Ton Duc Thang University Accompanies Tan Hung Ward in Building a Digital, Civilized, and Compassionate Government
On October 28, Tan Hung Ward People’s Committee (Ho Chi Minh City) and Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) held a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Attending the event, on the guests’ side, were representatives from various city departments and agencies, including Mr. Dang Ngoc Tung, Former Member of the Party Central Committee and Former Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour; Mr. Nguyen Van Dua – Former Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Duc Chinh – Former Deputy Minister of Justice; Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Tho – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Nguyen Tran Phu Thinh – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center; Mr. Hoang Minh Tuan Anh – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Tan Hung Ward People’s Council; along with members of the Standing Committee of the Ward Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee; and representatives from the Party Committees, People’s Councils, People’s Committees, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees of the wards of Tan Hung, Tan My, Tan Thuan, and Phu Thuan.
On behalf of Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), attending the event were Dr. Tran Trong Dao – Chairman of Science and Training Council, and President of the University; members of the Presidential Board; and leaders of various Departments, Faculties, and affiliated and subordinate units of TDTU.
Connecting academic knowledge with local practical realities
The event not only opened a new direction in strengthening the connection between the University and local government authorities, but also embodied the spirit of “bringing knowledge to serve the people,” realizing the Party’s guidelines on digital transformation, sustainable urban development, and building a government that is close to and serves the people. This also marks the first time that TDTU has signed a cooperation agreement with a grassroots-level administrative unit.
Tan Hung Ward – a newly established administrative unit formed from the merger of four former wards of District 7 (old) including Tan Hung, Tan Phong, Tan Quy, and Tan Kieng – has a population of over 150,000 people and an area of more than 8 square kilometers. The ward is currently facing the need to innovate its management model, develop a smart urban area, and enhance public service quality. In this context, the signing of the cooperation agreement between Tan Hung Ward People’s Committee and TDTU is considered a pioneering step, initiating a “tripartite linkage model” among the University, the Government, and the People, working together to create new value for the community.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Mr. Hoang Minh Tuan Anh – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Tan Hung Ward People’s Council – shared: “Today’s signing marks a connection between knowledge and practical reality, between the University and local government, with the goal of bringing Resolution 57 into people’s daily lives in a concrete and effective way. The signing ceremony today helps us achieve three major goals: (1) Establishing a linkage among the University – the Government – and the People, in which the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of innovative products. (2) Bringing Resolution 57 out of the laboratory, turning policies into tangible products and concrete actions in every neighborhood and residential area. (3) Commitment to implementation: both sides will jointly deploy, monitor, and decisively carry out the agreed contents so that digital transformation initiatives truly take root in real life.”
The proactive initiative of Tan Hung Ward authorities is perfectly in line with TDTU’s vision of being a “University that shares and serves the community.” This represents a seamless integration between “practical needs” and “knowledge capacity,” opening up a model of exemplary cooperation between the University and local government.
Dr. Tran Trong Dao, President of TDTU, emphasized: “Today’s signing ceremony is of great significance. It is not only a connection between a grassroots administrative unit and an educational–research institution, but also a concrete step in implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, and digital transformation.”
Translating the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW into practical implementation
The memorandum of cooperation between the two parties includes 12 key components, focusing on four main areas:
Smart Urban Governance: TDTU will collaborate in developing solutions that apply modern technologies such as AI, IoT, Big Data, and GIS for urban management, environmental monitoring, and social welfare. These initiatives aim to help the ward authorities access information promptly, make more accurate decisions, and enhance transparency in governance.
Digital Human Resource Development: Organize training and capacity-building programs on artificial intelligence, digital skills, and information security for ward officials and civil servants. At the same time, TDTU will introduce outstanding students to take part in internships and participate in the “Digital Literacy for all” initiative, directly assisting residents in accessing and using technology effectively.
Promoting Education and Innovation: Support local lower and upper secondary schools in implementing STEM/STEAM classroom models, organizing science and technology innovation contests, and providing professional development programs for teachers. This initiative serves as an investment in nurturing the future generations of the ward.
Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Collaborate to organize career orientation and entrepreneurship activities, facilitate business networking, and create opportunities for students and local youth to gain practical experience and foster their creativity.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, the President of TDTU affirmed that the University is ready to transfer and support advanced models, technologies, and teaching methods, including the application of AI in education and management, for primary, secondary, and high schools in the ward. In addition, TDTU also expressed its desire to expand cooperation with the local authorities in areas such as urban management, environmental protection, planning, food safety, as well as international cooperation, investment promotion, and local business development.
At the same time, the University is also ready to mobilize its network of domestic and international experts and scientists to provide consultancy and share global experiences with the local authorities, helping the ward develop practical, effective, and context-appropriate models and solutions.
“The collaboration with Tan Hung Ward is a vivid testament to TDTU’s commitment and responsibility but also a source of pride as the University contributes its intellect, youthful energy, and technological strengths to work hand in hand with the local government and community in building a sustainable and livable Tan Hung Ward.”
After the signing ceremony, with the companionship of TDTU, the entire political system of the ward committed to working in a unified and determined manner to translate the cooperation contents into concrete results. The partnership between a dynamic university and a rapidly developing ward not only contributes to the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, but also establishes a model of collaboration between academic intellect and local governance, bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the everyday lives of the people.
