A smart city is considered an inevitable development trend in the burgeoning world. Over recent years, many localities nationwide and worldwide have strived to reach the target of become smart cities, and Da Nang in particular, is no exception.

Participating in a exhibition of technological product is a good way for youths to shape smart city building ideas

As one of Viet Nam’s pioneering localities in developing specific strategies for building ‘smart’ cities, Da Nang, over recent years, has gained numerous remarkable achievements in its urban development thanks to its effective applications of technology information (IT) in many aspects.

It is common to see booming urban utilities developed in the city over recent years.

Launched by the municipal Department of Transport, Danabus, an application for smartphones, has proved highly convenient.

Operated by either IOS or Android systems, the app allows its users to monitor the travel schedules of local bus routes, and then find suitable buses.

A total of over 24,800 surveillance cameras, funded by the city budget and public donations, have been installed along major streets and at residential areas in order to monitor and deal with both traffic and security violations.

The city’s Traffic Signals and Public Transport Control Centre has helped to ensure traffic order at intersections and alleviate traffic congestion during rush hours.

Moreover, the automatic water quality monitoring system has been developed at the Cau Do (Red Bridge) Water Supply Plant.

It is the fact that the development of a smart city is the step following the e-government system featuring the application of the ‘one-stop-shop’ mechanism, and software on managing government employees and administrative dossiers.

One of the top priorities for the smart city model is the development of smart citizens who have civic sense and respects the law, especially youngsters.

At a recent open dialogue at which local young people presented their ideas to develop a smart city, many participants highlighted the essential role of youths in helping their city realise this great ambition.

A representative from the city-based Viet Nam-South Korea Friendship IT Junior College emphasised a must-do to organise even more creative research and startup competitions for the youth, and contests to find the best smart city development ideas.

In particular, during the smart city building processes, special heed should be paid to ensuring personal information security for local citizens.

It is also a high time to further promote the start-up spirit and innovations amongst youths, thereby inspiring them to conduct their scientific and technological research activities, and to bring their startup ideas to fruition.