FD 2026: Connecting infrastructure, knowledge, and technology, expanding cooperation between cities

Mr. Seng Vannak, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh (Cambodia).

Connecting Infrastructure to Promote Intercity Exchange

According to Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Seng Vannak, connecting physical infrastructure, especially road systems, will help strengthen the relationship between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, bringing them closer together.

He noted that the governments of Cambodia and Vietnam have developed a highway connecting Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, comprising 135 km from Phnom Penh to Bavet and an additional 51 km from Moc Bai to Ho Chi Minh City.

Drawing on Phnom Penh's experience, Deputy Governor Seng Vannak observed that, alongside infrastructure connectivity, people's mobility plays a crucial role in promoting exchanges between the two cities. Facilitating movement for people will contribute to increased exchanges between citizens of the two countries, as well as between businesses and other sectors.

Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City have been sister cities since 2004. According to him, continuing to enhance physical infrastructure connectivity will further promote relations and exchanges between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Besides infrastructure connectivity, Seng Vannak noted that both Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City face challenges in urban development, including traffic congestion and the impact of transportation on the quality of urban space.

Currently, people's needs necessitate the development of better systems and solutions for urban transportation. In this process, AI technology can assist in researching suitable solutions. For instance, when studying traffic orientation to promote public transportation, AI can be used to analyze traffic flow. This technology can also support research into the development of recreational areas, public spaces, and walkability in urban areas.

Additionally, Seng Vannak emphasized that public spaces are vital to residents' daily quality of life. Improving the quality of public spaces not only directly benefits people but also creates opportunities for businesses and other organizations to thrive.

Phnom Penh has developed a Smart City Hub to seek solutions for its citizens and attract public participation and contribution. From the perspective of the Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh, new technologies like AI can assist both cities in researching suitable urban solutions.

He also noted that Ho Chi Minh City has developed public spaces in ways that benefit its residents and believes that the city government is using AI technology to research, design, and assess the feasibility of public transportation solutions.

Developing pilot projects in the agri-food

From the perspective of Palmerston North, a beautiful city on New Zealand's North Island, Mayor Grant Smith noted that to promote cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City in agri-food technology and high-quality human resource training, it is crucial to create a conducive environment for collaboration between the two cities.

Mr. Grant Smith, Mayor of Palmerston North (New Zealand).

Palmerston North has strengths in agri-food and international education. According to Grant Smith, the two cities can leverage these strengths to develop pilot projects that both parties agree upon and implement.

One approach mentioned by the mayor is to share experts, lecturers, and researchers from Palmerston North with Ho Chi Minh City to jointly participate in agreed-upon projects, such as food production, agricultural technology, and other pioneering initiatives.

He emphasized that both cities must select and agree on pilot projects for implementation, thereby laying the foundation for sharing expertise and cooperation between the two sides.

Additionally, sharing experiences in building a knowledge city brand, Mayor Grant Smith affirmed that Palmerston North has proactively created an environment where people can thrive.

According to him, the city focuses on ensuring necessary conditions, from university infrastructure and city libraries to scholarship programs. Establishing these comprehensive platforms has helped attract talent, researchers, and academics.

Once these initial foundations are established, the development process will continue to generate its own momentum. Palmerston North has had and still has the highest number of PhD holders among New Zealand cities. This is built on an environment capable of attracting people.

Another factor emphasized by the Mayor of Palmerston North is bringing different organizations and institutions together to work collaboratively rather than competitively. The city has established a trust fund to connect organizations, thereby jointly building scholarship programs, implementing various programs, and engaging with schools. This approach makes science and knowledge more appealing to the community while creating a favorable environment for educational institutions, research, and scientists to thrive.

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