Helping citizens access digital technology

Putting people at the center of digital transformation, Dong Phu Ward is focusing on investing in digital technology infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the role of community digital technology teams.

High-speed Wi-Fi is installed at Dong Phu Ward’s administrative center for people to use free of charge.

From online public services and cashless payments to sales in the digital environment, technology is gradually becoming a practical tool in citizens' daily lives.

Raising awareness and popularizing digital skills

In implementing policies on the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, the Dong Phu Ward People's Committee is stepping up outreach through its website, the "Dong Phu ngay moi" (“Dong Phu’s new day”) fanpage, and community Zalo groups across seven quarters. The content focuses on digital skills, online public services, VNeID, cashless payments, and cybersecurity.

Hoang Thi Bang Thuong, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Dong Phu Ward, said the division had advised the Ward People's Committee to organize a conference to support digital transformation for 150 shops and business households. It also coordinated with telecommunications companies to support the verification of more than 3,400 mobile subscriptions and provided guidance to citizens on obtaining more than 6,200 digital signatures.

"The ultimate value of digital transformation lies in better serving citizens and businesses, helping reduce their time, costs, and travel. Thanks to effective implementation, Dong Phu has at times ranked first in digital transformation work among 95 communes and wards across the city. We are gradually shifting from an administration based on 'waiting and paperwork' to a 'proactive and data-driven' one so that citizens can truly benefit from the advances of digital transformation."

Ho Hung Phi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee

and Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Phu Ward

According to the ward's assessment, approximately 70% of adults in the area have basic knowledge of digital transformation and can use smart devices to access essential digital services. On the VNeID platform, more than 11,000 people have met the required standards for digital knowledge and skills.

Notably, digital skills are being popularized in every residential area through community digital technology teams. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Head of Tan Tien Quarter, said the quarter has more than 2,100 households. Members of the community digital technology teams frequently visit residents' homes in the evening or at other convenient times to guide them in using digital platforms. At the same time, they help residents develop skills to protect personal data, identify and avoid online scams.

"The effectiveness of this approach can be seen most clearly among workers and laborers. They usually work on weekdays and may even return home late, leaving them no time to go to the Ward Public Administration Service Center. Now, many can carry out procedures themselves using their phones," said Nam.

Delivering practical benefits

Hoang Thi Bang Thuong said, "Changing citizens' awareness, habits, and behaviors is the key factor in making digital transformation substantive. Therefore, the ward is simultaneously implementing solutions for investment in infrastructure and the integration of technology into daily life."

To date, the ward has installed free Wi-Fi at five public locations, accommodating around 500 simultaneous users and providing coverage within a radius of about 1.5 km. In three of the seven quarters, computers have been provided for officials and citizens to conduct administrative transactions on the National Public Service Portal. Community digital technology teams have also become "extended arms," helping citizens access technology right where they live.

In Tan Tien Quarter, Hoang Thi Nga said that previously, workers seeking a certificate of marital status or an extract of a birth certificate often had to take time off work to go to the ward office. After receiving guidance from members of the community digital technology team, many residents can now complete the procedures from home or during their breaks. "I save time on travel, and I find digital technology truly useful," said Nga.

Dong Phu Ward also focuses on improving the digital capacity of its staff, civil servants, and public employees. To date, 100% of staff, civil servants, and public employees use digital signatures, process documents and carry out professional procedures electronically.

In schools, students are equipped with the skills to use online learning tools, digital libraries, software, and learning support platforms. They also receive guidance on how to protect personal data, identify misinformation, and avoid online fraud. Furthermore, digital transformation is bringing changes to Dong Phu Market. Many traders who previously relied primarily on cash have switched to QR code payments while leveraging social media to sell goods online more conveniently.

Through specific actions, digital transformation in Dong Phu is gradually becoming useful and practical in daily life. When citizens can handle administrative procedures right from home, merchants can sell goods online, and officials can process work in an electronic environment, the effectiveness of digital transformation can be measured by the practical benefits that citizens experience every day.

By Quang Minh – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha