At the Ia Pnôn Commune People’s Committee in late October, more than 30 trainees from Ia Pnôn and Ia Nan communes followed detailed guidance from technicians of the provincial Department of Science and Technology’s Digital Transformation Center.
The session formed part of 11 ongoing training courses aimed at making digital tools practical for local authorities and residents.
According to Nguyễn Khương Duy, Head of Data Management and Exploitation at the Center, the training runs from October 15 to November 12, divided into 11 classes of 30-40 trainees each. So far, nearly 200 officials from 12 localities have completed the course.
The program emphasizes practical skills, including information security, electronic document management, PowerPoint presentation design, and basic AI applications to support administrative work. Each participant trains directly on a computer with one-on-one guidance from technicians.
“Before, I struggled with electronic documents and needed help from colleagues,” said Nguyễn Thị Tố Uyên, an officer at the Ia Pnôn Commune People’s Committee. “Now, I can use digital signature software and AI tools to draft reports much faster”.
Similarly, Kpuih Suên, a land administration officer in Ia Nan Commune, said he once dreaded preparing reports but now confidently creates professional presentations. “I used to think digital transformation was only for tech people. Now I can do it too”, he said.
The program marks a shift in Gia Lai’s approach to digital transformation. Earlier efforts, from August to October, focused on direct technical support for local governments. The current phase aims to equip commune-level officials with the skills to manage digital systems independently.
“This training helps officials understand how to choose and operate appropriate tools, making administrative work more efficient, transparent, and closer to the people”, said Duy.
Nguyễn Thanh Trúc, Deputy Director of the Digital Transformation Center, added that the technical team has been traveling across 11 locations to train officials from 23 communes, mainly in western Gia Lai. “It’s challenging, but seeing officials eager to learn and innovate makes it worthwhile”, he said.
The initiative is part of the Department of Science and Technology’s key 2025 tasks, implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on science, technology, and national digital transformation. It emphasizes putting people at the center and developing digital capacity among grassroots officials as the foundation for sustainable progress.
With an estimated budget of VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,950) per training session, the program encourages a mindset shift, from “being supported” to “self-operation”, and from “manual work” to “digital work”.
The curriculum covers three main areas: cybersecurity, PowerPoint proficiency, and basic AI applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini, using 20 customized templates for commune-level tasks.
Operating under the motto “step by step, solid at every stage”, Gia Lai’s Department of Science and Technology aims to ensure that true digital transformation begins with confident, tech-savvy local officials, turning small digital actions into meaningful, lasting change.