Policymakers must be sensitive to impact of digital tools on inequality

This year’s Dentons Rodyk Dialogue, organised by the SMU School of Law and law firm Dentons Rodyk, was held virtually. Speakers discussed the opportunities and challenges around the rise of smart cities. SMU President Professor Lily Kong, who was one of the speakers, said governments need to make a “critical and sensitive” assessment of needs in each community, and not be “seduced” by digital technologies, when implementing smart solutions. Digital infrastructure in a city could sometimes distract from material needs, she said, giving the example of how a government may install smart traffic lights while ignoring potholes and congested roads.