Events

This workshop is organized and funded by the Smart Villages Initiative (www.e4sv.org), and hosted by the Asian Urbanisms Cluster of the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

The concept of ‘smart villages’ is intended as a rural analogue to ‘smart cities’ recognizing that nearly fifty percent of the world’s population and seventy percent of the world’s poor live in rural areas, and that we should have a similarly ambitious vision of development. In smart villages, energy access together with other key infrastructure accelerate the development of education and healthcare services, provision of clean water and sanitation, availability of nutritious food, and the establishment of productive enterprises bringing new sources of income into the village. Underpinned by technological advances, such developments provide substantial improvements in well-being and life opportunities, and a more equitable choice between remaining in rural communities and migrating to cities.

Being ‘smart’ should increase the resilience of villages to natural disasters. But does it, and if so, in what circumstances? This one-day workshop will address the following consequent questions:
1)    How should we define resilience to natural disasters for rural communities?
2)    What characteristics of a smart village could contribute to its resilience?
3)    In developing the infrastructure of a smart village, particularly its energy services, how can we ensure that it supports achievement of the desired level of resilience?

The workshop will aim to promote active discussion around key issues concerning smart villages and resilience to natural disasters in Asia, as well as draw out messages relevant to academic researchers and to policymakers and make recommendations for future research questions.

REGISTRATION

Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you click on the “Register” button above to RSVP.

CONVENORS

Dr John Holmes
University of Oxford & Smart Villages Initiative (www.e4sv.org)
E |  john.holmes@earth.ox.ac.uk

Dr Terry van Gevelt
Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge
E | tav22@cam.ac.uk

Prof Jonathan Rigg
Asia Research Institute & Department of Geography, National University of Singapore
E | jonathan.rigg@nus.edu.sg

Dr Michelle Miller
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
E | arimam@nus.edu.sg

SECRETARIAT
Ms Valerie Yeo
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
E | valerie.yeo@nus.edu.sg