The conference drew more than 600 policymakers, technology experts, businesses and domestic and international organisations.--Photo VNS

AI moves into daily life as Vietnam accelerates smart city development

HANOI (VNS/ANN) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the core engine of modern urban governance, shaping how cities plan, operate and deliver services, participants heard at the Vietnam–Asia Smart City Summit 2025, which took place in Hanoi on Tuesday.
The conference drew more than 600 policymakers, technology experts, businesses and domestic and international organisations. The event was jointly organised by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), the Hanoi People’s Committee, the city’s Department of Science and Technology and relevant agencies.
Against the backdrop of mounting urban pressures, including infrastructure overload, environmental pollution, population growth and rising expectations for quality of life, AI is no longer viewed as a supporting tool but as the ‘new brain’ of smart cities, enabling data-driven governance, operations and decision-making.
Throughout the discussions, participants agreed that smart cities are not simply about digitising infrastructure or deploying isolated technologies. Instead, they require a comprehensive restructuring of urban governance systems based on big data and intelligent algorithms, with AI connecting fragmented systems into a unified whole.
The one-day programme included a plenary session and five thematic workshops focusing on AI-based solutions for smart urban development, ranging from intelligent transport and environmental monitoring to energy optimisation and online public services.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Truong Viet Dung told conference attendees that Hanoi has identified science, technology and innovation as key drivers of growth in the next few years.
“Our goal is to build Hanoi into a leading innovation hub,” he said, adding that the city is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant agencies to organise major events that help spread the spirit of innovation and start-up activities across the community.
He noted that hosting the summit is particularly significant as Hanoi accelerates implementation of the revised Capital Law and the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.
The event also offered an opportunity to promote Hanoi as a smart, innovative and globally connected city capable of attracting investment, skilled workers and new development momentum.
A recurring theme across sessions was AI’s growing role in urban management, from traffic control and environmental supervision to energy efficiency, public security and policy support.
Experts said AI allows city governments to move from reactive administration to more proactive governance, helping leaders respond faster and more accurately to emerging issues while improving transparency and service quality.
These perspectives were echoed by VINASA Chairman Nguyen Van Khoa, who shared insights drawn from submissions to the Vietnam Smart City Awards 2025, announced within the framework of the summit.

(Latest Update December 24, 2025)