Phan Thiet Smart City Operation Center (IOC): The “Digital Brain” of a Smart City

This positions Phan Thiet on a path to realize its goals of digital governance, a digital economy, and a digital society.

A Digital Interaction Channel Between Government and Citizens

Since October 2022, Phan Thiet has put the IOC into operation. This center serves as the “digital brain” of Phan Thiet, playing a crucial role in monitoring, commanding, and managing all city activities. With its capabilities to collect, standardize, analyze, and process data, the IOC provides timely information, substantially supporting city leaders in directing, managing, and executing political tasks. Additionally, the center serves as an effective tool for specialized departments and local government units to monitor and provide recommendations.

Ms. Tran Thi Trung Trinh, Chief of the Office of the People’s Council and People’s Committee of Phan Thiet, stated: “Currently, the Phan Thiet IOC comprises nine main subsystems: Field Reporting; Socio-Economic Reporting; Monitoring Media Information in Cyberspace; Security Surveillance Cameras; Traffic Safety Violation Cameras; Health Sector Monitoring and Management; Education and Training Oversight; Public Administration Monitoring; and Smart Tourism. These subsystems are the core foundation of the center, enhancing the city’s ability to manage and operate effectively and promptly.”

The Field Reporting Subsystem at the Phan Thiet Smart City Operation Center (IOC): The “Heart” of the System

The Field Reporting subsystem at the Phan Thiet Smart City Operation Center (IOC) is likened to the “heart” of the system, serving as a direct bridge between citizens, businesses, and the government. This tool is designed to receive, verify, manage, and track the processing of community feedback, enhancing the interaction between the government and the public in a faster and more efficient manner. With the mobile application “Phan Thiet - S,” residents can easily submit their reports and suggestions to relevant authorities without needing to visit in person. This application also provides timely information, allowing citizens to monitor the progress of their feedback. The city has organized training sessions for various agencies, departments, and local government units on the processing procedures, while also conducting extensive outreach in the community to encourage public participation in city development.

The notable results from the Field Reporting subsystem reflect the initial success of the system. To date, there have been over 17,000 downloads of the “Phan Thiet - S” application, with more than 3,700 user accounts created. The IOC has received 1,104 reports from residents, of which 1,025 have been thoroughly resolved, and 79 are currently being processed.

Notably, the satisfaction rate among citizens stands at 85%, with 834 out of 984 evaluations being positive. The introduction of the Field Reporting subsystem has completely transformed the interaction methods between the public and the government. Previously, residents had to visit government offices to voice their concerns; now, they can simply open the application, and their feedback is sent instantly, facilitating a quicker reception and processing of reports, thereby contributing to the development of a modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly Phan Thiet.

Enhancing Urban Management Effectiveness

Regarding the Socio-Economic Reporting subsystem at the Phan Thiet IOC, it provides socio-economic information in the form of dynamic charts, allowing city leaders to easily update and manage development indicators. The system supports forecasting the progress of task implementation, enabling timely solutions to be proposed. Additionally, the system allows for data export to create periodic reports and support important meetings, thereby enhancing the city’s management and operational effectiveness.

Phan Thiet’s Security Surveillance Camera System: The “Watchful Eye” Ensuring City Safety

The security surveillance camera system in Phan Thiet is becoming the “watchful eye” that protects the city’s peace. With six high-definition cameras, 17 medium-range cameras, and 38 cameras distributed across various wards and communes, this system not only monitors security conditions closely but also collects, analyzes, and stores data related to environmental sanitation and illegal land encroachment. For instance, since the Smart City Operation Center began operations and the surveillance camera system was installed, land management along the DT.706B route (from Km7 + 436 to Km24 + 360) in Thien Nghiep commune and the neighborhoods of Phu Hai, Ham Tien, and Mui Ne has significantly improved. Local authorities have increased patrols to promptly detect and address cases of encroachment and illegal construction on cleared land lots, ensuring more effective management of state-owned land.

A standout feature of this system is its intelligent capabilities, such as fire detection and early warning alerts, which enable authorities to respond swiftly to incidents. Recently, high-definition cameras have played a crucial role in ensuring security during major events, such as the Lunar New Year fireworks festival and the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Tourism Year at NovaWorld Phan Thiet.

Thanks to the support of the IOC, Phan Thiet is gradually perfecting urban management, improving residents’ quality of life, and promoting sustainable development. In the near future, the center will continue to upgrade and integrate new subsystems to serve the city’s comprehensive development goals.

“Phan Thiet has made significant efforts and progress after nearly two years of operating the Smart City Operation Center (IOC). In particular, subsystems such as Field Reporting, Socio-Economic Reporting, and Media Information Monitoring have enabled the government to quickly grasp information, serving residents and businesses more effectively. The Provincial Secretary has called for continued improvements to the system, enhancing efficiency and promptly addressing citizens’ requests, especially in the areas of security, land management, and construction. Phan Thiet will be the pilot unit for integration with the province’s common monitoring center in the near future,” stated Nguyen Hoai Anh, Provincial Secretary and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, during a recent inspection.