Ho Chi Minh City is coordinating with a global financial institution to develop a data management strategy, aiming to better cultivate data for government operations. According to the Deputy Director of the Municipal Department of Information and Communications, Vo Thi Trung Trinh, the strategy identifies a vision, specific goals, priority areas, and plans for the implementation of data and digitisation projects to improve the city’s data-driven governance.
Trinh was speaking at a conference on building a data strategic vision for HCM City hosted by the department and institution. She said that the two sides have completed a survey and assessment of the current status of data and data usage needs of local state regulators, with focus placed on three areas: urban planning, citizens’ information, and economic and financial development.
The conference provided the city with an opportunity to receive consultation and recommendations put forth by experts to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen data management. It also offered a platform for local departments, administrations, industry associations, and state-owned enterprises to speak about how data can be used to support its management, Thi Trinh added.
In its digital transformation journey, the country envisions the development of smart cities and provinces, and Ho Chi Minh is among the top cities in terms of digitisation. In the 2021 Digital Transformation Index (DTI), the city climbed two spots to rank third, after Da Nang and Thien-Hue.
A few months ago, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment began using emerging technologies to effectively manage large amounts of waste generated from the city. The city generates about 9,500 tonnes of domestic waste each day, equivalent to about 3 million tonnes per year. Since June, authorities have been working with a private player on a pilot programme using a software application to manage waste. Users can download and install the app on their iOS or Android devices to register for waste collection (including bulk waste collection), pay fees, monitor garbage truck routes, and even give feedback on waste services. The app is widely used by private waste collectors in District 7’s Binh Thuan, Tan Quy, Tan Thuan Dong, and Tan Thuan Tay wards.
As OpenGov Asia reported, a digital map for solid waste collection in the city is also being developed. It offers information about routes, the velocity and status of garbage trucks, waste collection points, and waste treatment stations. Additionally, last year, 14 waste collection units in the city’s Go Vap district began using an app that digitises waste management and allows users to make online payments for waste collection services in the district. With an online waste market, the app allows scrap dealers and owners of waste to connect. Sellers of waste can take pictures of products they want to sell, such as paper and plastics, and post the images on the app. Users can also post information about old items they have and want to donate.
When these software pieces are linked, they will share databases on waste owners, waste transporters, waste treatment organisations, and waste amounts, which will help authorities more efficiently coordinate the process.