Hanoi urged to speed up digital transformation in smart city construction

In order to achieve fast, efficient, and sustainable economic growth, Hanoi needs to take drastic steps to accelerate digital transformation in a smart and modern direction, according to a senior official.

The idea was shared by Dr. Dang Duc Mai, Chairman of the Hanoi Informatics and Telecommunications Association, former Director of the Department of Informatics and Financial Statistics under the Ministry of Finance.

Hanoi has several advantages to realize the goal of becoming one of the leading localities in the country in digital transformation, Dr. Dang Duc Mai said.

"Hanoi has a solid foundation, full awareness of leaders at all levels, and high determination of residents in the implementation of digital transformation. It can be said that the city is home to the 'elite' in the field of science, technology and information, which is a very favorable condition for Hanoi to implement a digital transformation," Mai said.

Digital transformation is being applied in all fields in Hanoi city. Photo: Minh Anh

With many innovation centers, research institutes, and incubators with high-quality human resources, Hanoi is also the cradle of innovation and digital technology ecosystems. The city leads the country in the potential of digital technology development and implementation, with many high-tech enterprises.

Hanoi's telecommunications infrastructure and Internet network are ready, with a mobile network covering all districts, making it easy for businesses and people to access digital services and applications.

"There is not much time left to achieve the goals by 2025, so Hanoi must concentrate resources to realize its key tasks and solutions listed in the above resolution," Mai stressed.

To ensure that the tasks are implemented on schedule, a strict monitoring mechanism must also be established. After 2023, to achieve the goals for the period up to 2030, the tasks and projects will continue to be completed and improved.

"We know that the Singapore government has invested and entrenched itself in four pillars - artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, virtual reality and the Internet of Things (IoT). They have launched the 'AI Singapore' campaign and invested $150 million to develop and implement AI across the country," Mai quoted.

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, has adopted a smart city development strategy based on six main "pillars", including Smart Economy; Smart Mobility; Smart Energy & Environment; Smart Governance; Smart People; and Smart Living.

South Korea's capital, Seoul, is also one of the most progressive and thriving cities in digital transformation. It has invested heavily in government reform and online public services. This helps people and businesses save time and money when dealing with government procedures. Seoul is also applying new technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT to improve the reliability and convenience of public services.

Based on the experience of some countries with similar conditions in the region, Hanoi needs to pay attention to developing its detailed plan, which is a basis for implementing digital transformation (i.e. Hanoi Digital Government Blueprint). The plan can be adjusted and updated every year to meet the actual conditions," Mai stressed.

Besides, Hanoi authorities need to identify the "core" components that must be digitally transformed first in each area (digital economy, digital government, and digital society) to conduct research for some projects/tasks. These projects/tasks are important in promoting digital transformation in the city.