FPT discusses digital transformation applications and smart city governance model in Ho Chi Minh city
Recently, FPT leaders participated in a panel discussion titled “Digital transformation, megacity governance and digital economy model”. The event, co-hosted by the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute (AVPI) and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), provided a platform for experts to share and discuss digital technology solutions for smart city management.
Overview of the workshop in Ho Chi Minh City.
Following the recent collaboration between FPT and AusCharm, one of Australia’s leading consultancy firms, AusCharm and Ascending invited FPT representatives to join a roundtable discussion on digital transformation and Megacity governance in Ho Chi Minh City. The event was chaired by Ms. Louise Adam, COO of Aurecon Group and AVPI Advisory Board member, and attended by Sarah Hopper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, leaders from HIDS and RMIT University, as well as representatives from various Australian and Vietnamese governmental and corporate entities.
The roundtable focused on exploring how digital governance frameworks can enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in Ho Chi Minh City, leveraging Australian expertise to promote sustainable city governance, improve public services, and bolster economic resilience. The discussion also identified collaborative opportunities where Australian expertise could support Ho Chi Minh City’s digital transformation and governance efforts, emphasizing the Victoria-Ho Chi Minh City relationship and offering practical policy recommendations for the Vietnamese government to support digital governance at both the city and national levels, with an emphasis on reforms that would further Ho Chi Minh City’s smart city goals.
During the event, participants shared insights on key challenges facing Ho Chi Minh City, particularly the need to streamline administrative systems through digital transformation. HIDS and AVPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing to joint projects, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer aimed at enhancing city governance capacities in areas such as digital transformation, clean energy, green economy, and megacity governance model.
Dr. Trương Minh Huy Vũ, Director of HIDS, emphasized: “Our goal is to leverage digital technology to streamline governance systems and deliver policy solutions to address Ho Chi Minh City’s pressing challenges”.
Discussions also addressed core strategies for transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a “Megacity”—a central urban hub driving development in surrounding regions. “Megacity” typically refers to urban centers with populations exceeding 10 million, characterized by their significant economic, cultural, and political influence, complex infrastructure, and unique challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and resource management. These cities are often focal points for technological innovation and growth.
Commenting on Ho Chi Minh City’s trajectory toward becoming a Megacity, Mr. Phan Thanh Sơn, Executive Vice President (EVP) & Chief Business Development Officer of FPT IS, FPT Corporation stated: “With a population of around 10 million, Ho Chi Minh City requires a strategic vision that is both ambitious and forward-looking to meet the development criteria of a Megacity, including achieving a GDP exceeding USD 250 billion. At its current growth rate, the city could attain this by 2030, as long as there is a well-executed strategy encompassing digital, green, and AI-driven smart transformations.”
Mr. Sơn also reflected on Australia’s historical contributions to Vietnam’s ICT development, including the introduction of the Internet in the early 1990s, telecommunications infrastructure development with Telstra, and CSIRO’s support for the brackish shrimp farming sector, thus inspiring ideas for future cooperation between Victoria and Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. Phan Thanh Sơn, EVP & Chief Business Development Officer of FPT IS, FPT Corporation, participated in the discussion at the workshop.
Dr. Trương Minh Huy Vũ also emphasized the critical role of institutional frameworks in macroeconomic development. He asserted the need for in-depth research on city governance model, highlighting that human capital is a key factor. “For institutions to operate effectively, it is essential to train individuals who understand the importance of the technological revolution and digital transformation. This is the decisive factor for the pace and success of the transformation.” Dr. Vũ stated.
The collaboration between AVPI, HIDS and technology companies like FPT serves as a vital foundation for building a smart, efficient, and sustainable Ho Chi Minh City. Digital transformation, green transition, and smart transformation solutions provided by FPT will play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure, improving city management, and enhancing the quality of public services. These efforts aim to create growth opportunities for businesses, individuals, and communities, contributing to Ho Chi Minh City’s evolution into a smart, prosperous, and sustainable Megacity.
