In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on discussions at the recent World Cities Summit (WCS) and argues that the future belongs not only to smart cities, but to wise ones. While AI, predictive analytics and data-rich systems can help cities become more efficient and responsive, Prof Kong cautions that cities are not experienced cognitively alone, but also through memory, attachment, beauty, belonging and trust. She defines the wise city as one that uses technology to inform judgment and asks who is served, who may be left behind, and what kind of society is being built for the long term. She also highlights the need for cities to plan for future populations, preserve social trust and community resilience, and move from sustainability towards deeper stewardship.