Manila slumps to near bottom of smart cities list

MANILA continued its downward slide in the latest global index of “smart cities” by International Society for Urban Informatics (ISUI), even ranking last among select Asia-Pacific cities.

- By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz Reporter

In the 2025 edition of the Smart City Index, the Philippine capital ranked 63rd out of 73 cities. Manila dropped 19 spots from its 44th ranking out of 50 cities in the previous edition.

ISUI’s index is based on several factors such as citizen well-being and economic development.

Among key Asia-Pacific cities, Tokyo ranked the highest at fifth place, followed by Hong Kong (eighth).

Also on the list were Seoul (13th), Beijing (15th), Singapore (21st), Shenzhen (25th), Yokohama (28th), Guangzhou (36th), Shanghai (39th), and Busan (41st).

Other “smart” cities in the region that were ahead of Manila include Kuala Lumpur (46th), Hangzhou (47th), Incheon (50th), Osaka (53rd), Bangkok (55th), and Jakarta (60th).

A higher ranking in the Smart City Index “reflects stronger performance in terms of inclusive, efficient, and sustainable urban living,” ISUI said.

According to the index, a smart city is defined by six dimensions: citizen, environment, social landscape, economy, infrastructure, and governance.