Enhancing capabilities to meet the requirements of the new phase.

HNN - The two-tiered local government model is operating increasingly effectively, along with the rapid spread of digital transformation to every ward and commune. The streamlined apparatus forces each official to adapt, possessing sufficient expertise and professional skills to handle their tasks. In this context, proactively improving capabilities is no longer just a call to action, but has become a requirement for every official.

Báo Thừa Thiên Huế•12/12/2025

Officials from Phong Phu ward participate in training on digital transformation in work processes.

Learn to do better

In Phong Phu ward, the learning atmosphere was serious and systematic. Lecturers from the City Information Technology Center, the Electronic Information Portal, and VNPT Hue guided participants step-by-step, simulating real-life case handling scenarios. The Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, Nguyen Van Dung, stated: "If officials don't master technology, they cannot control the progress and quality of their work."

Mr. Le Phi Hung, an officer at the Public Administrative Service Center of Phong Phu Ward, shared that in the early days of operating the new model, the workload was heavy, and the large number of documents received was stressful; the biggest worry was not being able to process procedures on time and missing deadlines for citizens. Since using the operational management software, everything is clear: what tasks are yours, what is pending, who is responsible; work is faster and more confident.

In Nam Dong commune, the mindset of "learning to excel" extends beyond the scope of official duties. Recently, the commune organized training on the application of AI, ChatGPT, and NotebookLM—new tools that few previously thought local officials would use. Now, AI supports document drafting, report analysis, data aggregation, and significantly increases work productivity.

Not only did Nam Dong learn for itself, but it also launched the "Digital Literacy Movement," aiming for every citizen to know how to use digital technology and some basic skills. Officials not only worked but also went door-to-door to guide citizens on how to open VNeID, use public services, and make cashless payments.

In Vinh Loc commune, the AI training course held at the end of November 2025 created a highly energetic work atmosphere. Commune leaders instructed officials to "understand correctly - do correctly - apply correctly" so that AI becomes a supporting tool, not a technological burden. After only a short period of use, the effectiveness was evident; new skills such as quick drafting, report building, and data analysis helped officials save hours each week.

Emphasize the importance of proactive self-learning.

As the system is streamlined and the workload at the grassroots level increases significantly, officials no longer rely solely on "mentors" or training courses, but instead demand proactive self-improvement to become more skilled, faster, and more accurate.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dong commune, shared a real-life story from his locality: Recently, many land administration, finance, and information technology officials have voluntarily sought out places with better practices to learn from. No one forced them, but each learning experience was different. When officials learned the correct procedures and effective methods, they returned to the commune and worked more quickly, without the confusion they experienced before.

"One thing that the commune leaders highly appreciate about the officials is that skills can be trained, but the spirit of self-learning can only come from each individual's own consciousness. That is the spirit that local officials have demonstrated in the past," Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa informed.

According to Nguyen Van Manh, Director of the Department of Internal Affairs, the Department is currently compiling and reviewing the qualifications of all current commune and ward-level officials. Based on this review, the Department will proactively advise the City People's Committee on developing a plan to raise standards and improve the quality of these officials' work. This is a proactive step to ensure the right person is in the right job with the right expertise, in the context of a streamlined administrative apparatus, numerous tasks, and rapidly changing technology.

From the practical experience in various localities, a common point can be seen: the increasing demand for digital transformation and the application of technology in resolving and managing work. Digital transformation will only succeed when officials change. Officials must be pioneers, understanding first, and acting first. Officials who are not proficient in technology will find it very difficult to encourage citizens to use online public services. Officials who do not understand the digitalization process will disrupt the flow of work.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, in the context of increasingly large workloads and higher demands for efficiency and timeliness, the city's officials must shift from a mindset of "doing things right" to "doing them well," from "being responsible enough" to "daring to take responsibility." Digital capabilities, the ability to coordinate and connect, and political acumen are three key factors for officials to lead administrative reform and better serve the people. Therefore, the spirit of self-learning, self-improvement, and self-capacity enhancement is a "soft support," but also a decisive factor in the effectiveness of local government.

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