Brian Jeffrey
Creating smart cities is about more than just technology; it’s about fostering sustainable communities that prioritize people, according to RMIT Vietnam’s Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung. This vision requires a holistic approach that brings together governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.
On December 2, the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) teamed up with Hanoi’s Department of Information and Communications to launch the Vietnam-Asia Smart Cities Summit 2024. The event, themed “Smart Cities – Digital Economy – Sustainable Development,” welcomed over 700 participants from 28 provinces and 18 nations.
Hanoi’s Vice Chairman Ha Minh Hai announced that the summit serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and solutions to speed up the development of modern, eco-friendly urban areas.
“The insights shared here will greatly benefit cities like Hanoi in our quest for green, smart, and sustainable urban growth,” said Hai.
Hanoi aims to be at the forefront of digital transformation, guided by a strategy emphasizing digital government, economy, and society, all underpinned by a culture of digital citizenship and cybersecurity.
Tran Ngoc Linh from the Urban Development Agency (Ministry of Construction) noted that 48 of Vietnam’s 63 provinces are currently engaged in smart city projects.
These efforts encompass:
Urban Planning: Creation of urban databases and integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for smart management and planning.
Smart Services: Enhanced focus on smart transportation, healthcare, education, and alert systems, with 57 provinces prioritizing these areas.
Several cities are piloting localized smart city models at the district or town level before broader implementation across provinces.
However, challenges persist:
Regulatory Frameworks: Inadequate legal structures for smart city implementation.
Resource Allocation: Limited funding and inadequate integration of private sector resources.
Implementation Challenges: There is often a lack of clarity and consistency in coordination and execution.
Tran Ngoc Linh stressed the necessity for clear policies and enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle these issues.
According to research by RMIT University, Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung pointed out that smart cities are evolving into a third development phase, where public engagement is as important as technological innovations.
“Sustainable smart cities now prioritize governance frameworks that incorporate advanced technologies, climate resilience, and community involvement,” Trung explained.
He cited successful implementations in cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney that effectively utilize technology for transport management, energy efficiency, public services, and economic productivity.
“Collaboration and knowledge sharing among cities are essential to optimize resources and establish sustainable communities. Initiatives should also promote inclusivity to bridge the digital gap and ensure everyone benefits,” Trung added.
Vietnam’s journey toward smart city development should focus on harmonizing technological advancements with a human-centric approach. By drawing lessons from successful global practices and promoting cooperation, the nation can develop cities that are smart, sustainable, and equitable.
