Innovation, digital transformation: Key to Hanoi's future growth

Hanoi is committed to fostering multi-level, globally connected partnerships with all stakeholders to promote innovation and sustainable, smart and green development, said Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai.

Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai delivers his remarks at the event. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit 2024 today [December 2], he stressed the critical role of digital transformation in the capital’s development.

Hanoi wants to work with businesses, educational institutions, scientists and international organizations in this endeavor, he said.

Held at the National Convention Center under the theme "Smart Cities - Digital Economy - Sustainable Development," the summit is an important event in a series of activities marking Vietnam's National Digital Transformation Day 2024.

"The summit is a key platform for Hanoi and delegates to share experiences and solutions in digital transformation. It aims to strengthen technology cooperation for smart, modern, and sustainable urban future," Hai said.

This year's summit reflects the core pillars of a visionary strategy of "new perspectives, new global thinking" for Hanoi's development and that of other regions, he pointed out.

“Today’s event is an opportunity for leaders, experts, and top technology firms to discuss breakthrough solutions in key areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart transportation, clean energy, and sustainable environments,” the deputy chairman said. "The insights and experiences shared at the Summit will drive Hanoi and other localities in the region to realize the goal of building green, smart and sustainable cities."

As a distinctive approach to sustainable growth, Hanoi has enhanced citizen satisfaction and public service delivery, according to Nguyen Van Khoa, Vice President of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA).

Khoa highlighted some of Hanoi's major achievements, including the construction of 12,000 BTS stations, 5G-ready infrastructure, fiber connectivity for 100% of households, the launch of the digital citizen app iHanoi with 1.1 million users, the integration of 5.4 million health records with the national population database, and the implementation of digital systems for hospital management and transport ticketing.

"Digital economy, green economy and technology are the new growth drivers amid ongoing political, economic and technological changes," said Khoa.

"We need to transform traditional economic sectors with technologies that promote sustainable development, ensure environmental and cultural preservation, and advance industries where Vietnam has significant potential, such as semiconductors, AI, and autonomous technologies," Khoa added.

The Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit 2024, held on December 2-3, brings together Hanoi city leaders, ministries, and more than 700 delegates from 28 provinces and cities across Vietnam, as well as representatives from 18 countries and economies around the world. The summit includes experts, businesses, and organizations specializing in information technology.

The event features seven thematic workshops with nearly 80 speakers providing insights on topics such as data-driven governance, flexible operating models, digital infrastructure development, semiconductor industry strategies, environment, energy, and digital ecosystems.  

The opening session of the Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit 2024 on December 2. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

At the event, Paul Yeo, CEO of Confexhub and Honorable Treasurer of the Malaysia Smart Cities Alliance, shared Malaysia's progress in developing smart cities. He highlighted the country’s focus on advancing its digital economy and promoting sustainable development, which has propelled Malaysia to second place in the ASEAN Smart City Index for 2024.

Yeo explained that Malaysia's smart city strategy is built on three core pillars. First, the government has established a comprehensive framework and policy structure aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This multi-tiered approach, spanning national, state, and local levels, includes guidelines, master plans, and action plans.

Second, Malaysia is making significant investments in advanced technologies to foster innovation. The government supports these efforts through funding programs and innovation sandboxes, focusing on ten transformative technologies pivotal to the country's digital economy and smart city transformation, including 5G, IoT, cloud computing, blockchain, and clean technology. These technologies are driving urban development and reshaping Malaysia's cities.

Third, Malaysia is heavily investing in the development of digital talent. The government has launched initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce, ensuring citizens are prepared for a digital future. Collaboration between educational institutions and technology companies has been central, with curricula tailored to meet the needs of emerging industries.

"The collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and international stakeholders is a key to success, fostering innovation and supporting Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development," Yeo said.

The event is co-hosted by the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications and VINASA. The opening ceremony today's morning (December 2) was attended by Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee.

Chairman Thanh and other delegates also took a tour around the summit, visiting the stalls set up to showcase technologies brought to the event by enterprises and universities' students.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh (second from left) and government officials visit a stall at the event. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Chairman Thanh and local officials at the event. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

A project on collecting recyclable waste items by students of the Foreign Trade University (Hanoi). Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Students from Vietnam-Germany University (Binh Duong Province) brief about a project that aims at German teaching through a role-playing game model. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times