Participating in the development of smart cities is a "big game" not only for those with financial power and resources.
Using smart technology for street lighting systems on an open platform
Young startups, if they can address the existing issues in each city and understand their own strengths, can also collaborate with corporations to provide solutions for smart cities. This can create numerous benefits and bring value to the community, environment, and society.
Founded three years ago, VioT is now a technology startup focused on addressing smart city development challenges. The company's products include smart buttons based on Bluetooth technology; a system for connecting outdoor and indoor advertising signs, designed to help urban authorities manage digital content remotely (DigiAds); and an Intelligent Operation Center (IoC) that can oversee an industrial zone, a city, or a seaport to optimize and save energy for the urban environment.
Using Technology to Solve Specific "Challenges"
According to data provided by experts, on average, every 10 streetlights emit carbon equivalent to that of a car over the course of a year. Currently, 6% of global carbon emissions come from street lighting systems. Mr. Nguyễn Bách Việt, founder and Chairman of VIoT Group, points out: "The world currently has 304 million streetlights, which could reach 356 million by 2025, with tens of billions of high-intensity outdoor lights. The problem is that all of these lights are outdated, with one-third using technology from the 1970s, which is very energy-consuming and costly."
Using smart technology, VIoT Group has embarked on researching sensor devices for street lighting systems on an open platform. The aim is centralized management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing energy issues. This contributes to the digital infrastructure transformation, and the development of applications for smart cities, smart agriculture, and smart factories.
It has been calculated that street lighting alone accounts for 35% of the electricity costs in Hanoi. In comparison, the global average is 16-17%. "When faced with high electricity bills, people often look for ways to cut power rather than optimizing the lighting system. This is energy mismanagement, not energy savings," Mr. Việt emphasized. Therefore, if it is possible to upgrade or address the issue of connecting the street lighting system, it could reduce costs to the global average, and instead of investing in new infrastructure, optimizing the operation of the existing system could be a solution.
Using smart low-frequency radio waves, VIoT addresses the challenge of connecting 5,000 devices within a 30 km radius. LED lighting can be connected remotely, wirelessly, and managed centrally.
Headquartered in Singapore, QIQ Global specializes in public electric vehicle charging systems, including for electric bikes, scooters, and cars. The company is also expected to provide solutions to transportation issues. Vehicles within the system are automatically connected to each other and to users through software that facilitates easy control and payment. In March 2020, the Hanoi People's Committee announced a pilot project for investing in an electric bike system using smartphone management software in Hoan Kiem District. After the pilot phase in Hoan Kiem and receiving operating permits, the investor will deploy the system city-wide. Mr. Vũ Cao Tùng, Director of QIQ Vietnam, acknowledges the undeniable benefits of smart transportation systems, though he notes that cities face many challenges during implementation. Nevertheless, Mr. Tùng is hopeful that "once the metro and elevated railway are operational, these projects may succeed and change consumer habits."
Collaborating to Provide Benefits for the Public
Vietnam's urban system is developing rapidly, with an urbanization rate of 37.5% and more than 813 cities. This is considered a positive indicator of economic development, providing more opportunities for innovation and more effective investment. However, it also presents significant challenges such as environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and deteriorating infrastructure. The application of technology can enhance city management efficiency, reduce costs, improve transparency, and bring value to every citizen. Developing smart cities, where many issues of modern urban life are addressed through technology, will help create a more convenient and humane living environment.
Smart cities are a "big game" not only for major corporations but also for startups. Many young startups, both domestic and international, such as VIoT Group, QIQ Global, and Smartlog—the pioneering startup developing technology solutions in logistics and supply chain management—are implementing various plans and collaborating with large companies to offer convenient solutions for the public. Mr. Nguyễn Bách Việt notes: "Many large corporations have begun to listen and focus on innovation within the company." Stories of startup successes around the world, such as Tesla by billionaire Elon Musk, which in a short time achieved a market capitalization equal to that of the top 9 automotive manufacturers combined, have inspired many large corporations to set up innovation centers within their organizations. This encourages employees to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and be open to collaborating with young startups to provide solutions and address market challenges.
As a leading enterprise in Bình Dương, in addition to developing industrial infrastructure to drive the province's growth, Becamex IDC Corporation is actively creating platforms to help Bình Dương firmly advance into the digital age. Mrs. Phạm Thùy Linh, Director of the Institute for Research and Development of Science and Technology and the Becamex IDC Smart Manufacturing Center, noted that Bình Dương has recently achieved impressive results in building smart cities, maintaining its leading position in infrastructure development for industry, and strongly attracting both domestic and international businesses, bringing the number of enterprises in Bình Dương to 45,000. Bình Dương has been recognized by the "Smart Cities Community" as one of the top 21 cities in the world with the most strategic smart city development plans.**
Becamex IDC has also been entrusted with the primary responsibility for implementing the "Bình Dương Innovation Zone" to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. "While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges, it has also created opportunities for startups and businesses to develop smart cities. Vietnam is considered a safe destination globally. Therefore, young startups need to proactively enhance their capabilities and quickly seize this opportunity," Mrs. Linh enthusiastically remarked.
Source: VNeconomy