An engineer with a passion for tech
Dr Nguyen Chi Cong, born in 1949, graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague in 1972.
As former Head of the Network Subcommittee of the National Programme on Information Technology, he was recognised as one of the pioneers in bringing the internet to Vietnam in 1997. He also held major positions in the Vietnam Informatics Association and the FPT Corporation.
In 1972, following his studies abroad, Nguyen Chi Cong joined the technical team at the Institute of Computer Science and Control (now the Institute of Information Technology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), where he joined his team members in creating the VT80, Vietnam's and Asia's first computer, in 1977, shortly after the release of the Altair 8800 pioneering microcomputer in the US in 1975.
This achievement marked a significant milestone for his career in particular and Vietnam's IT industry in general, as it positioned Vietnam as the third country to successfully produce a computer, following France (1973) and the United States (1975).
Dr Cong has developed a habit of preserving technological artefacts and documents, seeing them as historical evidence of the IT industry in Vietnam and the world. This habit sparked him with the idea of an Information Technology Museum.
A repository of technological history
 |
Works on display at the museum (Photo: VNA) |
In early 2020, the Information Technology Museum was established at the residence of Dr Nguyen Chi Cong, on Dong Tac Street, Kim Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
A 25 sq.m room on the first floor showcased artefacts and historical timelines of Vietnam's and the world's information technology landscape, along with the stories behind the exhibits.
The museum boasts nearly 1,000 artefacts, with 300 on display, including pioneering computers, electronic chips, software, and old computer science books. Of particular interest, are the electronic chips from the 1970s, identical to those used to manufacture the first computers.
At the museum, Dr Nguyen Chi Cong created two comprehensive diagrams of information technology, one detailing the global history (from prehistory to 1995) and the other charting Vietnam's progress (from 1960 to 2000).
This helps to provide visitors with a clear perspective on Vietnam's participation and contributions to the global technological landscape. The exhibits also seek to inspire pride among younger generations and change their habit of technological dependency on foreign countries.
The museum also served as a tribute to distinguished individuals with considerable contributions in forming and developing IT in Vietnam, including Professor Ta Quang Buu, Professor Phan Dinh Dieu, Associate Professor Nguyen Binh Thanh, Professor Vu Dinh Cu, and other individuals and collectives.
For Dr Nguyen Chi Cong, the establishment of the Information Technology Museum does not just come from his passion but from a vision to inspire young generations and hope that they will continue the dream of industrialising information technology that was left unfinished by predecessors.
He encouraged youth to embrace lifelong learning, acquire comprehensive knowledge, and master effective teamwork skills.
Dr Nguyen Chi Cong’s Museum is more than a repository of precious artefacts, it serves as a technology inspiration hub for Vietnam's youth. Through its exhibits and educational approach, the museum has played a crucial role in building a solid foundation for the country's information technology sector.
