“Digital Integrity” – A people-centered administration (Part 1)

For years, the “ask–give” mechanism quietly shaped parts of public life. It fostered privilege and favoritism, weakened public trust, and became a breeding ground for petty corruption. Today, as Vietnam continues its journey of Party building and rectification, rooting out this outdated mechanism has become both an urgent mandate and a steadfast political commitment.

The answer can be found in an epochal concept: “Digital Integrity.” More than a slogan, it embodies a vision grounded in the Party’s strategic direction. With Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW (December 22, 2024)  which seeks to achieve breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Party has defined digital transformation as the inevitable path toward building a transparent, service-driven administration - one that curbs corruption and misconduct to the greatest extent.

Nowhere is this need more pressing than in Dong Nai province. Following the merger with the former Binh Phuoc province, the new “mega-province” - home to nearly 4.5 million people - faces a governance challenge of unprecedented scale. In this context, digital transformation is no longer optional. It is an essential move to ensure that the administrative system operates efficiently, transparently, turning the long-held promise of “a government for the people” into a living reality.

Part 1: When “digital touches” replace towering stacks of paperwork

In the context of digital transformation and in the face of urgent demands from the two-tier local government, digital integrity stands as both the most powerful spring-board and a sharp weapon - cutting through the lingering “ask–give” culture.

Through transparency, digital records, and fewer in-person transactions, digital transformation has redefined how the government works. It’s a deep structural shift that closes the cracks where misconduct once thrived.

Resolute leadership for a transparent, citizen-oriented goverment

Soon after Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW was adopted, the Dong Nai provincial Party Committee moved swiftly to issue Action Plan No. 469-KH/TU on May 16, 2025. More than a simple roadmap, the plan translates national goals into local action and embodies a forward-looking, reform-driven mindset. At its core, the plan outlines a clear set of priorities: building a digital government, digital economy, and digital society; strengthening local competitiveness; and especially fostering a digital culture rooted in public service ethics and professional integrity in the digital environment.

Civil service specialists at the Phu Hoa Commune Public Administration Service Center guide residents through online administrative procedures. Photo: Hai Quan

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the provincial Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation - including the implementation of Project 06 - affirmed that with clear direction, concrete action, determination, and focus, the province aims to elevate service quality and build a more efficient, people-centered administration - one that truly meets the expectations and earns the trust of both citizens and businesses.

At the core of this transformation lies a clear guiding philosophy: citizens and businesses are the center of every policy, and their satisfaction is the ultimate measure of service quality. This principle - now embedded in the Government’s Comprehensive Program on State Administrative Reform (2021–2030) under Resolution No. 76/NQ-CP

To achieve a breakthrough in administrative reform and raise its PAR Index in 2025, Dong Nai province has defined one crucial priority: strengthening leadership accountability. This approach aims to ensure decisive direction and effective execution of the province’s annual administrative reform agenda - turning policy into real progress.

Proactive, innovative, and rigorous in handling administrative procedures

“All departments, sectors, and localities across the province must work together with greater proactivity, innovation, and rigor; and resolutely put an end to the practice of passing on responsibility, which remains a key cause of delays in handling administrative procedures for citizens and businesses.”

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee

That determination is already reflected in the “telling numbers”. According to the National Public Service Portal, by the end of July 2025, Dong Nai Province had achieved 15 out of 18 points in the category of openness and transparency, securing 9th place nationwide. 

As of now, 89,671 records - equivalent to 84.17% - have been successfully synchronized with the National Public Service Portal. Even more impressively, all 95 communes and wards across Dong Nai province earned a perfect score of 18 out of 18 for transparency and openness in administrative procedures and public service delivery.

Beyond decisive leadership, Dong Nai’s administrative reform stands out for its human-centered approach, embodied in the principle of “considering people as the roots” through practical models. To make digital transformation accessible to everyone, the province has launched “Online Public Service Support Points” at 25 post offices and telecom service locations, offering citizens step-by-step guidance in using online administrative services. At the same time, 96 volunteer youth teams have been deployed across public administration centers, ready to assist residents in navigating digital procedures.

Citizens access online administrative services via digital service kiosks at the Tam Hiep Ward Public Administration Service Center. Photo: Hải Quân

These early achievements carry even greater significance given the context that Dong Nai Province is still navigating the complexities of its recent merger and the operational challenges of a two-tier local government model. Behind these results lies the steady leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the People’s Committee, coupled with grassroots initiatives designed to stay close to citizens. Together, they reflect Dong Nai’s political resolve and vision - to build an administration that is transparent, accessible, and genuinely in service of the people.

Strengthening trust - a journey that never stops

The unwavering efforts of Dong Nai’s entire political system are bearing fruit. The province’s dramatic leap in the 2024 PAR Index stands as the most compelling evidence: from 32nd place to 8th nationwide, scoring 90.69 points - an impressive rise of 24 ranks in just one year.

This transparent and efficient administrative environment has also fueled socio-economic growth. In the first half of 2025, Dong Nai recorded a GRDP growth rate of 8.23%, well above the national average.

Yet, with a spirit of serious and frank self-criticism and criticism, Dong Nai remains mindful of what still needs to be done. While the province’s PAR Index shows remarkable progress, the SIPAS Index, reflecting public satisfaction with government services, continues to serve as a vital reminder.

In 2024, Dong Nai’s SIPAS Index reached 82.41 points, up by 1,97 points from the previous year but slipping one rank in the national standings. While the numbers show improvement, the gap between citizen satisfaction (SIPAS) and the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index) suggests that internal reforms have yet to fully resonate with the public. This is not a setback, but a valuable reminder - a signal from the people themselves that reform must go deeper, touch daily realities, and deliver results that truly matter.

Citizens come to the Ho Nai Ward Public Administration Service Center to complete their paperwork. Photo: Hai Quan.

Acknowledging the “less-than-perfect” SIPAS score reflects political maturity and a spirit of accountability from Dong Nai’s leadership. It reinforces one truth: administrative reform is not about chasing rankings; it is a long-term, unending commitment to serving citizens better.

During an online meeting on July 22 with 95 commune and ward People’s Committees and relevant departments regarding administrative procedures and digital transformation under the two-tier local government model, Le Truong Son, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized the need to continue to uphold leadership accountability and decisiveness of the heads in advancing digital transformation and e-government initiatives. He also made it clear that when records are delayed, citizens deserve an apology.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, signed Decision No. 456/QĐ-UBND on July 21, 2025, promulgating of a set of indicators to support the operational management in Dong Nai’s electronic environment.

Accordingly, the set of indicators consists of the following main groups: the Group of indicators serving daily and monthly operational management; the Group of indicators monitoring the implementation of annual socio-economic development plans; the Group of indicators tracking the progress of carrying out national target programs and key national projects; and the Group of indicators supporting operational management in emergency situations such as natural disasters, epidemics, and search and rescue operations.

These directives represent a fundamental shift in the service-oriented mindset, one that puts citizens’ satisfaction as the top priority and requires direct accountability among public officials. Through these efforts, Dong Nai continues to affirm its correct path in building a modern, transparent administration that genuinely serves the people. Dong Nai now stands as - and will continue to be - a model of determination, resilience, and dedication to the well-being of its citizens.

Implementing coordinated and decisive solutions to achieve the core goals of administrative reform

To drive a breakthrough in administrative reform, Dong Nai province is focusing on its most critical targets, including raising the on-time completion rate of administrative procedures, vigorously expanding the use of online public services and cashless payments, accelerating record digitization, further simplifying administrative procedures, and strengthening the effectiveness of administrative reform inspections.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee.

 

By K. Ngan, Ha Le, Ngan Trieu - Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha