Integrity, transparency, discipline, and responsibility for progress

From political will came the first institutional foundations. From the technological “shield”  emerged a transparent mode of operation. And from a shift in mindset, a new public service ethics began to take root. Having traveled this far, Dong Nai now faces its biggest question: how can these achievements be transformed into the collective strength needed to propel the province forward?

That challenge is more urgent than ever as the Party and the State are determined to advance the two-tier local government model, reducing administrative layers and building a clean, efficient, and service-driven administrative apparatus that strengthens public trust and consensus.

To turn this aspiration into reality, tightening and elevating four core values of integrity, transparency, discipline, and responsibility, is an inevitable path. These are not simply moral virtues, they must become part of the governance culture itself, an intrinsic driving force of progress, and a solid springboard upon which Dong Nai can truly rise in a new era.

PUBLIC TRUST – THE REWARD OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT

In Dong Nai, the province’s efforts to advance the concept of “digital integrity” are already yielding tangible results. The surge in the number of citizens and businesses opting for online administrative services speaks volumes, not only about changing habits of administrative transactions but also about reflecting the growing trust in the convenience, speed, and transparency of online public services.

Phan Dinh Trac (third from left), Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs, together with Ton Ngoc Hanh (second from right), Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council, visit the Long Khanh Public Administration Service Center to observe operations firsthand. File photo.

Positive feedback continues to pour in from citizens and enterprises who praise the clarity of process, the user-friendly digital platforms, and the time and cost savings these systems deliver. These responses are perhaps the most convincing proof of the success of “digital integrity” in action.

For residents like Pham Hong Nhung of Tran Bien Ward, the transformation has been striking. “In the past, every trip to complete paperwork was a headache,” she recalled. “There were long queues, complicated procedures, and the constant fear of being given a hard time unless you offered a small payment.” 

“Those unnamed fees used to cost money and cause so much frustration. Now that every ward and commune has its own Public Administration Service Center and the government has embraced digital transformation, everything is faster and far more convenient. For many procedures, I just submit my application online and track the progress from home. When I need direct support, the staff at the center are always friendly and guide me through each step clearly, no more confusion or unnecessary back-and-forth.”

Phan Minh Ha, a resident of Tam Hiep Ward, shared the same sentiment. What makes her most confident, she said, is the transparency of the entire process. The once-common sight of “brokers” outside local offices has all but vanished. “All the rules and fees are clearly listed, so people know exactly what to pay and what to do,” she explained. “It’s clear that officials now work with integrity and responsibility. They truly serve the people, not make things harder like before.”

Ton Ngoc Hanh, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council, visits the Xuan Loc Public Administration Service Center to observe its operations. Photo: Courtesy of the Xuan Loc commune

The shift to digital government has not only saved time and effort but, more importantly, strengthened citizens’ trust in the authorities. It represents a major leap forward and a powerful reflection of the dedication of officials and civil servants. Digital governance ensures that people are respected and served in a fair and transparent manner.

Equally important, digital oversight has become a key weapon in the fight against corruption. Thanks to technology-driven monitoring systems, misconduct and abuse of power are now detected and addressed swiftly. These digital safeguards have formed a solid barrier against wrongdoing, reinforcing citizens’ confidence in the rule of law and affirming the Party and the State’s unwavering commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.

Dong Nai’s 2025 key targets in its emulation movement on the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation

Advancing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation under Plan No. 217/KH-UBND, dated June 20, 2025, the Provincial People’s Committee has launched a province-wide emulation movement aimed at harnessing the collective strength of the entire political system, and citizens to successfully implement the revolution to drive progress in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Dong Nai.

Digital Government

- The rate of end-to-end online dossiers is expected to reach 70%

- The rate of administrative tasks tracked, managed, and monitored digitally across administrative agencies is set to reach 70%.

Digital Economy

- The digital economy is set to account for approximately 20% of the total GRDP.

- ICT-driven digital economic growth is set to reach around 15% annually.

Digital Society:

Every citizen is set to have a unique digital identity.

At least 30% of the adult population will use digital or electronic signatures (with a target of 50%).

An average annual growth rate in both the number and value of cashless payments is set to reach at least 35%.

The rate of cashless payment in e-commerce is set to reach at least 60%.

Digital Infrastructure

- Every household is guaranteed access to fixed Internet with an average speed of 1 Gb/s. 

- Full 4G broadband coverage is planned to extend across both urban and rural areas, meeting national quality standards with download speeds of at least 40 Mb/s.

- In 2025, the rate of 5G base stations reaches at least 50% of the total existing 4G network.

- All information systems will be fully approved and equipped with comprehensive cybersecurity measures aligned with their designated classification levels, aiming for 100% implementation.

Digital Data

- Open data provision, as outlined in the approved plan, is set to achieve 100%.

Dong Nai’s 2025 digital transformation roadmap, detailed in the province’s infographic, reflects its determination to lead in science, technology, and innovation. It outlines key targets across five pillars: digital government, digital economy, digital society, digital infrastructure, and digital data.

At the heart of this transformation are tools such as VNeID, online public services, and open data platforms, core enablers of transparency and efficiency. Together, they form a cohesive ecosystem of digital integrity, ensuring that governance is more transparent. The greater the transparency and efficiency, the less room there is for misconduct, thereby reinforcing public trust. Once strengthened, this trust becomes a powerful driver of sustainable growth across every sector of the province.

STRENGTHENING DISCIPLINE, ASPIRING FOR A STRONGER DONG NAI

Recognizing that digital integrity is an ongoing journey rather than a destination, Dong Nai continues to set higher goals and stronger commitments for the next phase. As the digital era accelerates, the province is prioritizing the enhancement of digital infrastructure and the expansion of its digital integrity ecosystem. This requires bold investments in advanced technologies, reinforced cybersecurity, and fully integrated information systems.

Giang Thi Phuong Hanh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Secretary of the Binh Phuoc Ward Party Committee, and Nguyen Thi Minh Nham, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, visit the Thuan Loi Commune Public Administration Service Center to engage with citizens who come to complete administrative procedures. (Photo: Van Doan)

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, affirmed that in 2025, the province will intensify efforts to improve public service inspection and administrative reform through greater use of information technology and surveillance camera systems. He underscored the need to firmly address any signs of negligence or perfunctory oversight.

Along with that, Dong Nai will also continue organizing in-depth training programs on administrative reform, procedure control, and the one-stop-shop and interconnected one-stop-shop mechanism throughout 2025.

The provincial leader highlighted the need for a stronger sense of accountability and dedication among officials, civil servants and public employees in resolving administrative matters efficiently and with genuine care. The ultimate goal is the satisfaction of citizens and businesses.

Equally important is the enhancement of communication and citizen engagement. The province plans to diversify its information channels to help people easily access and better understand the benefits of “digital integrity” while creating feedback mechanisms that enable citizens to contribute feedback and participate directly in oversight of the administrative apparatus.

Looking ahead, Dong Nai is well-positioned for a new era of outstanding and comprehensive growth. “Digital integrity” will continue to be a crucial driving force, fostering a transparent, investment- and business-friendly environment, improving citizens’ quality of life, and consolidating the province’s standing among the nation’s top-performing localities. However, “digital integrity” is a continuous, long-term journey, one that demands shared commitment, collaboration, and unity across the entire political system and from every citizen.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, joins local leaders during an inspection of the Phu Hoa Commune Public Administration Service Center. (Photo: Hai Quan)

Through every milestone, one truth remains constant: the trust of the people is Dong Nai’s most precious asset. It is both the foundation and the fuel that empower the province to overcome all difficulties and challenges. “Digital integrity” is more than a technology solution, it is the embodiment of political will, aspiration to advance of Dong Nai’s Party Organization and citizens.

With solid foundations that have been laid, coupled with shared determination, and unity across the system, Dong Nai stands poised for a bright and sustainable future, one worthy of the people’s trust and expectations.

By Ngan Trieu – Translated by Ngan Trieu, Thu Ha