The Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center’s latest webinar, “Smart Energy, Smarter Cities: The Digital Future For a Smarter, Greener World,” brought together experts and urban innovation enthusiasts to explore how digital transformation is reshaping the future of energy and city development. Held under the Happy Digital X (HDX) initiative, the event spotlighted practical approaches to building smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environments.
Nimas Mega Purnamasari, Executive Director of the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a session centered on collaboration and innovation. She was followed by Michael Tuori, the center’s Academic Director, who introduced Happy Digital X 3.0—a platform aimed at empowering transformative leaders in urban sustainability and digital innovation.
The keynote address was delivered by William Sabandar, Chief Operating Officer of the Indonesia Business Council and President Commissioner of PT ITS Indonesia. Drawing from his extensive experience with MRT Jakarta, the development of Indonesia’s new capital (IKN), and the JakMenyala movement, Sabandar showcased how smart mobility systems, digital platforms, and multi-stakeholder collaboration can drive urban regeneration. His insights offered a grounded and inspiring perspective on making cities not just smarter, but also greener and more inclusive.
The webinar attracted 143 participants, including stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, media, and the private sector. Key objectives of the event included introducing the HDX program, sharing real-world models of smart energy and mobility, and sparking meaningful dialogue around digital transformation’s role in shaping resilient, livable cities.
By highlighting cross-sectoral collaboration and forward-thinking innovation, the webinar reinforced the importance of unified efforts in creating smarter cities and a greener future for all.