VietNamNet Bridge - The opportunity for revolutionary change is now. Vietnam must capitalize on this phenomenon to innovate, conceive new technologies and invest in the talents of exceptionally bright individuals, to transform Vietnam in to the jewel of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.




This is the comment by scholars of US Fulbright scholars in Vietnam, Prof. Ron Milam and Prof. Ram Prasad. VietNamNet introduces these experts’ suggestion. Accordingly, Vietnam should use personal identification cards, which are granted to foreign visitors to ensure personal and national security.

As Vietnam celebrates the 37th year of its reunification, it is on a path of extraordinary challenges in all disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The opportunity for change is made possible by Vietnam’s rich human intellectual resources at all major institutions.

There are very bright Vietnamese scholars and students across all universities in Vietnam. As universities train the next generation of doctors, engineers and historians, students must feel challenged and excited by what they can imagine and create.

For such a transformation to occur in academics, faculty must place emphasis on applied research. Research naturally induces the formulation of better and stronger curriculum so that universities can stay abreast of educational needs based on global advances made through innovation. Research will result in better educational opportunities for freshman entering any institution of higher learning.

These opportunities could be in any branch of Arts & Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Social Sciences and Humanities. Research allows better understanding of progresses made in any field. Research stimulates the curiosity to explore, investigate and identify the means towards building robust human environments that are progressively sustainable.

The opportunity for revolutionary change is now. Vietnam must capitalize on this phenomenon to innovate, conceive new technologies and invest in the talents of exceptionally bright individuals to transform Vietnam in to the Jewel of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Ron Milam and Ram Prasad have a common vision to see Vietnam undergo transformation through innovation. Innovation stems from the fundamental needs of any nation towards seeking greater internal and external security, and from the society’s own desires for comfort and convenience.

There must be a balance between safety and comfort, between the needs of societies and the manner in which the needs are met, and between healthcare and welfare. There remains no doubt that to achieve such a balance will require large amounts of human and economic resources.

Innovation stems from the ability of humans to think logically and apply critical thinking skills to build and develop resources which stimulates economic growth. Human imagination and creativity are indeed the roots to innovation and the means to transform the infrastructure of any society in the world.

Reform means to change for the better. This could mean better transportation systems, better electric supply systems, better living environment and cleaner streets, better safety and healthcare systems, and a multitude of other infrastructure-based systems that provide convenience and comfort at a price that is affordable to societies at-large.

It provides the means for humans to experience all the beautiful things in the living environment. Reform upgrades the societal standards from all aspects including education, manufacturing, skills training, operating and maintaining a diversity of services available to human society.

The single most significant element of “reform” which is also the cornerstone of a highly progressive society is innovation. How progressive a society is, depends upon provisions in the architecture to accept revolutionary change as a stimulus towards reform. A clear vision must exist as to what this change will bring to the society.

Among all the primary care systems, the one which stands out to be the most significant is the health and safety of humans anywhere in the world. Traffic in large cities must be made safer. Ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles should take priority for safe passage on the streets. Flyovers and other means to alleviate transportation congestions should allow planners to explore alternatives for better and safer transportation systems. Reform is multifaceted in its structure, and is a mix of elements which respond to rapid change.

A recent incident in Ho Chi Minh City on April 21, 2012, involved the disappearance of a Philippine national. “Bong” arrived in HCMC, checked into a hotel, walked out and disappeared. He has since not been found.

This immediately raises the question of how to find one individual who may be lost in a large city such as Saigon. Where does one search? How effective are the search processes in place? Is there a possible solution for such incidents in the future? Can such a problem be addressed technologically? Could the government and private industry be partners in such a venture?

As a technologist Professor Prasad feels there can be many solutions, some which are minimally effective and provide a basic level of security and a select few that greatly enhance the personal security of individuals, as well as enhance national security.

It is possible to introduce a personal identification card (PIC) system in Vietnam that will enable any individual to carry an encrypted ID card that can be used to register in hotels and used anywhere within the country for seeking assistance in an emergency.

Any ATM machine must be made capable of reading such a card and to immediately provide the individual with local assistance. Through an automated calling system, the individual could be easily picked up by a reliable taxi service.

In Saigon, there are extremely reliable services provided by MaiLinh and Vinasun, for example. The taxi cab could be fitted with a card reader that will enable the individual to swipe the PIC and display to the cab driver, the exact address for safe return.

The ID card can be issued to every individual by the Government of Vietnam at the port of entry and will be retrieved when the individual leaves the country.

It will appear similar to a credit card. When the individual registers at a hotel, the card is swiped in a card reader which enters all the required registration information and automatically codes-in the hotel information onto the card. The hotel information could either be archived or removed upon checkout. In an emergency, the card can be used in any ATM machine to seek assistance. The following graphic illustrates the PIC system.

Ron Milam and Ram Prasad
(US Fulbright Scholars in Vietnam)