DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS AT THE WORKSHOP: LIVING LAB MODEL AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR HO CHI MINH CITY

On June 6, 2024, the Institute of Smart Cities and Management, in collaboration with Ong&Ong Vietnam and other partners, successfully organized the Workshop on Living Lab Model and Practical Applications at Studiolab—a knowledge hub connecting Vietnam with the world. The workshop was well-received and set the stage for future multi-topic discussions with experts.

Experts and students attending the event

The world is facing significant challenges such as population growth, urbanization, migration to cities, and increasing environmental pressures. Addressing these issues urgently requires a reasonable solution for developing regions into smart and sustainable cities. One proposed solution is the Living Lab, which represents a real-world testing environment where the public sector, private sector, citizens, and researchers can collaborate to test, evaluate, and develop innovative solutions for urban areas and communities. It is evident that the connection among stakeholders is crucial for applying the Living Lab model to solve sustainability issues.

Overview of the Event

Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn - Head of General Planning Management (Department of Planning and Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City), Mr. Đinh Lê Hà - Specialist from the Urban Management Department of District 4 and Nhà Bè, and various representatives and experts from relevant departments participated in the workshop. From the business sector, the event welcomed Mr. David Ching - CEO of Ong&Ong Vietnam, Mr. Jim Phan Thanh Tuấn - Director of Ong&Ong Vietnam, and Mr. Monty Tejam - Director of CPG Vietnam. From the Institute of Smart Cities and Management, the event was attended by Dr. Trịnh Tú Anh - Director of ISCM, Dr. Hoàng Ngọc Lan - Senior Lecturer at ISCM, MSc. Phạm Nguyễn Hoài - Lecturer at ISCM, MSc. Hoàng Lê Nam Hải - Lecturer at ISCM, along with students from various fields at UEH.

Living Lab Model and Urban Development Applications in Ho Chi Minh City

MSc. Phạm Nguyễn Hoài discussing the Living Lab Model

At the Workshop on Living Lab Model and Practical Applications, the ISCM research team presented their findings, models, and strategies for applying the Living Lab model suitable to the current conditions of Ho Chi Minh City and urban areas in general. The team also introduced a Living Lab platform developed to measure citizen sentiments, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder connections in urban development.

MSc. Hoàng Lê Nam Hải discussing the Living Lab Platform - Measuring People’s Feelings

In addition to research results, Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn highlighted practical cases for implementing the Living Lab Model in Ho Chi Minh City, envisioning it as a Global City. This vision includes a multi-dimensional planning strategy encompassing all urban elements. The triple helix model within the Living Lab can promote connections and collaborations to effectively plan and manage development, helping Ho Chi Minh City achieve its urban goals. Additionally, Mr. Đinh Lê Hà shared a proposal for developing the riverfront economic-service area at Tân Túc Province, Bình Chánh District, showcasing urban design strategies along the route as a testament to the development strategy previously mentioned.

Mr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn discussing practical applications of the Living Lab Model in Ho Chi Minh City

Mr. Đinh Lê Hà presenting the proposed project for riverfront economic-service development at Tân Túc Town, Bình Chánh District

Connecting Experts to Discuss Urban Issues: Social Housing

With extensive experience in architectural design, Mr. David Ching and Mr. Jim Phan Thanh Tuấn from Ong & Ong Vietnam presented their research and analysis on social housing solutions at the workshop. These solutions aim to effectively address housing and low-income issues using construction techniques applied in similar projects in Malaysia and Singapore. However, the experts also pointed out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of this approach concerning the current situation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. David Ching and Mr. Jim Phan Thanh Tuấn from Ong & Ong Vietnam discussing social housing solutions

Attendees asking questions to the speakers

At the end of the program, experts and attendees had the opportunity to sit down and discuss the issues raised throughout the workshop. Overall, the Workshop on Living Lab Model and Practical Applications successfully fostered open discussions, allowing experts to share and provide insights into existing urban issues.