Hanoi launches digital apps to drive digital transformation

The Hanoi Times -- In the rapid development of the digital era, Hanoi, as the capital of Vietnam, has taken the lead in carrying out national strategies on digital transformation. 

Four of the eight shared digital applications are used for management and administration, namely public service email system, document management and operations system, task tracking and monitoring module, and paperless meeting system.

The four others will serve professional operations, which are work program and schedule management system, virtual assistant for document inquiries, virtual assistant for verification and assessment, and digital signature for government use.

The launch strengthens Hanoi’s leading position in innovation and digital transformation with the spirit of "Capital’s Vision, Hanoi’s Action."

At the launching ceremony, the city's agencies signed an agreement to apply digital solutions and process documents in the digital environment.

The moves are crucial steps in improving governance efficiency, building a modern and transparent political system, and better serving citizens and businesses.

Lieutenant General Vu Ngoc Thiem, Head of the Government Cipher Committee, praised Hanoi’s initiative in adopting these applications, describing this as a milestone in the city’s innovation and digital transformation journey.

"These applications will bring great efficiency. The shared data between Party agencies, government offices, the Vietnam Fatherland Front units, and political-social organizations will enhance smooth management and coordination across all levels of the city’s political system," he said.

"This (the launch of the eight apps) shows Hanoi’s determination to apply technology in governance and confirms the city’s strategic vision for building a digital government, a digital economy, and a modern digital society," he added.

He credited Hanoi as a model for other localities in implementing digital governance, as the city has excelled in administrative reforms under the Government’s Project 06, which promotes the use of citizen data, digital identification, and electronic authentication for national digital transformation in 2022-2030. Hanoi needs to strengthen its leadership in digital transformation, and its civil servants must change their mindset and see digital transformation as a key mission for improving political status.

Pioneer in national digital transformation

Nguyen Van Phong, Standing Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, said that digital transformation is key to improving governance and public services.

To advance digital transformation in Hanoi, Viettel Solutions is developing an AI-driven virtual assistant for document verification and evaluation for the Hanoi Party Committee Office, according to Dao Ngoc Thanh, Head of the application research team at Viettel Solutions. He said the use of AI-driven software will increase government efficiency.  

This software will help officials manage paperwork more accurately, reduce processing time, improve document control, and facilitate easy retrieval and comparison of records. 

According to Phong, Hanoi is the first place to merge three key committees for administrative reform, digital transformation, and Project 06 implementation into one body. The city has set up more than 5,000 community digital transformation groups with more than 30,000 members and decentralized 597 administrative procedures from city agencies to local authorities.

Hanoi is also the first city to complete the pilot program for "Electronic Health Record on VNeID" and to establish the Public Administration Service Center, as directed by the prime minister. The development of "iHanoi - Capital Citizen Digital App" shows the city's commitment to prioritizing citizens in digital transformation efforts. The city has seen positive changes in its digital economy and aims for digital activities to contribute 30% of its GDP by 2025. Hanoi's Digital Transformation Index (DTI) rose 19 places in the 2021-2024 period.

The city ranks first in the IT industry index, second in e-commerce for seven consecutive years, and leads in the e-government and local innovation index (PII) in 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Despite the initial successes, digital transformation remains an ongoing process that requires determination and collective efforts from all relevant stakeholders in Hanoi, the vice secretary said. "The launch of these shared applications aims to develop a digital government, a digital society, and digital citizens, making Hanoi a modern, intelligent, and cultured capital."

In a broader move, on November 29, 2024, the Party Secretariat issued Decision 204-QD/TW to approve the digital transformation project in Party organizations. The decision identified digital transformation as essential to improving professional efficiency and fostering a digital work culture in Party agencies and organizations.

On December 22, 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW, emphasizing that the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation is a top priority for national progress.

During a working session with the Hanoi Party Committee on November 27, 2024, General Secretary To Lam urged the city to intensify digital transformation efforts within the party and across the political system. He emphasized digital transformation as the foundation for modern production methods and a driving force for national development.

These efforts serve as a strong call to action for Hanoi and the entire country. They aim to remove barriers, promote new technologies, and increase national productivity and competitiveness. More importantly, they reflect the Party's responsiveness to real-world needs and inspire innovation and progress in Vietnam's digital age.