The concept of “Bình dân học vụ” (Digital Literacy Campaign) is now more widely recognized in the context of Technology 4.0. Today, being “literate” has expanded into being “digitally literate” - knowing how to use online public services, make non-cash payments, and distinguish real from fake information in cyberspace.

In Điện Biên, the spirit of “those who know more teach those who know less, those who learn first guide those who learn later” is being strongly promoted in the digital literacy campaign. With 1,149 community digital technology teams operating in villages and hamlets, these enthusiastic “digital nuclei” have become bridges bringing technology closer to the people.

Lò Thị Nghi, a member of the Community Digital Technology Team of Tân Lập village, Si Pa Phìn commune, shared that the hardest part is helping people boldly approach technology. Instead of just talking about theory, they directly guide people step-by-step, from scanning QR codes for shopping and installing VNeID to looking up administrative procedures right at home. Once they realize the practical utilities, people become very excited and respond enthusiastically.

Nowadays, live-streamed sales sessions right from coffee gardens and videos promoting Điện Biên’s agricultural products on TikTok and Facebook are no longer unfamiliar. OCOP products of ethnic minority people are no longer confined to periodic markets but are now available on major e-commerce platforms, reaching consumers directly in Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh City, Hải Phòng, and Phú Thọ.

Bùi Thị Hồng Trang from Đông Biên 1 village, Thanh An commune, stated that switching from direct selling to promoting on digital platforms has opened up a completely new consumption pathway for local agricultural products. Previously, they had to wait for customers to come view and ask to buy, but now she can proactively reach thousands of consumers, making sales more convenient and efficient.

Resolution No.57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, of the Politburo on breakthrough development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation is considered the “guiding star” illuminating the development path in the digital era. For Điện Biên, a locality still facing many difficulties regarding natural conditions and infrastructure, this is a precious opportunity to make a breakthrough, unlock new growth drivers, and step-by-step realize the goal of rapid and sustainable development.

Recognizing that importance, Điện Biên has entered the game with the most drastic spirit. The provincial Party Committee has led and directed the establishment and consolidation of the provincial Steering Board on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation. Across the province, 100% of levels and sectors have established Steering Boards or Deployment Teams headed by the leaders of agencies and units acting as Chairs or Team Leaders, while also building action programs and implementation plans with specific solutions and tasks to execute science, technology, and digital transformation development duties.

The clearest imprint of digital transformation is reflected in the powerful changes within the operations of the political system. The province has synchronously deployed the creation and processing of files and documents entirely in an electronic environment, with 100% of agencies and units sending and receiving digital documents with electronic signatures. All online public services have been integrated and provided on the National Public Service Portal. Along with that, the province’s information system for administrative procedure resolution is connected and interlinked with many central ministries and sectors, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of management, administration, and service quality for citizens and businesses.

Lò Văn Nọi, Chairman of the Chà Tở commune People’s Committee, affirmed that digital transformation is no longer just slogans on banners or plans on paper, but has truly entered daily life. From resolving administrative procedures and looking up information to accessing public services, everything is carried out more conveniently in the digital environment. This serves as an important key to accelerating administrative reform and improving service quality, helping procedures at the “one-stop shop” department be resolved more quickly, transparently, and effectively.

Digital transformation is not only present in administrative agencies but also runs deep into essential services tied to the daily lives of citizens and enterprises. Prominent examples include the deployment of medical examinations and treatment using chip-based citizen identity cards, the implementation of electronic invoices, and the realization of non-cash payments across 100% of public health facilities and public educational and training institutions. Each shortened operation and faster procedure not only brings convenience but also contributes to building a modern, civilized living environment where people truly enjoy the fruits of digital transformation.

It can be affirmed that for Điện Biên, digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also an important key to unlocking potential and creating new development momentum. From upland villages to administrative centers, digital technology is changing the methods of production, management, and people’s lives day by day. The aspiration for a “Green - Smart - Modern” Điện Biên is no longer a distant goal but is gradually becoming a reality through each online public service, each digital transaction, and each touch on the phone screens of highland people.