Lessons from Singapore’s Legal Framework on Smart Urban Planning and Recommendations for Vietnam

In the context of rapid urbanisation and profound digital transformation, smart urban planning has emerged as an inevitable development orientation for many countries, including Viet Nam. Singapore is widely regarded as a pioneer in the development and implementation of smart city models supported by a coherent, effective, and flexible legal framework. This article examines Singapore’s legal framework for smart urban planning, with particular attention to key legislation, including the Planning Act, the Building Control Act, and the Land Acquisition Act, as well as the role of statutory planning instruments. By analysing both the major achievements and the persisting legal shortcomings in Singapore’s practice, the study draws valuable lessons applicable to Viet Nam. Based on these insights, the article proposes several policy and legal recommendations to improve Viet Nam’s legal framework for smart urban planning, with a view to enhancing coherence, feasibility, and alignment with sustainable development goals in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.