The Hue Smart City Monitoring and Management Center is the "brain" that manages the smart city and provides many convenient services.

A significant step forward

As early as 2018, Hue proactively issued a plan and scheme for the comprehensive development of a smart city. As a heritage city and a cultural, scientific, and technological center of Central and Western Vietnam, Hue has also been selected by the central government to pilot many important programs. This provides a solid legal foundation and basis for the city to pioneer in building a smart city model that is integrated with its identity, culture, and environment.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duong Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, in recent years, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation have shaped three pillars of Hue's development: smart, green, and sustainable. The city has completed its digital infrastructure and digital institutions; the integrated data sharing platform has been upgraded and interconnected with the Government Information System, creating a significant step forward for digital governance and smart city management.

Many applications and services have become part of daily life, serving as invaluable "assistants" for the people. In particular, Hue-S – a super app for citizens and tourists – has achieved over 1.3 million downloads, integrating over 50 functions ranging from reporting incidents and online payments to healthcare, education , tourism, and transportation. More than 650 smart cameras utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for license plate and facial recognition, forest fire detection, and traffic congestion monitoring contribute to ensuring traffic safety and public order.

A staff member from the one-stop service department of Thuy Xuan Ward People's Committee shared: "Previously, people had to make multiple trips to complete procedures or spend time getting their citizen identification cards... but now, with just a smartphone, everything is resolved quickly and efficiently. People's feedback is now sent through the Hue-S channel and processed very quickly, so many people are very satisfied, and the government has also reduced a lot of pressure."

By applying technology, digital platforms, and modern infrastructure, Hue ranks among the top 10 localities with the highest administrative reform index nationwide, with 100% of public services available online. The widespread technological infrastructure and high smartphone usage rate create a foundation for the development of the digital economy. Currently, the digital economy contributes over 13% to the city's GRDP, projected to reach over 15% by the end of 2025. More importantly, the digital government - digital economy - digital society model is vividly present in every service provided to citizens, from online application submission to payment of tuition fees, hospital fees, taxes, and public utility fees.

Comprehensive smart urban ecosystem

After more than six years of implementation, Hue's Smart City Project has formed a comprehensive ecosystem, with citizens at the center, culture as the foundation, and science and technology as the driving force. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Son, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized: "The most important aspect of Hue's smart city is not just the number of applications put into use, but how these technological platforms change behavior and habits, creating new interactions between the government and the community."

Looking ahead, Hue will continue to prioritize the integration and upgrading of essential services on the Hue-S platform, while applying modern technologies such as AI, Big Data, IoT, and blockchain in management and operation. The city will focus on investing in a modern data center to comprehensively serve the digital transformation process; developing high-quality human resources through training, fostering, and attracting talent; promoting an innovation-based startup ecosystem, and encouraging technology companies to provide solutions and services for smart cities.

The public-private partnership model is also being promoted, maximizing the mobilization of social resources to develop smart infrastructure and services. Simultaneously, the city focuses on ensuring information security, protecting personal data, and enhancing digital skills for the community, enabling all citizens to participate in and benefit from digital services.

Nguyen Van Sach, a technology engineer in Hue, expressed: “The city has opened up many creative startup playgrounds. Thanks to this, the technology ideas and projects of young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to be tested on the Hue-S platform or smart city projects. This is an incentive for young intellectuals to stay and contribute to the journey of developing smart cities in Hue.”

With its outstanding achievements and clear development strategy, Hue has been proving that building a smart city is not just about applying technology, but about creating a high-quality, modern living environment that fosters community cohesion and is rich in human values. Hue is striving to realize its goal of becoming a model smart city, a pioneer in the Central region, harmoniously combining modern technology with cultural identity and heritage, creating a unique identity. By 2045, Hue aims to become a livable city with a green and clean environment, convenient services, and a humane, high-quality, and sustainable lifestyle.

Text and photos: HOAI THUONG

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/dong-luc-kien-tao-do-thi-thong-minh-158256.html