Brian Jeffrey
Some officials will continue their duties, while others will step down to make way for the nation’s progress.
The past 40 years of reform illustrate how the leadership’s wise choices have enabled Vietnam to steadily advance in its development journey.
The initiative to simplify the organizational structure is viewed as a bold step aimed at achieving significant progress, marked by three key aspects:
Firstly, it meets a long-held public expectation.
Secondly, it showcases the ability to navigate the emerging trends of the modern world.
Thirdly, it lays the groundwork for a collective national effort, unlocking the combined potential of the populace.
This initiative to streamline operations is vital for determining the future success of the country’s reforms. Vietnam must not only navigate present challenges but also build a distinguished public service system that will inspire pride in upcoming generations.
The streamlining process should be informed by a strategic long-term plan with clear objectives for 20 to 30 years ahead. It’s crucial to grasp global trends as well as understand the nation’s strengths and weaknesses.
Throughout this enhancement process, the focus should be on increasing the adaptability of each organization. This flexibility allows public entities to keep pace with rapidly changing global conditions across all fields. This adaptability is an essential asset along with already established standards such as Precision, Streamlining, Strength, Performance, Effectiveness, and Efficiency.
Efforts to refine the administrative structure should emphasize the enhancement of three essential elements: Total Force, Motivation, and Capacity.
While both capacity and motivation—especially incentives—are crucial, the concept of ‘total force’ serves as the cornerstone that ensures success. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize strengthening total force in conjunction with boosting capacity and motivation.
Singapore’s experience in forming a unified government suggests two key priorities: fundamental architecture and the creation of agencies dedicated to policy implementation.
The selection and reorganization of personnel within the streamlined framework require strategic insight, scientific criteria, and a collaborative spirit.
The focus should be on acknowledging officers’ contributions instead of evaluating who is superior. Both those who remain in service and those who depart will act in the nation’s best interest.
Cadre selection should be based on established standards, including professional skills and characteristics that foster the collective strength of the agencies.
When evaluating candidates’ expertise and experience, it is essential to give considerable weight to their innovative capacity in addressing modern challenges.
Streamlining operations is a critical and urgent initiative that must confront unprecedented challenges. Consequently, the approach must combine scientific and practical methods with deep inspiration rooted in the aspirations of the Vietnamese people today.
The idea of the ‘nation’s rise’ may recall the story of Thanh Giong (Saint Giong), a child who, fueled by the nation’s love and expectations, quickly grew to drive away invaders.
Thanh Giong’s tale offers three crucial teachings for the streamlining process:
Firstly, immense challenges require unique and unconventional solutions.
Secondly, the value of collective contributions from the populace is unparalleled. No budget can rival the resources—rice, wood, and pots—that the people provided to support Thanh Giong’s legendary feats.
Thirdly, heroes can emerge from unexpected sources. Young individuals can rise to the occasion and take on responsibilities when the nation requires them.
In addition to the three highlighted elements necessary for breakthroughs—institutional framework, infrastructure, and human resources—Vietnam requires two additional factors: a forward-looking vision and global integration.
Progress in future vision will not only address current challenges through legal reforms and organizational restructuring but will also establish institutional principles respected by generations to come.
With this perspective, Vietnam can focus more earnestly on developing metro systems and urban planning to tackle traffic issues in HCM City and Hanoi instead of merely expanding flyovers and roads.
To enhance international integration, Vietnam should implement unique reforms that go beyond traditional methods to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and boost export levels.
(National University of Singapore)
