This article is previously featured on Chanel Asia official website, September 15, 2019.
Microsoft has signed an agreement with Sinar Mas Land to convert Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) into a smart city in Indonesia, calling on channel partners to provide specialised solutions. Terms of the agreement will see Sinar Mas Land – a real estate development firm – leverage digital technologies such as cloud, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to create the the country’s first “large-scale resilient and innovative” smart city.
Designed to be “inclusive and accessible” for all citizens, the new-look BSD would house smart residences, connected workplaces and an “entrepreneurial digital hub”, in addition to citizen services and public infrastructure. As part of the agreement, Microsoft will also offer opportunities for channel partners to co-create with Sinar Mas Land and develop solutions based on different areas of expertise, targeting independent software vendors and IP builders within the ecosystem.
“We know the importance of a digital economy and having a framework for digitalisation is critical for Indonesia to compete internationally and we are excited to continue helping Sinar Mas Land in creating the largest smart city project for Indonesia,” said Haris Izmee, president and director of Indonesia, Microsoft. “Our commitment to the digital transformation of Indonesia goes beyond technology.
“Like Sinar Mas Group, we have been enabling Indonesians for 25 years with the skills needed for an artificial intelligence, cloud and industry disruptive innovation future with partners, developers and future ready start-ups.”
Microsoft and Sinar Mas Group have an established relationship in Indonesia, having partnered on digital transformation for the company’s internal operations. Through this agreement, Izmee said Microsoft will provide “global expertise” in enabling smart and sustainable cities around the world. leveraging experience from Kiruna, Denver, Taipei and Cascais. Beyond smart cities, the vendor will also leverage experience in public works and safety from projects in New Zealand, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
“BSD is our ambitious project with great growth opportunities to explore one of which being our current concern is the development of digital communities,” added Michael Widjaja, group CEO of Sinar Mas Land. “Inspired to be pioneer in property and development, Sinar Mas Land is keen to digitally transform BSD, which is also our biggest township.
“Therefore, we are delighted about this partnership to which we acknowledge Microsoft for its leading digital technologies. The partnership will leverage both parties to strengthen the position at larger scale and making Indonesia into pilot country as well as BSD when it comes to smart city.”