Digital Citizen of Da Nang

In various ways, a young generation in Da Nang is quietly shaping the new face of the smart city. They learn, work, and create in the digital space, thereby gradually digitizing their abilities and dreams.

Young people in Da Nang are making good use of digital technology to expand their job opportunities. Photo: HL

Adapt quickly, be flexible.

In the morning at a cafe overlooking the Han River, Nguyen Minh Anh (27 years old, Hai Chau ward) begins her work by checking customer emails from Europe. Her laptop, connected to Wi-Fi, and a few specialized software programs serve as her "office." Each day, this work rhythm is regular, flexible, and precise, just like the digital environment she lives in.

A few years ago, like many other young people, Minh Anh used social media primarily for entertainment. The change came when he realized the vast wealth of knowledge behind the screen. Online courses, professional communities, and remote work projects gradually opened up new avenues. According to him, design projects are submitted from many countries, with different requirements and standards. At times, he had to adjust his work schedule to suit his partners' time zones, participating in online meetings in the evening or early morning.

"It was quite stressful at first, but gradually I got used to this way of working. The important thing is to maintain discipline and ensure the product quality meets the commitments," Minh Anh shared.

Meanwhile, Pham Khanh Linh, the owner of Vá Craft, found employment opportunities in a different way. After trying out a few handmade products on TikTok, Threads, and Instagram, Linh gradually built her own sales channel. The first orders came from friends, then expanded to include new customers both within and outside the city.

Recognizing the appeal of these cute little items, Linh boldly invested in opening a small shop in an alley off Dang Thuy Tram Street. “Every day I learn a little more, from photography and content writing to customer service. Thanks to that, my business has gradually become more stable,” Linh shared.

Along with the trend of digital transformation, changes are also taking place in the workplace. Nguyen Hoang Trong (29 years old), a civil servant at a department in the city, is familiar with processing documents online at the one-stop service center. Processes that previously required a lot of paperwork are now digitized, monitored, and controlled through software.

"The work is clearer, the progress is more transparent. People can also easily follow along, and we are more proactive in handling things," Phuc said.

Beyond individual adaptation efforts, online connectivity also contributes to the development of a network of "digital citizens." It is within this context that the concept of digital transformation is gradually becoming clearer.

Completing the digital infrastructure network.

If the changes among young people are like a flowing stream, then digital infrastructure is the path that shapes the direction of that stream. In Da Nang , over the past years, the technology platform has been invested in comprehensively, creating conditions for people to access and utilize digital amenities in their daily lives.

At the management level, the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) plays a crucial role in connecting and analyzing data from various sectors. Information on traffic, environment, security, and more is compiled and processed daily. Although operating behind the scenes, this system still has a significant impact on urban life through improvements in management and operation.

Regarding future directions, the city is preparing to deploy the IOC Dashboard for Party agencies. This is seen as a step to expand the application of technology in leadership and management, creating a synchronized connection between systems. When data is interconnected and effectively utilized, management will become more flexible and accurate.

According to Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, developing digital infrastructure is identified as the foundation for a comprehensive digital transformation process. “Current systems aim to serve citizens and businesses more conveniently, while simultaneously improving management efficiency. When the infrastructure is perfected, citizens will have the opportunity to play their role in the digital environment,” Mr. Thach stated.

Returning to the topic of "digital citizenship," it's clear that digital infrastructure is creating a favorable environment for people to experiment and develop. This process is flexible, allowing individuals to adjust and refine their skills gradually based on real-world situations.

However, the journey to becoming a "digital citizen" is not always smooth, as gaps remain in skills, access, and awareness regarding technology use. Some individuals have not fully exploited the potential of the digital environment or struggle with filtering information.

These issues highlight the need to enhance digital skills while simultaneously building a safe and healthy online environment. When users are competent and aware, technology will contribute positively, rather than becoming a barrier.

It can be said that, in the future, as digital transformation continues to accelerate, the role of "digital citizens" will become even more important. This is because they are not only beneficiaries, but also pioneers, leading the change.

With its infrastructure and clear direction, Da Nang has many favorable conditions to nurture and develop this workforce. However, to fully utilize its potential, a synchronized coordination between the government, schools, businesses, and society is needed to create a learning, working, and creative environment for young people. In particular, the connection between infrastructure and people forms the foundation for the sustainable development of a smart city.

In the digital ecosystem, each individual is gradually "digitizing" their dreams, as study plans, career aspirations, and creative ideas can all begin in cyberspace and then spread to real life. This is also how a new generation of citizens is maturing, choosing to embrace technology, but aiming for tangible and lasting values.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cong-dan-so-da-nang-3328988.html