Behind the progress of digital government lies the dedication of pioneering individuals. From these pioneers, the spirit of innovation is steadily spreading province-wide.

Digital pioneers at the grassroots

The two-tier local government model has placed increasing demands on grassroots officials to deliver faster and more efficient public services. Embracing a novel mindset, continuously improving professional competencies together with mastering digital technologies have become essential requirements for every commune-level official and civil servant.

Ms. Bui Thi Nguyen Thao, a specialist responsible for science, technology (S&T) alongside digital transformation (DX) at the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Tuy Hoa ward, said that after receiving training as well as applying technology in practice, she has used AI to summarise documents, search legal references, classify information alongside compile data, significantly reducing processing time. This has enabled her to spend more time reviewing regulations, verifying information and ensuring accuracy before submitting recommendations to senior officials.

Mrs. Bui Thi Nguyen Thao, a specialist at the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Tuy Hoa ward, discussing AI applications in public administration with leaders.

Ms. Thao said: “Users must possess a solid grasp of their professional field, understand how to write effective prompts and verify AI-generated information. Only then can AI become a truly effective assistant supporting daily work”.

After assuming responsibility for culture and social affairs at the Public Administrative Service Centre of Ea M'Droh commune, Mr. Nguyen Van Quoc took the initiative to study relevant regulations, learn to operate electronic administrative software while incorporating AI into his daily tasks. His proactive approach enabled him to quickly become familiar with administrative procedures, improve dossier processing efficiency alongside enhance service public service quality.

Launchpad for DX

Behind each individual's willingness to learn, embrace innovation and master technology lies the sustained commitment by local authorities to creating a supportive environment through training, capacity building together with encouraging innovation.

To build this foundation, the S&T sector has coordinated with agencies and organisations to organise numerous training programmes on DX coupled with AI. These included five specialised training courses attended by 432 participants, focusing on AI applications and DX in state administration. The S&T Department also organised digital skills along with AI training programmes for more than 1,000 officials and civil servants province-wide.

Alongside training, digital working infrastructure has been upgraded in a coordinated manner. To date, 100% of commune-level officials together with civil servants have been equipped with computers and personal digital signatures, enabling them to process all official duties entirely within an electronic working environment.

Officials of Xuan Tho commune participating in an AI training course to strengthen digital competencies.

The province has also actively promoted the "Digital literacy for all" movement, providing digital skills training for more than 10,000 officials and civil servants, making digital learning a regular component of public service.

Placing people at the centre of development, Dak Lak continues investing in digital human resource development, beginning with grassroots officials coupled with civil servants. Comrade Bui Thanh Toan, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Director of the S&T Department, said: “Raising awareness of the role as well as importance of technology, particularly AI applications in public administration, has become an urgent requirement. These training programmes not only equip participants with digital skills, but also reshape digital thinking, strengthen public service capacity while promoting the effective technology adoption across state agencies”.

Dak Lak is currently developing the Human Resource Development project for  Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation. Simultaneously, the Provincial People's Council together with the PPC are finalising mechanisms and policies to attract, recruit combined with provide incentives for experts alongside highly qualified professionals in DX and data security. These efforts will establish a solid foundation for officials along with civil servants to continue innovating, adapting, while contributing to digital government development in the new era.

Translated by KHUONG THAO