A global creative city needs to have at least one world-class creative hub. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of the Boston Global Forum, hopes that Nha Trang would become such a city.

On February 25, 2024, Nha Trang Telecommunications University inaugurated AIP (Army Innovation Park), an information technology research and development center, with investment from the Ministry of National Defence and support of the Indian Government.

The center covers an area of 3 hectares and usable floor area of 25,000 sqm, with modern data center.

Many intellectuals and elites in the Boston Global Forum community have committed to support the building of AIP into the leading innovation center of Nha Trang city, with connection with innovation research centers of Harvard University, MIT and universities in Boston in Massachusetts.

Tuan said he would support building AIP of Nha Trang Telecommunications University into a nucleus that generates special values to build an Artificial Intelligence Society - Era of Global Enlightenment, and creates initiatives, products, and cultural events that bring new value to Nha Trang. 

This is also a place where creators, entrepreneurs, and thinkers from around the world gather and connect with the world's creative centers.

With such an important mission, AIP is not only an arm of the army, but it also belongs to Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province and the whole country.

To create a momentum for AIP to take off, Tuan stressed that setting questions for AIP to solve is important. Creating a creative ecosystem for Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa will be the decisive factor for success.

However, the goal is challenging and needs strong determination by Khanh Hoa and Nha Trang’s leaders, great efforts of AIP, universities, research institutes and all of Nha Trang’s people.

Particularly, Nha Trang needs to build a modern healthcare and education infrastructure system to attract people from all over the world and Vietnam to live and work there. The AI apps used in healthcare in Nha Trang, that helps upgrade the quality of existing hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as the building of new modern facilities, connected with leading facilities in Boston, will be part of the development plan.

In addition, it is necessary to apply new ways of thinking about education in the AI era, improve education quality, have advanced education with the support of AI and new thinking under the lifelong learning spirit, Tuan suggested.

Tran Sy Chuong, a respected economist, believes that in order to develop tourism economy in a sustainable way, and in order to keep Nha Trang beaches green, beautiful and maintain a balanced ecological environment, the city needs to stop the discharging of untreated waste and wastewater into Cai River and Nha Trang Bay.

Nha Trang should pay attention to attracting high-quality investors, domestic and foreign, while at the same time not forget to develop high-end services. 

Nha Trang has successfully attracted big foreign investors, including Evasion Ana Mandara Nha Trang, Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and major Vietnamese investors such Vingroup, Sungroup and Vega City.

These enterprises are always the biggest taxpayers, and only big investors can attract high-end clients willing to pay thousands of dollars per night to enjoy high-end services, which generate jobs and bring high revenue to the city.

Le Xuan Ba, former head of the Central Institute of Economic Management, has suggested solutions to turn Nha Trang into a center of three areas serving as the driving force for Khanh Hoa’s development.

First, re-determining the functions and economic tasks of Nha Trang authorities. Respecting the economic laws of a market economy; creating a favorable business environment, facilitating businesses’ joining and departure; making the city’s policies transparent, public and predictable; enhancing the accountability of Nha Trang’s authorities. 

Second, mobilizing capital for urban development from different sources, including urban development funds, development support fund, bond issuances and commercial loans. There should be more policies on seeking capital from different economic sectors. 

Third, developing the real estate market. As Nha Trang is a key tourism destination, the real estate market, especially associated with tourism service development, should have favorable conditions to develop.

Fourth, accelerating administrative reform to shorten the time needed to fulfill administrative procedures, thus helping projects go smoothly.

Lan Anh