World smart cities recognised by WeGO

New York (the US) is a leading example of a smart city, consistently maintaining the top positions in international rankings. The city focuses on applying technology to address issues such as water management, waste processing, and public safety.

With a population of over 8.5 million and a daily water consumption of 3.8 billion litres, New York has implemented an automatic water meter reading system for rapid data collection. Solar-powered smart bins track waste levels and help optimise collection processes.

London (the UK), Europe’s leading smart city, is known for its intelligent transportation solutions. To reduce congestion and pollution, the city applied the autonomous electric system, Heathrow Pods, which is capable of transporting passengers over nearly four kilometres in just five minutes. Since 2011, this solution has reduced around 70,000 bus arrivals, cutting down more than 100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Songdo (the Republic of Korea) is among the most comprehensively planned smart cities, built entirely on reclaimed land with the ambition to become the greenest and most modern urban area in Asia.

As a joint project between the Korean government and international tech corporations, Songdo has been designed as a fully “technologized” city from the beginning, with an infrastructure integrating the most advanced digital systems. It boasts a network of sensors across the city to monitor air quality, traffic flow, energy consumption, and waste treatment.

Its intelligent transportation system integrates automated controls to optimise traffic flow, while buildings are connected via fibre optics, enabling the management of air-conditioning, lighting, and security through an Internet of Things (IoT)-based platform.

Moreover, Songdo applies an automatic garbage collection system through underground vacuum pipes connecting buildings, eliminating the need for garbage trucks and reducing emissions. Each resident can control household devices, make payments, book public services, and access city information via an integrated central control system.

With a vision of sustainable development, Songdo dedicates over 40% of its area to green spaces, parks, and water surface, becoming a benchmark for the harmonious integration of technology, environment, and modern urban life.

Viet Nam’s transition towards “smarter” cities

The development of smart cities has been identified as a strategic goal by the Party in Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW dated September 27, 2019, on guidelines and policies for proactive participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By 2025, Viet Nam aims to establish several smart city chains in key economic regions in the North, South, and Central areas, gradually connecting with regional and global smart city networks.

Examples of smart cities in Viet Nam

The Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the city’s large-scale projects, designed with modern standards and focusing on sustainable development. This smart city applies advanced technologies such as intelligent traffic management, wastewater treatment, and energy-saving management systems.

The development also focuses on creating a green and environmentally friendly living space, enhancing residents’ quality of life and helping address the challenges of urbanisation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Aiming to become the city’s financial, commercial, and cultural hub, Thu Thiem will be closely connected with other areas through smart technologies, modern transport infrastructure, and a big data management system.

The Smart City project in Ha Noi is another model currently under development to optimise public services and urban management through modern technologies such as the IoT, AI, and Big Data.

Designed with a smart transport system and synchronous connection with neighbouring areas, this urban area will feature wide roads, electric bus stations, and zero-emission public transport. The intelligent traffic systems will regulate vehicle flows, reduce congestion, and optimise residents’ travel time.

Notably, the area will include a smart parking system, enabling residents to easily locate and use parking spaces. The project promises to become a modern, smart urban centre, offering a convenient and sustainable living environment for the capital’s inhabitants.

Ecopark in Hung Yen is one of the first ecological urban areas in Viet Nam, combining modern living space with nature. Designed for sustainable development, Ecopark integrates smart technologies such as automated lighting and intelligent waste management systems.

The project not only provides modern amenities but also ensures a healthy, green living environment with numerous parks, lakes, and vast green spaces, meeting the demand for eco-friendly lifestyles.

Solutions for smart city development in Viet Nam

Firstly, developing smart and green cities should be recognised as a shared responsibility across all levels and sectors. Urban development must be closely linked to digital transformation, requiring coordinated efforts and strong commitment from central to local authorities to meet set targets.

The effective implementation of the guidelines on smart city development must be upheld, including the Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW dated September 27, 2019 of the Politburo on policies and guidelines for participating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2022 of the Politburo on planning, construction, management and sustainable development of Viet Nam’s urban areas to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Secondly, accelerate digital transformation and technology application. A key factor in building smart cities is the application of digital technologies across sectors, from transport and energy management to water and waste control.

Investments are needed in modern IT infrastructure and the deployment of IoT, Big Data, and AI systems to collect, analyse, and use real-time data, aiming to optimise urban management and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Thirdly, strengthen the development of green and sustainable infrastructure. Smart city projects must include investment in green infrastructure such as parks, ecological zones, rooftop gardens, and renewable energy systems. Construction should utilise eco-friendly materials that save energy and protect natural resources.

Additionally, attention must be given to green public transport such as electric vehicles and solar-powered buses, reducing reliance on private vehicles and minimising pollution.

Fourthly, enhance international connectivity and cooperation. Viet Nam can learn from and adapt smart city models from developed nations. International cooperation will enable access to technologies, effective urban management models, and contribute to improving human resource capacity and quality. Joint research and training programmes and pilot projects play an essential role in smart city development.

Fifthly, educate and raise public awareness. Promoting the community’s awareness of environmental protection, energy saving, and smart technology use is crucial to achieving smart city goals. Communication campaigns, training courses, and community activities can help change habits and behaviours in environmental protection and smart utility use in daily life.

Smart cities are not only an inevitable trend in the context of globalisation and digital transformation but also the key to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. With the capacity to optimise resources, enhance quality of life, and improve effective urban management, this model offers a new direction for modern cities.

For Viet Nam, seizing the opportunities and overcoming the challenges can create distinctive smart cities, while contributing to improving national competitiveness in the digital era.