Enhancing Urban Rail Systems: Huawei's Vision for Smart Cities

Huawei Enhancing Urban Rail Systems: A Vision for Smart Cities

On May 9, 2025, Huawei held a pivotal summit in Hong Kong focused on the evolution of smart urban rail systems. The event was themed "Advancing with Cloud-Network Convergence and the Utilization of Data and Artificial Intelligence for Smart Urban Rail". This conference brought together leaders in the transportation sector who shared insights on how technology can transform the landscape of urban mobility.

Thomas Xu, Huawei's Vice President of Smart Transportation, opened the summit by underlining the necessity of selecting the right digital and intelligent technologies tailored to meet the specific needs of transport services. This customization, he argued, is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by various urban environments.

Dr. Tony Lee Kar-yun, the Operational and Innovation Director for Mass Rail Transit, emphasized that integrating digital resources with innovative AI applications could significantly enhance operational efficiency and passenger comfort. He posited that such advancements would lay the groundwork for improved urban transit systems, promoting a better quality of life within communities.

In addition, Xi Xiaodong, the Chief Engineer from Shanghai Rail Transit Maintenance Support Co., Ltd., insisted that metro operators must merge external resources while strengthening their internal capacities to achieve sustainable development. Nelson Huang, Director of Huawei's Rail Business Division, highlighted that Huawei is committed to implementing advanced information and communication technologies such as cloud computing, big data, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which form a robust foundation for modern urban rail systems.

The summit also featured a round-table discussion where experts exchanged ideas about technology applications, transformation challenges, data monetization, and enhancing user experiences. Participants included Ji Kun from Huawei's International Railway Solutions Division, Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, Chairman of the Malaysian Railway Industry Corporation, and David Xu from Huawei’s Smart Transportation Division, among others. They collaborated to discuss practical use cases of the technologies and their implications for urban transit.

Huawei's extensive experience is evident in its support of over 300 urban rail lines in more than 70 cities globally, positioning the company at the forefront of smart transportation. Moving forward, Huawei plans to deepen collaborations with industry partners, adhering to principles of openness, cooperation, and shared success. The company remains dedicated to realizing seamless travel and efficient logistics through digital and intelligent transport solutions.

As urban populations continue to swell and cities become more congested, the importance of smart urban rail systems cannot be overstated. Huawei’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology promises to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of urban transportation networks, making daily commutes smoother and more enjoyable for millions of passengers.

In conclusion, the summit underscored the vital role that technology will play in shaping the future of urban rail systems, as stakeholders work together to address the complexities of modern urban mobility. With innovations on the horizon, the future of transport appears not only smarter but also more interconnected and accessible than ever before.