A collective effort for a modern and civilized Dong Nai

As Dong Nai enters a new phase of development, it is steadily advancing toward becoming a modern, civilized and dynamic urban center. This process requires not only upgraded infrastructure, improved governance and better urban services, but also the collective efforts of the political system, the business community and local residents.

From shifts in awareness and behavior to practical actions in daily life, all of these will help shape the future face of Dong Nai into an urban area that is prosperous, civilized and sustainable.

Changes shape the image of a major urban center

Urban transformation is first reflected in the living environment, a factor directly tied to the daily lives of residents. The city’s landscape is shaped not only by its infrastructure, but also by the community’s awareness in preserving the environment.

A corner of Tran Bien ward along the Dong Nai River. Photo: Cong Nghia

N.T.T., an employee of Sonadezi Environment Joint Stock Company in Tran Bien ward, said that public awareness of environmental protection remains uneven. While many residents actively maintain cleanliness and protect the surrounding landscape, there are still cases of littering in improper places. On numerous occasions, just a few bags of garbage discarded incorrectly have forced sanitation workers to repeat tasks they had just completed.

“As Dong Nai moves toward becoming a city, standards for urban appearance are becoming more demanding. Alongside the efforts of sanitation workers, each resident must raise awareness and take the initiative in protecting the shared environment. Only then can we contribute to building a green, clean, beautiful, civilized and modern living space,” she emphasized.

Beyond environmental issues, the requirements of urban living standards are also gradually influencing livelihood activities. Vu Thi Hoa, a trader at Dau Giay Market, noted that customers today care not only about product quality, but also about sales practices and the cleanliness of stalls. Even a slight lack of orderliness can result in losing customers.

According to her, trading activities have always required discipline, but as Dong Nai strives to meet higher urban standards, expectations are becoming even greater. Therefore, each trader must strengthen awareness, maintain organized and hygienic business practices, and interact in a civilized manner to help build the image of a modern and professional urban center.

The shift is also clearly visible in labor and production. In industrial parks, demands for quality, technology and production standards are increasing. Nguyen Thi Lan, a worker at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, said: “In the past, our work mostly followed familiar methods, but now companies require additional skills, and machinery is far more advanced. If we do not continue learning, we risk falling behind.”

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway is nearing completion and will soon be put into operation. Photo: Cong Nghia

From workers to enterprises, transformation has become a necessity. Many businesses recognize that urban development creates favorable conditions for investment, but it also compels them to shift toward greener, smarter and more socially responsible production models.

People remain the decisive factor

In this new context, the youth are expected to play a pioneering role in adaptation and innovation. Nguyen Minh Tung, Vice Chairman of Bu Gia Map commune Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the commune’s Youth Union, shared that as Dong Nai becomes a city, young people must be even more aware of their responsibilities.

In addition to applying technology in Youth Union activities, young people should focus on learning and improving knowledge and skills to meet new demands. “That proactive spirit, flexibility and constant innovation will help affirm the pioneering role of the younger generation in the journey of building a modern and dynamic urban center,” he stressed.

Officials in Tran Bien ward guide residents through administrative procedures. Photo: Ho Thao

The demands arising from reality also require the administrative apparatus to undergo strong reform in order to meet development needs in the new phase. Tran Viet Tu, a specialist at Bau Ham commune Public Administrative Service Center, said that urban development places higher demands on state governance.

The administrative system must become more professional, flexible and responsive to real-world needs, serving residents more effectively.

“For that reason, officials and civil servants must continuously improve their expertise, skills and working style, while proactively innovating working methods toward efficiency and modernization. Learning, self-improvement and strengthening responsibility should not only be general requirements, but also regular and continuous tasks in order to meet increasingly high development demands,” he emphasized.

In the new context, officials and civil servants must continuously enhance their qualifications, skills and working methods to meet development needs.

Tran Viet Tu, specialist at Bau Ham commune Public Administrative Service Center

From this reality, innovation in leadership methods and urban governance has become a strategic requirement. Vu Hong Van, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Dong Nai Delegation of NA Deputies, has repeatedly emphasized that the transition to city status is not merely a change in name, but an opportunity to comprehensively reform leadership and governance toward a modern urban model.

The focus, he noted, must be on improving governance quality, perfecting policy mechanisms and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Above all, the decisive factor remains people.

It is clear that in its development journey, Dong Nai is presented with opportunities to expand urban space while also facing significant challenges related to infrastructure, environment and human resources. Across every field, from state management to social life, people remain the determining element.

Ultimately, it is changes in awareness, behavior and everyday practices that will shape Dong Nai into a civilized, modern and sustainable urban hub.

By H.Thao – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha