Ho Chi Minh City unveils super‑city plan centered on wellness, AI and sustainable innovation
Vietnamese diaspora leaders and local experts presented a roadmap to transform Ho Chi Minh City into a "super‑city" that prioritises citizen health, livability and advanced technology. Danny Võ, founder of Asia Wellness Brands and vice‑president of the Overseas Vietnamese Business Association, outlined four pillars – Wellness Economy, Health & Education Ecosystem, Livable City and Longevity Economy – and called for a CityWell Index to measure urban happiness and wellbeing. Nguyen Thanh Liem, a Vietnamese‑Korean innovation network member, advocated a strong regional innovation ecosystem, strategic knowledge‑based investment and green, energy‑independent urban finance. Bui Quoc Bảo, a French‑Vietnamese academic, warned that achieving Net‑Zero emissions must be paired with digital city management, circular economy and traffic‑congestion solutions.
Youth participation was highlighted as a key driver. Nguyễn Thị Phương Huyền, a university student and youth leader, described her visit to the Spratly Islands, stating, "Between the sacred sea and sky of the Motherland, I realise responsibility begins with learning, working diligently and serving the community." She and other young scientists stress turning knowledge into concrete projects that bolster the city’s competitiveness.
The proposals aim to position Ho Chi Minh City as a globally recognised, Vietnam‑distinct metropolis by 2045, integrating AI, semiconductor research and sustainable urban policies.