The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has approved a proposal to launch a programme for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the city during the 2020-30 period. As part of this initiative, the city intends to construct digital infrastructure that will facilitate the creation of high-quality broadband for the entire region.
The programme will aid telecommunications companies in expanding their broadband network and advancing 5G mobile connectivity. It will also encourage digital transformation and the adoption of the new generation Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) across all management systems of state departments and agencies at every level throughout the city. Greater emphasis will also be placed on the construction and development of a suitable infrastructure for the Internet of Things (IoT) networks.
This year, Ho Chi Minh City plans to carry on with the implementation of its 5G mobile networks and IoT infrastructure for districts and Thu Duc City. Additionally, the city is currently finalising the development of a shared database and open data ecosystem, the digital data governance strategy for Whole-of-City by 2025 with a vision toward 2030, with a particular emphasis on advancing administrative and urban planning data.
To promote AI products and research outcomes of universities, process business demands for AI training and application, and host AI contests, the city will establish an e-portal for AI solutions and applications. Furthermore, the city will execute project for the development of human resources for AI.
Experts suggest that AI applications may not fully replace humans in the Vietnamese workplace, as most AI systems are primarily utilised for repetitive tasks on a large scale or work that humans cannot carry out. However, AI is becoming an increasingly effective tool in addressing difficulties related to urban development and modernisation in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City.
Accelerating digital transformation and AI applications are identified as important tasks to improve the quality of public service management in the city. The city’s public sector has already implemented several technology applications, including AI cameras for security surveillance, electronic identification for administrative procedures, as well as chatbots and callbots for public services. The city also has an information system to handle administrative procedures, which was developed by combining the online public service portal and the electronic single-window system.
In February, city authorities announced that they would fully digitise public services by linking up with the National Public Service Portal in 2023, with a goal of 100% online availability. As OpenGov Asia reported, the city will also focus on accelerating digital transformation and smart city development.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City municipal Department of Information and Communications, it will fully connect with the Ministry of Public Security’s identity authentication and population database systems, as well as the national databases of other ministries and sectors.
The city will work to deploy digital citizenship and adopt unified mobile applications so that people and businesses can use public services anywhere and anytime. The Department also aims to operate five digital platforms to serve management work. It plans to operationalise six specialised information systems of departments and sectors, including electronic health records of the Health Department and land use information of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
