Truong Trung Kien Appointed Acting Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture

Ho Chi Minh City has appointed Truong Trung Kien as the acting Director of its Department of Planning and Architecture, a move aimed at bolstering the leadership of a department crucial to the city's dynamic growth. Kien, who previously served as Deputy Director, officially assumed his interim role on April 15, filling a vacancy left by the previous director's appointment to a national parliamentary role.

Kien brings a wealth of experience to the position, holding a PhD in Urban Planning and a Bachelor's degree in Politics. His career includes significant roles such as Deputy Director of the same department, head of the Urban Affairs Committee of the City People's Council, and Chairman of the People's Committee of the former Thu Duc District. This diverse background positions him well to navigate the complexities of urban development in Vietnam's largest metropolis.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Ho Chi Minh City, which is undergoing rapid development with numerous key infrastructure projects underway. The Department of Planning and Architecture plays a vital role in shaping the city's future, particularly in finalizing the master urban development plan aiming for a new urban development framework up to 2040, with a vision extending to 2060, and a century-long urban development plan.

This strategic leadership change also follows a period of administrative restructuring, where the department was temporarily merged with the Department of Construction from March to September 2025. Its subsequent re-establishment on October 1, 2025, underscores its indispensable function in managing the increasing workload for the post-consolidation megacity. Kien's leadership is expected to ensure the department effectively manages these critical planning and architectural endeavors.