ISCM Highlights the Role of Education and Research Institutions in Ho Chi Minh City’s Smart City Development Strategy
On March 6, 2026, the scientific workshop titled “Orientations for Scientific Research, Technology Development, and Strengthening Science and Technology Capacity in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026–2030 Period” was held at the University of Science, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). The event was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology and the university, under the chairmanship of Mr. Le Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology.
Figure 1. Mr. Le Thanh Minh – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology delivering the opening remarks
The workshop served as an important platform for exchanging perspectives on research orientations, technology development, and applications supporting digital transformation and smart city development in Ho Chi Minh City in the coming years. The event gathered scientists, experts, policymakers, lecturers, and students to discuss science and technology solutions aimed at strengthening the city’s research capacity and promoting sustainable urban development.
At the workshop, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), represented by PhD Candidate Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam, delivered a presentation on the role of education and research institutions in developing strategic and foundational technologies for smart cities.
Figure 2. PhD Candidate Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam, lecturer at ISCM- UEH, presenting at the workshop
The presentation outlined global trends in smart city development while analyzing the current implementation context in Vietnam. Within this framework, education and research institutions were highlighted as key actors capable of contributing to multiple layers of the smart city technology ecosystem—from providing strategic directions for sensing infrastructure and data transmission networks to developing data management platforms and application services supporting urban governance.
Drawing on ISCM’s research and practical initiatives, several technological solutions have been applied to urban science platforms to support data-driven decision-making in urban management. At the application service layer, emerging technologies such as hologram visualization, VR/AR, video mapping, computer vision, UAV technologies, and 3D printing are also being explored and tested to develop practical solutions for local contexts.
In particular, the Living Lab approach, based on co-creation and citizen-centered innovation, was introduced as a promising model for smart city development. Several Living Lab initiatives implemented at UEH—such as smART Hub and UEH Green Campus—demonstrate strong potential in bridging research, education, and real-world urban practice. This approach is also integrated into teaching and learning activities, contributing to the development of a future workforce equipped with competencies for smart city development.
In addition to ISCM’s presentation, the workshop featured several other expert contributions, including:
“The Current State of Scientific Research and Technology Development in Ho Chi Minh City (2020–2025) and Future Orientations” – Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Suong, Head of the Science and Technology Development Division, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology.
“Interdisciplinary Approaches in Research and Digital Technology Applications for Digital Transformation and Sustainable Smart City Development in Ho Chi Minh City” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thoai Nam, Director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, VNU-HCM.
“Nurturing Young Scientific Talent: Strategic Solutions for Building the Next Generation of Researchers and Enhancing the City’s Science and Technology Capacity in the Digital Era” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Van Lang, Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology.
Figure 3. The workshop concluded successfully, gathering many valuable insights and recommendations
Through its research activities, educational programs, and engagement with real-world urban practice, ISCM continues to affirm its role as a knowledge platform contributing to local development. By working alongside Ho Chi Minh City in shaping smart, sustainable, and human-centered urban development strategies, ISCM’s initiatives and experimental models not only support government and community stakeholders in urban transformation but also contribute to strengthening the city’s innovation ecosystem. These efforts align with UEH’s broader vision of becoming a multidisciplinary university closely connected with society, as the institution approaches its 50th anniversary milestone.
News: ISCM