The digital journey in highland areas: From policy to daily life

The digital transformation of highland localities in Tuyen Quang Province is gradually gaining depth, bringing about clear changes in awareness and action across the political system and among local people. Likened to growing corn on rocky grey mountains, this journey is fraught with hardship, yet it is beginning to bear “sweet fruit” as digital technology becomes an integral part of village life.

People of Tan An Commune are guided on how to log in to VNeID.

Following the implementation of Resolution No. 57/NQ-TW, one of the pillar resolutions for national development, Tuyen Quang has moved swiftly to improve institutions, renew mindsets, and remove barriers, identifying digital transformation, science and technology, and innovation as key competitive advantages. The province has issued multiple human resource development schemes, focusing on improving digital awareness and skills for officials, civil servants, citizens, and businesses. At the same time, numerous training courses have been organized on applying artificial intelligence, operating online public service systems, and managing commune-level public administrative service centers.

Innovative grassroots models have proven particularly effective. Tan My Commune was among the first to issue an action directive on digital transformation, requiring officials and Party members to apply AI in their daily work. The “People Ask – Government Answers” model on the commune’s Fanpage, together with the public disclosure of leaders’ phone numbers and the establishment of 24/7 Zalo groups, has enabled timely handling of grassroots issues. These measures have significantly improved the efficiency of administrative procedures, placing Tan My among the province’s top-performing communes.

In culture and tourism, digital technology has opened new pathways for highland areas. From a single viral video on social media, Sung Manh Hung from Sa Phin Commune has become a “natural tourism ambassador” for Dong Van. Through his personal TikTok channel with hundreds of thousands of followers, he showcases majestic landscapes and ethnic cultural life, attracting visitors from across Vietnam and abroad.

A major highlight is the establishment of more than 1,800 community digital technology teams at the commune and village levels. Through the “Digital Literacy for All” campaign, youth union members play a pivotal role, directly guiding people step by step in using smartphones, registering for VNeID, accessing online public services, and protecting personal data.

As a result, ethnic minority communities in highland and border areas are becoming more confident in engaging with the digital environment, applying technology to production, trade, learning, and information connectivity. Digital “sounds” are now knocking on the doors of every village, opening up opportunities for more equal and sustainable development in the mountainous and highland areas of the province.

Tran Lien