Hanoi has long road to travel in becoming a smart city

The first objective is to improve the quality of life by developing a smart infrastructure system. This is a crucial step to alleviate traffic congestion, a persistent issue in Hanoi for many years. By applying technological solutions such as traffic sensors and intelligent traffic management systems, the city can more efficiently manage vehicle flow, thereby reducing travel times and minimising the negative environmental impacts.

Dany Nguyen Luong, director of Mobility and Transport L’Insitut Paris Region

Additionally, improving air quality is a significant priority as Hanoi faces increasingly severe pollution levels. Air quality monitoring technologies and pollution control measures are expected to help the city track and improve its living environment significantly. Furthermore, public services will be enhanced through a digitalised management system, allowing residents to access services more quickly and transparently.

The second objective of the project is to achieve sustainable management of natural resources, including energy, water, and waste. Hanoi has been moving towards applying digital technologies in resource management to maximise efficiency. Automated monitoring systems can collect and analyse data on resource consumption, helping to adjust and optimise usage.

For instance, water sensors can monitor consumption, detect leaks, and reduce wastage, while smart energy management solutions can adjust electricity consumption in public areas and buildings based on actual demand. Additionally, waste management is also emphasised with automated sorting and recycling systems, reducing the negative environmental impacts.

The third objective is to foster economic development through the construction of a smart city. This development not only presents opportunities to attract both domestic and foreign investment but also creates new jobs, thereby enhancing Hanoi’s competitiveness in the international market. Modern technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, and big data are opening new pathways for the digital economy, helping Hanoi grow more sustainably and comprehensively.

Moreover, the smart city environment also fosters better conditions for startups and tech companies, contributing to the creation of a strong innovation ecosystem.

Modern tech is part of the reason cities like Hanoi can grow in a more sustainable fashion, Photo: Shutterstock

Singapore has leveraged advanced information and communication technologies to become a modern icon in urban management. The city-state has made substantial investments in digital infrastructure, from deploying smart sensors to monitor traffic conditions and air pollution to applying energy-saving solutions for buildings.

One notable example is Singapore’s electronic road pricing system, established in 1998. This system automatically adjusts fees based on traffic volume, effectively reducing congestion. The system uses video technology and sensors to monitor traffic in real-time, encouraging residents to choose alternative routes or travel during off-peak hours.

Singapore’s approach offers valuable lessons for Hanoi, especially in managing traffic and the environment. However, applying these models to Hanoi’s reality is far from simple. With an area of approximately 3,400 square kilometres - five times larger than Singapore - transforming the entire province of Hanoi into a smart city will require significant investment in technology and infrastructure.

The North Hanoi Smart City project, covering just 2.8sq.km, is currently only a pilot model. To scale this project across the entire city, Hanoi needs to enhance public-private partnerships, strengthen the skills of its public services, and foster a culture of innovation by encouraging research and development.

Beyond technology and infrastructure issues, Hanoi also faces several other challenges. Protecting personal data is a major concern as the city proceeds to collect and process vast amounts of data from smart systems. Ensuring the safety and privacy of residents requires a strict and transparent data management system.

Furthermore, social equity is another critical issue. Technological solutions should not only benefit a select group of people, but must be designed to serve the entire community, ensuring fairness in access to urban services and amenities.

Each city has its unique characteristics, and no smart city model can be perfectly replicated from one city to another. The experience of smart cities worldwide, particularly from Singapore or cities in France, demonstrates that success requires a long-term strategic vision and close collaboration between all stakeholders.

Hanoi has the potential to become a comprehensive smart city model, contributing to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all its citizens. However, achieving this will require long-term investment and appropriate policies to drive strong transformation.

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