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Vietnam’s smart journey took centre stage at the 18th Singapore-Vietnam Connectivity Ministerial Meeting, as the two nations deepened their ties. This partnership is expected to drive Vietnam’s digital growth and accelerate its journey toward becoming a modern, smart economy.
Co-chaired by Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng and Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, the meeting prioritised collaboration in areas like energy, carbon credits, agri-trade and digital transformation.
The launch of the Singapore-Vietnam Innovation Talent Exchange Programme, allowing 600 young talents from both nations to work in innovation-related sectors, highlights the growing synergy. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to boost Singaporean investments in Vietnam, reinforcing the strong economic ties that have made Singapore Vietnam’s second-largest foreign investor.
Vietnam has significant potential to benefit from the experiences of Singapore and other global leaders in smart city and governance development, according to Associate Professor Dr Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. Dr Khuong asserts that by studying and adopting successful models from these leading nations, Vietnam can accelerate its journey toward becoming a smarter, more advanced nation.
Dr Khuong emphasises that Singapore is widely recognised as a benchmark for smart city development worldwide. While technology is a crucial element of any smart city, it is only one part of a larger framework.
Smart cities are built upon six essential pillars: smart governance, a strong digital economy, efficient transport systems, digitally capable citizens, high living standards, and sustainable development with a focus on a green environment. These pillars are central to Singapore’s urban development and long-term strategy.
In Singapore, the government plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s development, ensuring that technological advancements align with national goals. This involves significant investments in digital infrastructure, crafting policies that encourage innovation, and fostering strong partnerships with the private sector.
This comprehensive focus on governance allows Singapore to address the evolving needs of its population while maintaining a clear vision for sustainable development. By understanding how Singapore integrates these factors, Vietnam can gain valuable insights into creating an effective smart city framework.
Dr Khuong outlines three prominent smart city models that Vietnam could consider. Singapore’s model is government-centric, directing and managing urban growth through strategic policies and infrastructure. This top-down approach ensures a cohesive strategy where all aspects of city life- from transportation to digital services – are interconnected and optimised for efficiency.
Copenhagen’s model emphasises a collaborative approach, engaging both citizens and businesses to co-create smart city solutions and address community needs. Dubai, on the other hand, was designed with smart foundations from the start, allowing it to integrate cutting-edge technologies seamlessly without overhauling existing systems. This approach offers a vision of a fully integrated smart city built from the ground up.
Dr Khuong also emphasises the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. He argues that these goals are interdependent rather than mutually exclusive. Smart cities, by their nature, can promote both economic growth and environmental protection.
Vietnam should prioritise green development in its smart city planning to attract investment and tackle climate and environmental challenges. By adopting best practices from Singapore and global leaders in governance, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, Vietnam can build resilient urban systems that drive innovation, enhance quality of life, and support long-term economic growth.
Smart city development extends beyond technology to encompass a vision where every facet of urban life is efficient, sustainable, and responsive to residents’ needs. By engaging in strategic planning and forming key partnerships, Vietnam can harness global experiences to create a smarter, more connected, and prosperous future.
