Kenmaru Suedomi, founder of Waseda AI Lab and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, recently visited China as part of the 2024 Future Close-Up program, a high-level youth exchange initiative hosted by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas, the Hong Kong Federation of Liaoning Associations, and Tencent.
During his visit, Suedomi explored Xiong’an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province, often referred to as the “city of the future.” In an interview with CGTN’s Enoch Wong in Beijing, he shared his insights on China’s people-oriented approach to innovation and urban development.
Suedomi was particularly impressed by how the Chinese government is spearheading the construction of the smart city through public-private partnerships. He noted that this collaborative model not only accelerates technological advancement but also ensures that development remains focused on improving the lives of residents.
“I was amazed by how integrated the government’s vision is with private sector expertise,” Suedomi remarked. “The emphasis on people-oriented innovation in Xiong’an is something I hope to see more of in Japan.”
He expressed a desire to see similar initiatives in Japan, emphasizing the potential benefits of government and industry collaboration in creating smart cities that prioritize citizens’ needs.
Suedomi’s visit highlights the growing interest among international experts in China’s innovative urban development strategies. As countries worldwide grapple with the challenges of urbanization, models like Xiong’an New Area offer valuable lessons on how to build sustainable, people-centered cities for the future.
Reference(s):
Japanese AI scientist surprised by China's people-oriented innovation
cgtn.com
