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The central city of Da Nang is set to significantly enhance their cooperation in the realm of digital database management, to propel the city’s transition to full digitalisation and establish Da Nang as a ‘smart’ city.
During a recent working session, the Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Ho Ky Minh, underscored the critical role of the World Bank’s support in implementing advanced digital database solutions for both communities and businesses. He revealed that Da Nang is currently managing 1,200 open data sources and shared data units, with ambitious plans to introduce smart applications and platforms accessible to all users in the city.
“The city has recognised the centrality of data in our digitalisation process, spanning digital government, the digital economy, and digital society, all contributing to our ‘smart’ city objective,” Vice Chairman Minh stated.
Da Nang’s digital journey began with the introduction of an overall ‘smart’ city design in 2018, following the deployment of e-government in 2015, the utilisation of digital data in 2019 and the inauguration of the Intelligence Operation Centre (IOC) in 2023.
Since the launch of its e-government system in 2014, Da Nang has constructed a robust IT infrastructure supporting smart systems for air control, water management, waste collection, meteorology, natural disaster warnings, and sewage management. Databases covering land management, residential registration, business, public services, traffic, environmental monitoring, and ambulance tracking are now operational, providing comprehensive data-driven insights for the city’s administration and services.
However, Vice Chairman Minh acknowledged the challenges in the digitalisation process, particularly regarding legal frameworks, policy development, and human resources. He called for the WB’s expertise and support to navigate these obstacles, emphasising the need for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
An expert remarked on the significant benefits of effective digital data management. He underscored that a well-structured data architecture and integrated data sources can substantially enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall city management. He stressed that proper data management can lead to the creation of safer and more reliable systems, aligning with legal regulations and best practices in urban governance.
Currently, Da Nang is partnering with major tech firms Viettel and FPT to drive comprehensive digital transformation across various sectors, including economy, education, healthcare, tourism, trade, industry, agriculture, and e-government. These partnerships are designed to leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to streamline operations and improve the quality of life for residents.
The city’s ambitious digitalisation plan includes accelerating the integration of smart technologies in everyday operations, aiming to position Da Nang among ASEAN’s leading smart cities by 2030. This vision encompasses the deployment of advanced IoT systems, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to create a more responsive, efficient, and sustainable urban environment.
Over the past two decades, the World Bank has been a crucial partner in Da Nang’s development, supporting numerous key infrastructure projects. The most recent contribution is a US$ 100 million investment in Da Nang University, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, increasing financial aid, and improving management capacity. This investment underscores the WB’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and innovation, which are vital components of the city’s smart city strategy.
This current initiative marks a pivotal step towards achieving a fully digital, smart city. By leveraging advanced technology and data management solutions, Da Nang aims to drive sustainable urban development, improve public services, and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens.
This endeavour is not just about technology adoption but also about fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that Da Nang remains at the forefront of smart city development in the region.