Da Nang wins top national smart-city award

Da Nang received top marks in three categories: smart governance, innovative start-up attractiveness and green environment – areas that judges said reflected the city’s broad push to centre services around residents while expanding the use of digital tools in urban management.

An aerial view of the Han River in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)
An aerial view of the Han River in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) – Da Nang has been named Vietnam’s Smart City of 2025, securing the top and only national title granted this year by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA).

VINASA announced the award on December 6 after a final judging round earlier this month, where experts assessed presentations and an independent review of participating provinces and cities.

The panel, chaired by former Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan, voted on localities they said had shown “outstanding achievements” in digital transformation and smart-city development.

Da Nang received top marks in three categories: smart governance, innovative start-up attractiveness and green environment – areas that judges said reflected the city’s broad push to centre services around residents while expanding the use of digital tools in urban management.

The association described the award as a recognition of the coastal city’s persistent effort to build a comprehensive smart-city model and raise living standards.

Over the past decade, Da Nang has positioned itself as a national leader in advancing artificial intelligence in public services. The city runs an integrated operations hub, big-data analytics platforms and AI-powered systems that monitor traffic, air quality and security.

The city has also rolled out virtual assistants to provide information, digital tools that suggest administrative procedures and platforms that analyse public feedback online.

tam-ky-smart-city-operation-centre.jpg
Officials visit the Tam Ky smart city operation centre in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

Universities, hi-tech parks and local start-up incubators have been pushed to cooperate more closely, forming a growing research network for AI applications linked to urban needs.

Officials say the technology has helped speed up public service delivery, improve incident response and strengthen early-warning capabilities in sectors ranging from transport to the environment.

Da Nang is now drafting a new strategy for 2026–2030 to cement its role as an innovation hub. The plan identifies AI as a core pillar for expanding the digital economy and boosting competitiveness.

It envisions new AI laboratories, research-and-development centres and a regulatory sandbox for testing emerging technologies, alongside expanded support for tech firms and start-ups.

City leaders say the national award will strengthen Da Nang’s position as it seeks deeper partnerships at home and abroad to scale up smart-city projects.

The longer-term goal, they add, is to turn Da Nang into a sustainable, innovation-led urban centre that remains one of Vietnam’s most liveable cities./.

VNA

See more

Nguyen Thanh Ha, Consul General of Vietnam in Western Australia and the Northern Territory presents Certificates of Commendation from the Consul General to students and volunteers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the organisation of Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese community in Australia united through youth engagement

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Thanh Ha, Consul General of Vietnam in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, praised the dedication of young Vietnamese living in the region. She emphasised that the success of Xuan Que Huong was built not only on its colourful performances, but also on the strong sense of responsibility and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts of students and volunteers.

A full suite of automated technologies has been deployed across the Terminal T2 at Noi Bai International Airport, giving travellers greater control over their procedures from check-in to boarding. (Photo: VNA)

Noi Bai Airport to operate expanded int’l terminal with comprehensive automation

The upgrade follows directives from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction and is designed to ease pressure on existing infrastructure by lifting the terminal’s annual capacity from 10 million to 15 million passengers. For the first time, a full suite of automated technologies has been deployed across the terminal, giving travellers greater control over their procedures from check-in to boarding.

Soldiers help flood-hit communities clean up in Hoa Thinh commune, Dak Lak province. (Photo: VNA)

Concerted efforts help disaster-hit communities rebuild lives

The “Quang Trung Campaign” to rapidly repair and rebuild houses for affected families in central provinces is seen as a catalyst for faster and more sustainable recovery, extending beyond housing restoration to reinforcing essential infrastructure, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening public trust in the Party and Government.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, addresses the dialogue in Hanoi on December 15. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam among Asia’s leaders in governance capacity

Vietnam has climbed 12 places in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) since 2021, rising from 60th to 48th globally. Over the past five years, the country has recorded progress in six out of seven CGGI pillars, making it one of Asia’s most notable governance reformers.

Scientific research activities at the National Hospital of Endocrinology. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam sets roadmap for intellectual workforce to 2045

The strategy aims to build a high-quality Vietnamese intellectual workforce with a rational structure, identified as a core driving force for the rapid development of modern productive forces, as well as a leading force in digital transformation, innovation and international integration.

Le Duy Thanh, former Chairman of the Vinh Phuc People’s Committee, is escorted to the courtroom. (Photo: anninhthudo.vn)

Appeal trial opened for Phuc Son Group corruption case

According to the first-instance verdict, Nguyen Van Hau, Chairman and CEO of Phuc Son Group, exploited personal and professional connections to bribe over 132 billion VND (over 5 million USD) to leaders of the Party Committees, People’s Committees, and departments in Vinh Phuc and Quang Ngai, enabling Phuc Son Group to secure many contracts in these localities and Phu Tho province.

A performance at the year-end review programme in Sydney on December 14, co-organised by the Vietnam-Australia Scholars & Experts Association and Vietnam-Australia Cultural Exchange Organisation. (Photo: VNA)

Gathering honours knowledge, culture, community spirit of OVs in Australia

Addressing the gathering that drew more than 300 guests, Vietnamese Consul General in Sydney Nguyen Thanh Tung highlighted contributions of the Vietnamese community in Australia, particularly intellectuals and professionals, to the host society as well as cooperation between the two countries.

Agricultural production models help farmer access modern technology to improve output. (Photo: VNA)

Three national target programmes basically meet, exceed 2021-2025 goals

A report from the Central Steering Committee for National Target Programmes for the 2021–2025 period showed that poverty reduction in ethnic minority-inhabited areas averaged 3.2% per year. Per capita income among ethnic minorities is estimated to reach 45.9 million VND (1,760 USD) in 2025, a 3.3-fold increase from the 2020 level, well surpassing the goal of more than doubling.

Professor Dr. Tran Hong Thai receives the honorary doctorate title and certificate from Professor Nikolay Rogalev of MPEI. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnamese professor awarded honorary doctorate by Moscow institute

Professor Dr. Tran Hong Thai, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) was granted an Honorary Doctorate by The Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) for his outstanding contributions to scientific development, education and international cooperation in the energy sector.