Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam introduces digital transformation portal
The Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Department of Information and Communications has announced that the city’s official digital transformation portal has been officially put into operation. The portal is a move to implement the southern economic hub’s digital transformation programme and smart city building projects.
As per a report, with a modern, simple, and assessable user interface, the portal offers an overview of the city’s related plans, digital progress, news, and cooperation activities. The site also features a multi-media library. The Deputy Director of the Department, Vo Thi Trung Trinh, noted that via the portal, city leaders can receive ideas, suggestions, and plans from local residents, organisations, and businesses. City officials and civil servants can promptly systematise and adjust the municipal digital transformation documents, programmes, and projects, the report added. Meanwhile, experts, the general public, organisations, and enterprises can access and learn information about local transformation. They can search for applications and public services that are being provided on digital platforms, Trinh added. People can also send feedback and recommendations to the authorities through the site, she said.
Earlier this month, OpenGov Asia reported that Department created a plan to develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications in public administration, transport, healthcare, banking, and industries. Under the plan, a database of all sectors will be shared among all the city’s administrative departments. Authorities are focussing on improving human resources through AI education and training and enhancing academic connections with foreign AI professionals.
The department is also developing AI-based solutions and supplying tools to serve digital transformation. This is expected to save costs and ensure security and safety in the transport, agriculture, science, and healthcare sectors, among others. The city will expand the 3G and 4G coverage in the city. Further, the department has implemented a programme to provide smartphones with an Internet connection to 58,000 underprivileged households in the city. Authorities have also been pushing to increase the number of start-ups and small and medium enterprises as well as the total investment in AI. Businesses are being urged to deploy AI applications to enhance internal strengths and increase competitiveness. The city intends to build products and apply AI with practical value, transforming Ho Chi Minh City into the centre of Vietnam and a hub for research, development, and the transfer of applications in AI.
The city also has plans to establish at least two technology innovation centres from now through 2025 to help businesses completely digitise operations, according to the municipal people’s committee. They will strengthen supply chains, transfer technologies and innovations, research digital products, increase the awareness of digital transformation, promote an innovation ecosystem for start-ups, and help businesses develop digital products. Moreover, they will tie up with prominent global partners for digitisation and funding to evaluate the effectiveness of digital products and support the creation of digital solutions.
By Samaya Dharmaraj – OpenGovAsia.com – March 21, 2022