Ho Chi Minh City to Replace Paper Documents with Digital Academic Records

Ho Chi Minh City is taking a significant step towards digital transformation by implementing a policy to utilize data from academic records and diplomas in administrative procedures, thereby reducing reliance on paper documents. This initiative, detailed in a recent directive from the municipal People's Committee, aims to streamline bureaucratic processes and enhance efficiency for citizens and businesses.

The directive mandates that all relevant departments, branches, and local authorities must thoroughly inform their subordinate agencies and staff about the newly published data that can be used to replace physical documents. This ensures a unified approach to accessing and utilizing the digital educational data, aligning with national regulations.

Furthermore, the city administration explicitly states that individuals, organizations, and businesses will no longer be asked to submit duplicate copies or paper documents if their information can be accurately and fully retrieved from the national database. This policy is designed to alleviate the burden on the public and foster a more paperless administrative environment. Where data is incomplete or inconsistent, agencies are instructed to guide individuals in updating and correcting the information according to legal provisions.

This move reflects Vietnam's broader push towards digitalization and administrative reform, aiming to create a more transparent and efficient government. By leveraging the national education database, Ho Chi Minh City is not only simplifying procedures but also paving the way for a more integrated digital governance system. The policy also aligns with the Government's Decree 88/2026, which supports the management of educational data and assigns a lifelong learning record code to each student, linked to their national identification number.