Hanoi’s smart city vision hinges on data development

Nguyen Viet Hung, director of Hanoi Department of Information and Communications, shared the perspective at the Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit, held on December 2-3 in Hanoi.

The summit was organised under the direction of Hanoi People’s Committee, in collaboration with the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association and the city’s Department of Information and Communications.

Addressing Hanoi's data-driven strategy for 2030, Hung underscored its transformative potential. “Data will not only serve as a foundational asset to propel Hanoi forward as a smart, modern urban area but also enhance economic growth, strengthen the city’s competitiveness, and ensure sustainable development,” he said.

Nguyen Viet Hung, director of the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications

The strategy places citizens and businesses at its heart, aiming to foster proactive interaction through data while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy. Key principles include interoperability and compatibility across systems, as well as transparency and accountability in data management, Hung said.

These efforts aim to establish a robust, comprehensive, and secure data ecosystem that enhances decision-making processes, improves public services, and raises the overall quality of life for residents.

According to Hung, Hanoi’s priorities for smart city development in the years ahead centre on establishing integrated data infrastructure to support urban planning and development. Unified databases for architectural and administrative management are a critical component. Concurrently, the city is focusing on developing advanced systems for population and workforce forecasting, creating robust platforms for traffic data analytics, and expanding databases to support startup ecosystems and innovation.

In line with its vision for resilience and sustainability, Hanoi is also investing in systems for disaster warning and epidemic prevention. These initiatives align with the capital’s overarching goal of becoming a digitally driven, sustainable metropolis by 2030, positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation and urban development.

The city envisions leveraging data to achieve prosperity and seamless international integration. At the summit, Hung highlighted how Hanoi is building on a strong foundation, guided by strategic resolutions and plans on digital transformation and smart city development goals towards 2030.

"Hanoi is taking a meticulous approach to its smart city development strategy and it draws from international best practices while adapting solutions to the city’s unique characteristics," Hung explained. "This approach emphasises the optimal use of resources, modernising legal frameworks and policy mechanisms, and innovating urban planning methodologies. Additionally, it prioritises developing smart information and data-sharing infrastructure to address the city’s evolving needs."

As part of its broader smart city agenda, Hanoi is addressing critical urban challenges, including transportation, heritage preservation, tourism development, and environmental protection. Hung emphasised the need for sector-specific solutions to tackle pressing issues such as water and air quality, traffic congestion, and the sustainable promotion of cultural assets.

"For urban transportation, advanced data analytics and AI-driven systems are being explored to optimise traffic flows and reduce congestion. In heritage and cultural development, digital tools will be employed to enhance the preservation of historical landmarks while promoting tourism. Meanwhile, environmental monitoring systems will help ensure sustainable management of natural resources," Hung added.

By combining data-driven insights with practical solutions, Hanoi aims to become a model smart city that balances technological innovation with sustainable urban living.

"The journey to smart city status is not just about adopting cutting-edge technology but also about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Hanoi is committed to creating an environment where data serves as the backbone for growth, ensuring a better future for all its residents,” Hung said.

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