Ho Chi Minh City advances digital heritage preservation

Ho Chi Minh City is implementing digital technologies, such as 3D modeling and virtual tours, to preserve and research its cultural heritage. While digitization offers new ways to engage the public, local authorities and museums face significant hurdles, including data storage, information standardization, content creation, and a shortage of specialized IT personnel.

The Southern Women’s Museum has digitized 1,113 artifacts, though only 113 are currently accessible to the public pending the completion of an exhibition system expansion expected in 2027. Similarly, the War Remnants Museum has digitized all artifact records and standardized descriptive terminology to improve classification and visitor experiences via QR codes.

At the local level, the Tan Dinh ward plans to digitize the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda and three municipal heritage sites as part of a broader initiative to create digital neighborhoods. Nationally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is working on a system to link information across museums, artifacts, and intangible heritage to support management, research, and education.