 |
| Ms. Ho Thi Him, the Truong Son Xanh Brocade Weaving Cooperative, worked on a computer |
From everyday conveniences ...
Ms. Ho Thi Thau, in Nham Village, A Luoi 2 Commune, visited the Commune’s Public Administration Service Center to complete administrative procedures. The process was quick and convenient. With a smartphone, she could carry out certain procedures online, reducing travel time and the amount of paperwork required compared to before. “People now receive much better support with administrative procedures than in the past. Many tasks can be completed on a phone, saving time and paperwork. We find it very convenient,” said Ms. Thau.
This change has taken place alongside the implementation of the two-tier local government model, which has been in operation since July 1, 2025. Communes in the A Luoi area are stepping up the application of technology in management and administration. Computer systems, digital signing devices, electronic document management software, and shared platforms are gradually being rolled out, helping change the way residents are served.
Alongside investment in equipment and software deployment, considerable attention is being paid to guiding residents in using digital services. Digital transformation teams in residential areas, the Fatherland Front officials, and youth union members are working with staff at commune-level Public Administration Service Centers to help residents access online public services, use the VNeID electronic identification application, and carry out necessary tasks.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Ly, head of the Fatherland Front Working Committee in Hong Thuong Village, A Luoi 3 Commune, said that the digital transformation teams in residential areas were established to bring digital skills closer to residents. Their members provide hands-on guidance, and help people address difficulties as they use these tools. Through training sessions held in villages and hamlets, residents are gradually becoming familiar with digital tools that support their daily activities.
... to development opportunities
Digital technology is not only changing how administrative procedures are handled, but also creating new economic development opportunities for communities in A Luoi. Many products from the highlands are gaining greater access to markets through digital platforms.
At the Azakooh Brocade Weaving Cooperative (also known as Truong Son Xanh), in A Luoi 2 Commune, digital platforms are being used to introduce and promote products. Ms. Ho Thi Him, a cooperative member, said: “Previously, the cooperative’s product promotion was largely passive, but now most of our work is carried out on digital platforms. This has saved the cooperative considerable time and resources.”
Beyond product promotion, social media, e-commerce, cashless payments, and product traceability can also help expand markets for highland products. For community-based tourism, online platforms provide opportunities to introduce local landscapes, culture, cuisine, and traditional lifestyles to a wider range of visitors.
Mr. Vien Dang Phu, owner of Huong Danh Homestay, in A Ka Village, A Luoi 4 Commune, said: “Through social media and digital platforms, we promote the traditional cultural values of the Ta Oi people, as well as our homestay. As a result, more people have come to know about us, and international visitors also regularly come to visit and stay.”
From a management perspective, digitization and data connectivity can provide local authorities with additional tools to monitor and evaluate the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction programs, socio-economic development programs in ethnic minority areas, and the new-style rural development program. Nevertheless, digital transformation in the A Luoi area still faces several challenges. Many older residents are not yet familiar with smartphones, while local IT human resources remain limited.
In the coming time, communes across the A Luoi area need to continue improving digital skills among officials from commune to village level, promote the role of digital transformation teams in residential areas, and strengthen direct guidance for residents who still face difficulties. The goal is to help residents save time compared to traditional administrative procedures while improving the effectiveness of local government operations, contributing to creating further development opportunities for highland communities.