The Prime Minister as chairman of the GSIAC, has endorsed the smart city programme with a view to benefit and transform the living standards of the people through a sustainable economy and technology-based ecosystem towards a smart and inclusive socio-economic growth” Source: The STAR, 4 Nov, Iskandar Malaysia – City of the Future

Iskandar Malaysia in Johor has been chosen as the pilot region for a smart city model for the country as well as the world during the first inter-session meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) in San Jose, California, in July 2012

Smart City Iskandar Malaysia was endorsed by Malaysia Prime Minister, 1st Nov 2012, in the 2nd inter session GSIAC meeting in KL with a mandate for attended minister to venture into related project in Iskandar Malaysia. Health sector has been chosen as a joint initiative which was suggested by chairman of the joint GSIAC, Mr Ellis Rubenstein via email dated 26 November 2012 to Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai .

Smart Healthy City & Community Lab was facilitated by PEMANDU and attended by representative from MOH Putrajaya, JKNJ, IRDA, Private Sectors & Youth on 5th – 7th Mac’13. 25 programs identified, with 13 Quick wins for 2013 and 2014 implementation, and the rest in year 2015 – 2020.

Objective: To improve quality of living and inculcate a Healthy Lifestyle and a Sense of Belongings amongst Communities in Iskandar Malaysia.

Framework covers Commitment to Health, Political Decision-Making, Intersectoral Action, Community Participation, Innovation, Healthy Public Policy.

In 2013, 13 programs identified; with quick wins - 3 in health facilities & services namely Iskandar Malaysia Healthcare One Stop Center is a strategic partnership between IRDA & JKNJ (UKAPS) to facilitate investors on registration & licensing process for Healthcare facilities, Integrated Healthcare Suites is to house all the Health related services in one premises where Menara Landmark Medical Suites was developed as the 1st Centre to provides a range of health related goods and services in one premise.  Doubletree Hilton is integrated in this development to provide accommodation for patients and their families. This will promote Healthcare Tourism into Iskandar Malaysia. Creation of Mobile Health Services by private entity, 7 in infrastructure namely Make health fun program, Healthy City Park, Smoke Free Zone, promote cycling and other healthy activities, Healthy Clean Food Outlet, Self-Monitoring Kiosk; 2 in enablers namely Personal Health Diary App / Portal & Increase connectivity 1Govnet to public health clinic and 1 in community campaign that is Less Sugar Campaign.

Recognition of Taman Seri Austin as the 1st Model Township for Smart Healthy City & Community & Gazetment of Smoke Free Park and Blue Ribbon Township park in Feb 2014. On the same year Taman Seri Alam was recognised as the 1st Cycle Connected Township in May 2014.

Various Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives was organised together with the communites and private sectors namely Educity Sundown, Great Eastern JB10K Run, Community Fun Ride, JB Wake Up Car Free Day, 10 Thousand Steps, Mobile Health Screening and Public Health Talks.