Thanh Hoa Launches AI-Enabled Kiosks to Accelerate Public Service Procedures
Thanh Hóa province has introduced a new AI-enabled smart kiosk system designed to streamline administrative procedures and expand access to digital public services. The system allows residents to scan documents, submit applications, and receive verified electronic copies within minutes. According to a report by VietnamNet, the initiative represents a shift from paper-based processes towards data-driven verification and integrated digital services.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Department of Administrative Management of Social Order under the Ministry of Public Security, provincial leaders, and officials from local departments and agencies. Authorities described the kiosks as part of broader efforts to modernise service delivery and reduce administrative burdens for both citizens and government staff.
Automating Document Verification and Service Access
The kiosks use artificial intelligence and modern identity recognition technologies to automate document authentication. Residents can scan original documents directly at the kiosk, after which the system automatically verifies their validity and transfers the application to an official for processing.
This approach reduces the time required to issue legally valid electronic copies to around three to five minutes, compared with roughly 15 minutes under the previous manual process.
Integrated Services Through a Single Interface
The kiosk system also connects with services provided by the Ministry of Public Security, enabling residents to complete several procedures simultaneously. For example, parents can register a birth, apply for permanent residence registration, and request a health insurance card for children under six years old through one interface.
Other commonly requested services, including applications for judicial record certificates and driving licence renewals, have also been integrated into the system. Officials say this consolidation simplifies procedures that previously required separate submissions.
The kiosks also support digital submissions through the National Public Service Portal. Residents can upload passport-style photos from their mobile phones, submit documents online, and receive results via email, QR code, or electronic applications, reducing travel time and administrative costs.
Supporting Administrative Efficiency
For government staff, the system automates several routine tasks such as providing procedural guidance and retrieving records. Provincial officials say this could increase staff productivity by three to five times while maintaining the legal validity, security, and traceability of digital records.
The pilot programme is scheduled to begin on 31 March 2026 across ten locations in the province. Following the trial phase, Thanh Hóa plans to expand the kiosks more widely as part of its strategy to become one of Vietnam’s top five provinces for digital government by 2030.
