Following the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, jointly established with Macau University of Science and Technology, and the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (hereinafter referred to as SKL-IOTSC) is the third State Key Laboratory of the University of Macau approved by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. The SKL-IOTSC focuses on the fundamental scientific issues of the new IOTSC model. By breaking the boundaries between policy, science, technology, application and the industry, the laboratory aims to overcome the bottlenecks in urban development and lead the scientific advancement in the field. Inaugurated officially in October 2018, the laboratory testifies to the high importance attached by the nation to scientific and technological innovation. It also reflects the university’s mission to advance fundamental research and push for research output transfer locally for a quality economic development. The SKL-IOTSC will serve as a solid ground for further enhancing the research and independent innovation capability of Macao.

The SKL-IOTSC will develop new technologies for such areas as smart sensing and network communication, urban big data and smart technology, smart energy grid, smart transportation, and public safety and disaster prevention. These technologies will help optimise urban conditions and create a better working and living environment for people. As a new trend of Internet Plus, the IOT technology will constantly energise traditional industries, pushing for a moderately diversified and sustainable development of the local economy. By leveraging the advantage of ‘One Centre, One Platform’, the laboratory will deeply integrate IOT modules, develop a broad spectrum of smart applications and play a unique role in the Greater Bay Area. It will boost the smartness and connectivity of all the IOTs in Macao on the one hand, and strengthen the connectivity and integration of the Greater Bay Area on the other. The SKL-IOTSC will also facilitate the formation of a multi-city network for city clusters in the Greater Bay Area and foster the flow of key economic factors, thus promoting a harmonious development and win-win cooperation in the region.

Yonghua Song
Rector, University of Macau
Director, State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (University of Macau)