NSW could see safer, smarter cities delivered through advanced Information Communication Technology with a Memorandum of Understanding now signed between the NSW Government and NTT Corporation.
The MoU will leverage Japanese tech giant NTT's global capacity as a leader in digital transformation and cement Tech Central as a new smart city in the centre of Sydney.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the agreement reaffirmed NSW as a technology hub in the Asia-Pacific.
"We're powering ahead and turbocharging our tech industries through Tech Central, with a focus on areas such as urban development, transportation, cybersecurity, virtual environment, energy and agriculture technology," Mr Ayres said.
"Through this MoU, we would look to support the jobs of tomorrow and develop innovative ecosystems for cybersecurity start-ups and scale-ups at Tech Central, laying the foundation for new industries that drive our economic recovery."
President and CEO of NTT Jun Sawada said the business was focused on making communities and cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
"NTT has a strong collaboration record for smart innovation with many leading cities and states worldwide," Mr Sawada said.
"NSW and NTT will promote and accelerate open collaborations and innovations, leveraging smart solutions and ICT platforms that will realise smart buildings, campuses and cities in a secure way.
"NTT will also contribute to thought leadership on smart city and smart world together with NSW."
Ambassador of Japan to Australia Shingo Yamagami said he welcomed the partnership between NSW and NTT.
"Smart Cities, or the use of digital technology to revolutionise cities, is a key field of development, and the conclusion of this Memorandum of Understanding will advance Japan and Australia's cooperation in this area," Mr Yamagami said.
"I look forward to furthering investment by Japanese companies in Western Sydney and Australia as a whole."
Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Masahiko Kiya said the partnership could develop one of the world's most advanced smart city models.
"I am delighted to see the MoU signed between NTT, which is one of the leading ICT companies in Japan, and the NSW Government," Mr Kiya said.
"By working together, we can drive a digital and green partnership, connecting NTT's expertise in Digital Transformation and innovation with NSW's opportunities and top talent. This is a great opportunity for everyone involved."
The MoU will work with NTT to anchor at Tech Central, extending its already substantial cybersecurity footprint in Australia.
From April 2021, NTT will look to establish a Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, leveraging local expertise and SME partners to industrialise and commercialise research and technology.
It will also extend its partnership with the cybersecurity industries by launching CyRise Bootcamp programs across the state to attract talent to cybersecurity start-ups. For more information on NTT, please visit https://www.global.ntt/.