Quang Tri: Digital transformation in ethnic minority areas - When AI and technology "reach the villages".
In its modernization of ethnic affairs, Quang Tri province is demonstrating a groundbreaking mindset: High technology is not just for urban areas. With the issuance of Plan No. 1777/KH-UBND, the province officially launched a campaign to "digitize" the capabilities of officials in mountainous areas, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital solutions into management and administration.
From governance "bottlenecks" to the aspiration for digitalization.
The ethnic minority and mountainous regions of Quang Tri province face numerous challenges due to their fragmented terrain and limited infrastructure. For many years, the implementation of national target programs has sometimes encountered difficulties in data compilation, progress reporting, and two-way interaction between the government and the people.
Recognizing this "bottleneck," on April 6, 2026, the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee signed and issued a plan for training in IT application and digital transformation in 2026. This is not simply a basic computer skills training course, but a "reform" in management thinking for the team of officials directly working in the remote areas.
Practical content: When AI becomes an administrative "assistant".
The biggest difference in this year's program is the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the training. Instead of theoretical knowledge, 162 officials working on ethnic affairs in 42 key areas (including 39 communes in ethnic minority and mountainous regions and 3 communes with villages in these areas) will have access to next-generation digital tools:
Optimized administration: Applying AI in document drafting, policy summarization, and administrative record management helps reduce processing time by 30-50%.
"Speaking data": Statistical skills, report compilation, and real-time progress tracking on digital platforms. This allows provincial leaders to gain a visual understanding of the effectiveness of public investment in each village.
Digital economy for villages: Introducing technological solutions to help villagers access e-commerce, trace agricultural products, and bring highland products beyond the province's borders.
Scale and responsibilities: "Hands-on guidance" at the facility.
The Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion of Quang Tri province will act as the "conductor," coordinating with IT experts to organize two intensive training courses. The motto of this campaign is "Substantive - Effective - Locally Appropriate."
Focusing on commune-level officials is a strategic calculation. These are the people who directly "ignite" digital enthusiasm among the people. When officials are proficient in AI and digital solutions, they will be the most effective communicators in guiding people to use online public services, access health and education information, and receive disaster warnings via smartphones.
Expectations for a new look for western Quang Tri province.
Digital transformation in ethnic minority and mountainous regions goes beyond simply replacing paper with computers. The deeper goal of Plan 1777 is to use information technology to: Enhance transparency: All resources from the National Target Program are closely monitored through digital management systems; Promote digital equality: Narrow the gap in access to information between mountainous and urban areas; Ensure security and order: Build a seamless communication network, enabling the government to respond promptly to emerging issues at the grassroots level.
With decisive and systematic steps, Quang Tri is hoping that 2026 will be a major turning point. As digital technology permeates the lives of the Van Kieu and Pa Co people, the inherent strengths of the western mountainous region of the province will be most strongly unleashed, contributing to the realization of sustainable development and prosperity for the ethnic minority areas of the province.
Center for Science and Technology Communication