Mrs. Tran Thi Thuy Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology

Madam, which groups are currently the focus of the “Digital Literacy for All” movement in Hue City?

The “Digital Literacy for All” movement has been launched in Hue City with the goal of popularizing basic digital knowledge and skills for all citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation process. This is a revolutionary movement so that everyone - from officials and civil servants to the elderly, small traders, farmers, students, and disadvantaged groups - is encouraged to actively learn and practise digital skills that serve their daily life and work, while benefiting from the achievements of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The movement also emphasizes the role of officials, civil servants, students, and pupils as “key spreaders,” promoting safe and effective use of technology within the community. The ultimate goal is to build a community of digital citizens - where everyone knows how to master technology, self-learn, adapt, and collectively co-create sustainable development for the city in the digital era.

How has the popularization of digital skills for citizens, especially disadvantaged groups and those in remote areas, been carried out?

Immediately after the “Digital Literacy for All” movement was launched nationwide, the DoST advised Hue City People’s Committee to organize a launching ceremony to spread momentum widely in the community. At the same time, communication was strengthened across digital platforms and media in a systematic, flexible, and comprehensive way.

 A Nam Dong commune officer (far right) guiding local residents in handling administrative procedures. Photo: Huu Phuc

The DoST also advised the City’s Committee to issue a framework of basic digital knowledge and skills, along with guidelines for assessment and certification of digital literacy for different groups. Training content was designed to be concise, easy to understand, and practice-oriented - focusing on practical digital skills such as: using Hue-S, making digital payments, accessing online public services, and securing personal information.

The DoST, in cooperation with relevant units and agencies, has implemented multiple models tailored to each target group. Notable examples include “Community Digital Technology Teams,” “Volunteer Digital Student Teams,” “Digital Families,” “Digital Markets - Digital Rural Areas,” and weekly community classes at wards and communes throughout the city.

What has been the response from citizens when engaging with these digital skills training programs?

Citizens are not only provided with flyers and digital skills handbooks but also receive direct guidance from youth volunteers, students, community organizations, and teachers, under the motto “reach every alley, knock on every door, guide every individual.” As a result, feedback shows that people highly appreciate learning digital skills, finding them simple, accessible, and highly applicable. Many skills - such as scanning QR codes, using online public services, making cashless payments, and protecting personal information - have proven useful, practical, safe, as well as time- and cost-saving in today’s digital era. This is clear evidence of the practicality and strong impact of the “Digital Literacy for All” movement in Hue City.

To ensure the sustainability of this movement, what strategies have the DoST and local authorities planned for the near future?

We are directing the development of the movement based on three criteria: broad reach, substance, and sustainability. Bearing this in mind, the DoST is focusing on developing, upgrading, and integrating existing digital platforms to directly support digital learning and practice in the community. We are also embedding digital skills training into training programs, competitions, and community education activities - turning digital learning into a part of lifelong learning culture, closely tied to everyday social activities.

 Guiding people in practising the use of digital platforms and tools in their work and life

All these efforts aim to create a user-friendly, flexible, and accessible digital learning ecosystem, enabling Hue citizens - regardless of age, profession, or education level - to gradually master technology in daily life.

What further plans does the DoST have to ensure the movement continues to expand effectively and sustainably?

We are developing the “Digital Literacy for All” movement towards a sustainable-broad-substantive approach, with the vision of building a digital learning society in which every Hue citizen becomes an active digital citizen, capable of adapting to and mastering technology.

Firstly, the DoST will focus on completing the digital learning ecosystem by developing the Hue-S platform into a distinctive digital learning tool for the city. We will also advise the City’s Committee to upgrade its Digital Transformation Portal to provide comprehensive resources, manuals, and instructional videos on digital skills to the community.

In addition, we will continue collaborating with units and agencies to effective expand community outreach models, such as “Digital Families” – each household has at least one member proficient in digital skills who guides others; “Digital Ambassadors” - volunteers who spread and support digital skills at local wards, communes, and schools; “Digital Markets  - Digital Rural Areas” - training small traders and farmers to apply technology in business; “One Citizen  - One Digital Identity” - promoting the use of VNeID and digital payment accounts. Particularly, the DoST will strengthen training for Community Digital Technology Teams - the key force in accompanying and supporting citizens directly.

We also see mobilizing resources as crucial to the sustainability of the movement. Therefore, the DoST will work closely with socio-political organizations, businesses, and schools to mobilize resources for providing equipment, internet access, and learning materials to disadvantaged groups as well as those living in remote areas.

The “Digital Literacy for All” movement in Hue City is gradually shaping up as a community learning strategy in the digital era, placing citizens at the center of the digital transformation process. This is an important factor that motivates Hue to advance rapidly and firmly on the path of comprehensive digital transformation and sustainable development.

Thank you, Madam!

Story and photos: Hoai Thuong