Letter to the Editor By Assoc Prof Dr Nadzirah Zainordin When we imagine Sarawak’s future, we often picture cities. We see a more connected Kuching, digitally enabled public services, intelligent transport systems, modern infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and new economic opportunities created through technology. These are important aspirations, and they reflect Sarawak’s determination to position itself for a rapidly changing global economy. Yet, as we look towards this future, perhaps we should ask a slightly different question: what happens beyond the city? For a State as geographically extensive and socially diverse as Sarawak, development cannot be defined by its urban centres alone. Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and other cities and towns will undoubtedly remain important engines of economic activity, education, healthcare, innovation, and public administration. But they exist within a much larger landscape of smaller towns, villages, and rural communities. These communities are sometimes discussed primarily in terms of distance, infrastructure gaps or limited access to services. Perhaps it is time to look at them differently. Sarawak’s smartest future may begin in its villages. This is not an argument against urbanisation. Cities matter. They concentrate talent, institutions, businesses, infrastructure, and knowledge, and they will continue to play a central role in Sarawak’s economic transformation. The opportunity, however, is to connect the strengths of these cities with the strengths of the communities beyond them. The smart city concept provides a useful starting point. Around the world, cities increasingly use sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and connected infrastructure to improve how they function. These technologies can support transport management, environmental monitoring, public services, infrastructure planning, and economic activity. Sarawak’s own digital transformation creates considerable opportunities in this regard. But for Sarawak, the smart-city conversation should not end at the city boundary. Perhaps the next question should be whether we can build