The three biggest cities of Vietnam - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang - will be part of the ASEAN network of smart cities being proposed by Singapore.
During Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's official visit to Singapore in April, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was very impressed with the cities’ rapid urban development. He also said that their inclusion in the smart cities network would add to ASEAN's vibrancy.
The smart cities network, which aims to better connect digital infrastructure and services like e-payments across the region, is Singapore's flagship initiative as the chair of ASEAN this year.
Singapore wants to strengthen ASEAN's resilience and innovation by developing e-commerce regulation and technology infrastructure, and boosting cyber security in the region. ASEAN's digital economy is estimated to hit 200 billion US dollars by 2025, according to last year's reports ofTemasek and Google.
The Hanoi Opera House, a big cultural center of the capital of Vietnam. Photo: VNP’s files
Hanoi has made major strides toward becoming a smart city worth living in. Photo: VNP’s files
Royal City, regarded as a miniature “Europe” in Hanoi. Photo: VNP’s files
Beautiful Vinhomes Riverside urban center with eco-architecture style. Photo: Vin Group’s files
Education is high on Hanoi's development agenda. Photo: VNP’s files |
On July 8, representatives from ten ASEAN member states met in Singapore to discuss smart cities within the framework of the World Cities Summit (WCS), which took place from July 6 – 11. Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung represented Vietnam at the event.
It was the first meeting of member countries of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) since the establishment of the ASCN was proposed during the 32nd ASEAN Summit in May. It was also attended by representatives of 26 cities piloting the ASCN, including three from Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
The meeting adopted a draft framework for a smart cities network at a national level to be submitted for review at the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November.
ASEAN nations exchanged their experiences and shared their plans to develop a smart cities network. They also discussed action programs and cooperation to achieve goals for the development of smart cities.
Green space of the Independence Palace – the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VNP’s file
Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen Hue walking street is a favorite place for locals and tourists. Photo: VNP’s file
With about 1,000km of canals and rivers, Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to develop water tourism.
In the photo: Tourists travel on Nhieu Loc canal by boat. Photo: VNP’s file
Ho Chi Minh City has poured money into transport systems and historical sites.
In the photo: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon at night. Photo: VNP’s files
A tour for visitors to see Ho Chi Minh City on old Vespa scooters. Photo: VNP’s files |
The ASCN was initiated by Singapore. The idea is very original and up-to-date with trends of urbanization and technological and digital development, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.
He stressed that Vietnam expects to work with ASEAN to build a joint ecosystem, make the most of technology and digital tools to improve people's living standards in the pilot cities and create links with other cities in the region.
The 26 ASCN pilot cities include Singapore (Singapore); Manila, Cebu and Davao (the Philippines); Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei); Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket (Thailand); Banyuwangi, Jakarta and Makassar (Indonesia); Battambang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia); Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching (Malaysia); Luang Prabang and Vientiane (Laos); Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon (Myanmar); and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang (Vietnam).
Da Nang was selected to host APEC 2017 in Vietnam. Photo: VNP’s files
The international firework festival has become a cultural and tourist event
which is held annually from April to June in Da Nang. Photo: VNP’s file
Cloudy Ba Na Hills is a must-go destination of tourists visiting Da Nang. Photo: VNP’s files
Peaceful space of Bien Dong (East Sea) park in Da Nang. Photo: VNP’s files |
The World Cities Summit is a platform for government leaders and industry experts to address livable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.
Themed “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing The Future Through Innovation and Collaboration”, the 6th World Cities Summit in Singapore in July 2018, explored how cities can be more livable and resilient through better governance and planning, technology and social innovations, as well as collaborations with stakeholders and other cities.
By VNA/VNP