Digital transformation solutions help Ho Chi Minh City move towards a paperless government. (Photo: Le My)
By 2025, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to realize its goal of establishing a modern, efficient public administration system that operates entirely in a digital environment.
This initiative goes beyond document digitization - every administrative process will be carried out on digital platforms, and all public services will be fully available online.
Comprehensive digital transformation in public administration
To achieve this objective, on January 30, 2024, the city established the Digital Transformation Center under the People’s Committee, responsible for coordinating administrative reforms and technology integration.
Throughout 2024, Ho Chi Minh City will focus on institutional reform and the development of a modern digital governance system, ensuring that all administrative tasks are conducted through digital platforms.
Except for classified documents, all government agencies in Ho Chi Minh City are working toward digitizing their administrative procedures, ensuring that public service execution is fully integrated into digital systems.
The city aims to complete the digitization process in 2024, laying the groundwork for a fully digital environment in 2025 that enhances service efficiency and supports data-driven governance.
Implementing key technology platforms for seamless operations
To overcome previous inefficiencies caused by fragmented digital applications, Ho Chi Minh City is rolling out seven key technology platforms to ensure a standardized and interconnected system, aligned with the Ministry of Information and Communications’ directives. These include:
A social media monitoring system to track public sentiment and enhance social governance in the digital space.
An upgraded complaints and denunciation management system to improve the handling of citizen grievances.
The Ho Chi Minh City Institutional Implementation Map, which evaluates administrative efficiency and public service quality.
The city’s official electronic information portal.
An online platform to support and promote innovation.
An artificial intelligence-powered system for the City Council, tested during its 17th session (10th term).
A digital monitoring and management system for public IT investments.
Data integration and interconnectivity to drive a paperless government
Ho Chi Minh City has effectively integrated and shared data across multiple systems, improving public service quality. The city has successfully connected with 11 national databases, including:
The National Public Service Portal
The National Payment Platform
The National Population Database
The online social assistance registration system from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs
The Ministry of Transport’s electronic public service and single-window system
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Public Service Portal
The Ministry of Justice’s civil status registration system
The Ministry of Justice’s online criminal record certificate issuance system
The Ministry of Public Security’s interconnected public service system
The Ministry of Planning and Investment’s National Business Registration Database
The National Social Insurance Database
Additionally, the city has linked various sector-specific software applications across departments and districts, improving administrative efficiency through data sharing.
Infrastructure upgrades and workforce training
According to Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Department of Information and Communications, Ho Chi Minh City has meticulously prepared for this transformation, focusing on digital infrastructure, data platforms, and training civil servants to adapt to a digital work environment.
To facilitate this transition, the city has upgraded all computer systems and internal networks, ensuring seamless connectivity from the People’s Committee to district and ward offices. Strong cybersecurity measures have also been implemented to protect personal and business data.
Ho Chi Minh City has launched the “Digital Citizen” application, providing residents and businesses with convenient access to public services. In addition, the city has promoted digital signatures and public awareness campaigns to encourage the adoption of online services.
A pioneering initiative is the gradual replacement of paper-based administrative documents with digital records, reducing paperwork for citizens when submitting official requests. By standardizing and digitizing work processes, government agencies can operate more efficiently and provide faster, more transparent services.
Challenges and next steps
Despite significant progress, Ho Chi Minh City faces several challenges in implementing a fully paperless government. Continued investment is needed to expand and upgrade digital infrastructure, ensuring it meets the growing demands of citizens and businesses.
Legal frameworks must also be refined, particularly regarding electronic signatures, digital identity verification, and online administrative procedures to ensure the legality of digital transactions. Additionally, the city must develop a highly skilled workforce capable of managing and maintaining digital systems effectively.
“With relentless efforts, 2025 will be the year Ho Chi Minh City achieves its vision of a modern, efficient, and fully digital public administration system,” said Lam Dinh Thang.
Xuan Truong
