On December 23, within the framework of the Vietnam - Asia Smart City Conference 2025, the Vietnam Information Technology Software and Services Association held a Ceremony to announce and award the Vietnam Smart City Award 2025. At the event, Da Nang was named in the "Livingable City" category, and was also the best locality of this year's tournament. This is the 6th consecutive year that Da Nang has received this award.
The 2025 award marks a turning point for Vietnamese cities in the "dual transformation" period, combining digital transformation and green development. Technology is positioned as a tool to directly solve urban problems such as traffic congestion, flooding, administrative procedures and energy saving, instead of just for show. AI and digital data are gradually being used in governance, public services and ensuring security and order.
In this year's tournament, Da Nang was recognized in 3 categories including smart governance and operation; green environment, sustainable development; and an attractive city for innovative startups. According to the organizers, the city not only maintains the advantage of living environment and tourism, but also proactively builds infrastructure for the semiconductor and AI microchip industry and orients the development of regional financial centers, creating a foundation for the digital economy and high-quality jobs.
In parallel with Da Nang, Hanoi made its mark in the category of smart city management and operation in the field of public services. The operation of the AI hotline, virtual assistant serving people 24/7 and the iHanoi digital citizen application is considered a remarkable step forward in improving interaction between the government and people in a super city of more than 10 million people.
In addition, Hue, Tay Ninh and many other localities are also honored for their perseverance in building a digital governance platform, taking people as the center of service.
The highlight of the 2025 Vietnam Smart City Award is the "Livingable Urban" voting activity participated by people across the country. With 7 criteria including governance, transportation, environment, infrastructure, startups, security and digital economy, more than 200,000 votes were recorded. Da Nang leads with nearly 70% of the total votes. Hue and Quang Ninh are ranked next. This result shows the increasing interest of people in the quality of life in urban areas.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa - Chairman of VINASA, Head of the Organizing Committee emphasized that smart cities in a new approach are cities operating based on data, digital technology and innovation.
In which people are the center, the government plays a role in creating, businesses are the driving force and technology is the tool. The ultimate goal of smart city development is to improve the quality of life and towards the happiness of the people.
The Vietnam Smart City Award, initiated by VINASA since 2020, has become a prestigious measure reflecting changes in urban management and development thinking, while connecting technology solutions to serve sustainable development in Vietnam.
