Building a wealthy, civilized, and livable city

Following the news that Dong Nai has been authorized to implement the policy to become a centrally governed city, people from all walks of life and the local business community have high expectations for a wealthy, civilized, and livable metropolitan region.

Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television continues to record opinions and suggestions for the city's future growth in keeping with its new status.

Buu Hoa Bridge connects the two banks of the Dong Nai River, linking Tran Bien and Bien Hoa wards. Photo: Cong Nghia

Pham Son Dien, Director of the Public Administration Service Center of Dai Phuoc commune:

Digital transformation plays an important role in the development process

To be worthy of the status of a centrally governed Dong Nai, I believe we must strive harder, be more determined, and be more creative in our management, improving the quality of services for citizens and businesses. In this process, digital transformation is a particularly important task for local development.

I expect the digital transformation process in the locality to continue to be accelerated and deliver effective results. This undertaking will help people access and make full use of public administrative services in the electronic environment in a professional and modern way. For Dai Phuoc commune, with the online support model operating effectively, the commune proposes that the Department of Science and Technology study a virtual public administration model that combines online public services with direct interaction and exchanges with guiding officials in the electronic environment, to help reduce people's travel time and costs.

Duong Van Bac, General Director of Novaland Group:

Infrastructure and model mega-urban developments as leverage

The Central Government’s approval of the policy to make Dong Nai a centrally governed city by 2026 marks a major turning point, opening up new development opportunities for the entire southern key economic region. With the country’s third-largest population and an impressive GRDP growth rate, Dong Nai not only serves as an industrial "capital" but is also undergoing a strong transformation into an international connectivity hub, particularly through the Long Thanh International Airport project.

In this process, the participation of major real estate enterprises is helping shape a new urban landscape. Large-scale real estate projects such as Aqua City, developed by Novaland Group, are clear evidence of this trend. With an orientation toward ecological urban development, Aqua City is pioneering the creation of a modern, green, and sustainable living space while also improving service infrastructure and enhancing social welfare. This well-planned investment is helping Dong Nai gradually realize its goal of becoming a civilized, modern, centrally governed urban area commensurate with its economic development.

Specialist Doctor Level I Ngo Thi Thuy, Thong Nhat General Hospital:

Wishing for more pay and job satisfaction for medical personnel

The information that Dong Nai has been approved in principle to become a centrally governed city has made those of us working in the healthcare sector extremely excited. Once it becomes a centrally governed city, Dong Nai will have greater opportunities to develop a more modern healthcare system on par with those of centrally governed cities such as Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. What we hope for most is a specific mechanism to improve the incomes of doctors and medical staff in the public system, as their current incomes remain low and insufficient to cover living expenses. When income is guaranteed, we will feel more secure and devote ourselves fully to the cause of protecting people's health. In addition, hospitals with deteriorating facilities need investment in new construction or renovation to become more spacious and modern, along with additional investment in advanced machinery and equipment to deploy new, high-tech medical techniques and meet the population's growing healthcare needs.

Chung Cam Tu (29, Tran Bien ward):

Creating more job opportunities for young people

As a resident and businessperson in Tran Bien ward, I am very pleased to learn that Dong Nai will become a centrally governed city. Recently, I have clearly seen positive changes in the urban area, from the addition of more parks and green spaces to the upgrading of riverside roads, creating a more modern appearance. In my opinion, this upgrade aligns with the development process. I expect that when it becomes a centrally governed city, service and business activities will become more vibrant. This undertaking will help business households grow, increase state tax revenue, and create more job opportunities, especially for young people and students.

Le Thu Dum (52, Bien Hoa ward):

Expecting stable housing and better wages as the city grows

I am from Vinh Long and have worked as a factory worker for many years. I have rented accommodation in Bien Hoa ward for more than 10 years, with a cost of about 2.5 million VND per month. I find this area quite easy to live in and find jobs.

If Dong Nai becomes a centrally governed city, I hope workers' lives will be further improved. My biggest wish is affordable housing to settle down long-term. With rising living costs and stagnant wages, I hope there will be more supportive policies to help workers improve their incomes and feel secure about staying in the long term.

Dinh Thi Nhai, Specialist at Dong Nai Provincial Library:

New cultural institutions to incorporate community reading areas

Public demand for access to knowledge is now becoming more exacting and more modern. I look forward to a smart library system, one that not only has traditional bookshelves but also fully developed digital data centers. At present, the Dong Nai Provincial Library is undergoing digital transformation. However, at a new level of development, interconnected data links among libraries in the region will become mandatory to serve a civilized urban residential community.

I also hope that community reading spaces will continue to be integrated into new cultural institutions of the city. These will be “knowledge spaces” that help shape the identity of a modern city while preserving the historical depth of Tran Bien – Dong Nai, with its 328 years of formation and development.

Reporter Group

Artist Duong Hoang Linh, Dong Nai Art Theater:

Maintaining and improving traditional arts

As a young artist, I expect great and comprehensive changes when Dong Nai is elevated to a centrally governed city. First, the development and expansion of infrastructure, especially improvements in the quality of medical examination and treatment across the hospital system, will help people feel more secure about their health. At the same time, I hope the arts sector will receive the attention and investment it deserves, not only in modern art forms but also with special emphasis on preserving and promoting traditional ethnic arts. These are the core values that shape the locality's distinct cultural identity.

In addition, it is necessary to have appropriate policies that improve artists' lives. When properly supported and recognized, artists will be more motivated to create and contribute to the community's cultural life.

By My My – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho