SAWACO leaders attend the "Vietnam Water Week 2025" event

Currently, the global water industry is facing major challenges such as water source pollution, climate change, the risk of scarcity, and rising demand in large urban areas. In this context, applying modern technology together with smart operation management is not only an inevitable trend but also an opportunity for breakthrough progress. For Vietnam, this is even more important as rapid urbanization requires a safe, sustainable water supply system to support long-term socio-economic development.

In Ho Chi Minh City, as a 100% state-owned enterprise under the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Saigon Water Corporation (SAWACO) has affirmed its pioneering role in innovation. With more than 150 years of establishment and development, SAWACO continually enhances production efficiency, applies advanced treatment technology, and pilots models of tap water for direct consumption.

Notably, in May 2025, SAWACO inaugurated and put into operation the Water Supply System Operation Center (SWOC) and a modern data center. This event marked SAWACO's strong transition toward building a smart, modern, and sustainable water supply system, creating a foundation for more comprehensive, transparent, and efficient management and operation of the network.

To keep pace with technological trends, SAWACO has implemented numerous digital transformation solutions, from the WaterGEMS hydraulic analysis software and the Geographic Information System (GIS), to the SCADA system and Network Operation Center (NOC) at its subsidiary water supply joint-stock companies. These tools not only optimize the water supply network, helping to reduce losses and save resources, but also enhance real-time remote monitoring and management capabilities. This is the premise for building a smart water system that meets the increasing demands of urban residents.

In fact, innovation does not only mean improving production and supply processes, but also creating long-term value for the community. A modern, sustainable water system contributes directly to health protection, quality of life improvement, and simultaneously promotes socio-economic development and water resource security. Therefore, digital transformation in the water industry can be called the "golden key" for urbanization to go hand-in-hand with sustainability, fostering economic growth in harmony with environmental protection.

In the current development process, innovation is no longer an option but has become mandatory for essential infrastructure sectors, including water supply, to meet the demands of modern society. SAWACO's steps demonstrate that when an enterprise proactively invests in technology and digital transformation, production and business efficiency is enhanced, citizens benefit from better services, and the city gains a foundation for sustainable development. This is a practical approach, reflecting how Vietnam can leverage science and technology to solve urgent public welfare issues while creating new momentum for future growth.

With a historical foundation of over 150 years, SAWACO is demonstrating that by placing science and technology at the center, the water sector can fully overcome challenges, create breakthroughs, and contribute positively to the nation's sustainable development.