In his opening remarks, Pham Manh Hung, vice president of Voice of Vietnam (VOV) that co-hosted the forum, emphasised that digital transformation, especially in the public sector, is no longer just a trend but a vital requirement to enhance governance effectiveness, streamline administrative structures, and improve public service quality.

However, he said, this process faces significant barriers including technical infrastructure, legal and institutional frameworks, organisational capacity, and human resources. Many localities still struggle with fragmented and incompatible data systems, outdated infrastructure, and public officials often lack proficiency with new technologies. Legal regulations regarding cybersecurity, personal data protection, and digital identification remain insufficient and inconsistent, hindering effective implementation.

Echoing the view, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Tri Long highlighted that digital transformation in the public sector has emerged as a strategic pillar in national institutional reforms. Digitalisation is no longer merely a technological trend but a prerequisite for shifting the state from an administrative management model to a development-oriented governance model. He cited Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated June 10, 2024, by the Party Central Committee, which identifies digital transformation, innovation, and science and technology as the main growth drivers.

Dr. Long also stressed that digital transformation in the public sector is not just a matter of technology or infrastructure but an economic and organisational challenge at the national level. It relates to efficient budget allocation, operational capacity, and the state’ss ability to regulate markets. Therefore, digital transformation should be approached institutionally, focusing on productivity, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and governance effectiveness, turning it into an endogenous driver for sustainable reform and development.

He suggested that implementing economic measurement tools, standardising national data, improving digital skills among public servants, and enacting legal reforms be crucial breakthroughs for Vietnam to sustainably and effectively realise a digital government, digital economy, and digital society by 2025-2030, in line with global trends.

Taking the floor, Nguyen Minh Khoi, policy and transformation director at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, noted that public sector digital transformation should not stop at “networks, servers, and basic IT skills” but must be seen as building a digital coordination ecosystem where infrastructure, institutions, and people operate interactively. For Vietnam, accelerating digitalisation means the question is no longer "whether to invest" but "how to invest for sustainable development."

He cited success stories of countries, which he said have developed data-use capacity for policymaking, established strategic digital coordination mechanisms, and upgraded digital skills for not just technicians but also policy planners and supervisors. He then suggested Vietnam pilot models such as sandboxes (controlled testing environments) and public intelligence initiatives, and form digital capacity alliances to shape more sustainable digital transformation approaches.

From Vietnam’s experience and international lessons, Nguyen Huu Thai Hoa, chairman of the Vietnam Digital Communication Centre (VDIC), proposed comprehensive solutions, including prioritising investment in technology infrastructure, especially national data centres and 5G networks in underserved localities, and expanding digital skills training not only for technical staff but also administrative officials through partnerships with universities and enterprises.

He also highlighted the private sector’s vital role in co-developing tech solutions like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) for administrative reforms. Public awareness campaigns and user-friendly, multilingual digital platforms are crucial, alongside strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, establishing national cyber monitoring centres, and improving legal frameworks on personal data protection.

Citing advanced models from Estonia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea, Hoa, who is also deputy director of Tri Viet Institute (IVM/VUSTA), also affirmed that Vietnam can build an effective, citizen-centric, transparent, and secure digital government.

Moderating the forum, economic expert Dr. Vo Tri Thanh stressed that digital transformation is not only a technological revolution but more importantly an institutional revolution involving organisation, governance, and rules of engagement.

“A digital government is not just about adaptation but partnership. Many sectors of the economy and society are undergoing digital transformation, but the government must lead, pioneer, and facilitate,” he stated.

At the forum, delegates also agreed that that digital transformation can only become a strategic lever for building an efficient administration serving citizens and businesses and laying the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development in the digital era when the ecosystem mindset is realised through concrete actions and coordinated policies.

Digital transformation a lifeline in new two-tier governance, says Party chief

VOV.VN - Digital transformation is a vital link between provinces and communes in the new two-tier local government model. It must serve as a data brain to aggregate and analyze information, enabling early warnings and ensuring full and timely access to information, says Party General Secretary To Lam.