The office of the District 6 People’s Committee in Ho Chi Minh City can now use files at any time using the first round-the-clock automatic file receiver and returner system. Launched on 8 March, the automatic administrative service system looks like an ATM and has a main screen displaying document types, a barcode file bag, file receiving tray, fee collection tray, and a result return tray.
According to local authorities, this system can receive and deliver documents automatically, with five administrative procedures, including registration for establishing household-based businesses, granting certificates for household-based registration, reports on labor changes, and construction planning information.
The system also provides eight administrative procedures at level 3, without collecting charges at the machine, including procedures for terminating household-based businesses, registering labor regulations, sending collective labor agreements, and appraising drawings of housing conditions. The device grants permits to dig sidewalks and for the temporary use of pavements. It can confirm that houses are not under state management.
The local government said this system enables easier transactions between the public and public servants and saves time and costs. On the government side, the system reduces pressure to receive files directly at the one-stop division and prevents acts of harassment against citizens and businesses.
Apart from the device, as part of its effort to become a smart city, authorities recently announced a ten-year programme focusing on the research and development of AI applications. It is expected to contribute significantly to the mission to transform Ho Chi Minh into a smart city. The programme will create a database, which will be shared among all administrative departments. The data collected will include housing, transport, environment, and healthcare.
The government, in a press release, has claimed that it will help social organisations, businesses, and residents have better access to public information and services. It will focus on training human resources on AI as well as establishing academic connections with foreign AI professionals.
The city will focus on developing AI start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is encouraging businesses to apply AI to enhance competitiveness, seeking investments, and encouraging domestic production.
The city aims to increase the number of scientific works and AI patents and applications by 20%. Leading experts will be invited to participate. It has called for investment in telecommunications and IoT (Internet of Things) infrastructure, and e-identification platforms.
The city will set up AI hubs that will include AI training centres, research clusters, and a centre for AI start-ups, which will be connected through the city’s data infrastructure. The shared database and open data ecosystem will be completed by 2025. The city aims to offer all public services online by 2030.
Utility apps are expected to become necessary for public service delivery. Dozens of apps for transport, housing, and health have appeared in recent years. The city has also introduced apps that help people notify authorities about incidents like broken water pipes, downed power lines, and fallen trees.
The city has digitised about 60% of civil status books, and the work is expected to be available in June. Based on this database, other departments like education and health will upgrade their databases. The Department of Health will set up a shared medical record system among hospitals in the city and the country.
In addition, the rate of residents and enterprises having electronic accounts for payments is expected to be more than 85% by 2030. By the same time, the digital economy is expected to account for 40% of HCM City’s gross regional domestic product and annual labour productivity will increase at least 9%.