartCom – Hulhumale’ will become the first digital city in Maldives. The corporation said that smart city services will be provided not just to Hulhumale’, but also islands across Maldives.

HDC said smart city solutions will eliminate the need to dig roads, and increase the speed of services.