Ho Chi Minh City Intensifies Monitoring of Public Opinion in the Digital Sphere

Ho Chi Minh City is prioritizing the monitoring of public opinion, particularly within the online environment, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Communist Party’s leadership in this area. This shift reflects the increasing speed and impact of online discourse on societal moods, beliefs, and behaviors.

New Directive Emphasizes Digital Public Opinion

The initiative stems from Directive No. 01-CT/TU, issued by the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on September 18, 2025, which focuses on strengthening the Party’s leadership over public opinion operate. According to Le Thi Thuy, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, this is a crucial development in the current context. The directive broadens the scope of public opinion to include the digital environment, acknowledging the rapid dissemination of information online.

Focus Areas for Public Opinion Monitoring

The monitoring efforts will concentrate on sensitive issues, including land expropriation, social welfare, religion, ethnicity, and topics emerging on social media platforms. Party committees and leaders are urged to actively monitor public sentiment at the grassroots level and maintain regular communication with the population to address ideological concerns and grievances.

Leveraging Technology for Data-Driven Insights

Authorities are encouraged to embrace digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data to enhance public opinion research. The approach is evolving from manual methods to data-driven and scientific information management, with a focus on speed, timeliness, and practical relevance. Sociological public opinion surveys are being strengthened through online methodologies.

Collaboration with Key Stakeholders

Effective social media opinion work requires close collaboration with propagandists, journalists, social media opinion researchers, and influential community figures. This collaboration aims to protect the Party’s ideological foundation and counter false or harmful information.

Other Key Priorities Discussed at the Conference

Alongside public opinion monitoring, the conference addressed other important priorities:

• Rear Admiral Tran Manh Chien, Political Commissar of Naval Region 2, presented a report on the strategic importance of Vietnam’s seas and islands, and the current situation in the East Sea.
• Nguyen Tho Truyen, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, emphasized focusing propaganda efforts on the upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and local people’s councils (2026-2031 term).
• Strengthening educational efforts to prevent and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing was identified as an urgent and long-term task.
• Continued dissemination of the resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party and related socio-economic development activities was also highlighted.

Looking Ahead

Ho Chi Minh City’s intensified focus on monitoring and shaping public opinion reflects a broader trend of governments worldwide adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. The emphasis on data-driven insights and proactive engagement with online communities will likely become increasingly common as societies navigate the complexities of the modern information landscape.