The story of “IT knight” Nguyễn Công Hùng is compelling evidence of how technology can create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Living with polio since childhood, there was a time when he could move only one finger. Yet this did not stop him from entering the world of technology. Through determination and perseverance, he taught himself, founded a vocational training center, and connected thousands of people with disabilities to employment opportunities. He not only transformed his own life but also opened a pathway for many others with disabilities to enter the world of technology – a space where ability is not defined by physical limitations.
The heartfelt insights and multifaceted perspectives shared by the experts have disseminated profound, meaningful, and humane values.
At the beginning of the discussion, Mr. Nguyen Duc Lam, Policy Advisor at the Institute of Policy and Media Development (IPS), emphasized the core objective: to pursue “decent work” rather than opportunities that are merely symbolic or superficial. This spirit ran throughout the discussion, particularly as the speakers openly addressed the challenges that people with disabilities continue to face.
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Mr. Nguyen Duc Lam, IPS Policy Advisor, delivered the welcoming remarks.
Ms. Vu Thi Quyen, General Director of We-Edit Vietnam Co., Ltd., identified three key barriers facing people with disabilities, with social prejudice being the biggest “bottleneck.” According to her, people with disabilities are often perceived as a group of workers with limited capabilities, causing them to be screened out during recruitment before they even have the opportunity to demonstrate their actual abilities. This not only takes away employment opportunities but also creates psychological barriers, leaving many people with disabilities lacking confidence and hesitant to participate in the labor market.
Ms. Vu Thi Quyen shares insights into the major barriers faced by people with disabilities.
However, “Disability is not a limitation, but can become part of each person’s unique identity.” Mr. Pham Quang Khoat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities, emphasized that as technology and AI rapidly evolve, what matters is not only the opportunities available externally but also the confidence that people with disabilities develop within themselves. Being willing to see disability as a personal characteristic rather than a barrier is the first step toward affirming one’s own value. At the same time, he stressed the importance of continuous learning and skills development. Only by actively adapting, updating their skills, and persistently developing themselves can people with disabilities seize opportunities and build a position they deserve in an ever-changing labor market.
Mr. Pham Quang Khoat emphasized that people with disabilities need to be confident, keep learning, and proactively adapt.Mr. Nguyen Minh Cuong, Founder and Chief Consultant of Alobase Technology and Services JSC, noted that AI not only presents challenges but also creates opportunities for people with disabilities to leverage and demonstrate their unique strengths. In addition to remote work, they can combine traditional forms of business with AI as a supporting tool. He emphasized that businesses should recruit based on actual capabilities rather than sympathy, while also calling on the Government to introduce tax incentives for businesses employing people with disabilities and provide appropriate financial support for people with severe disabilities through their families or caregivers.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Cuong discusses the opportunities and challenges for people with disabilities in the age of AI.The discussion concluded with reflections from the speakers on motivation in life, particularly for people with disabilities. These reflections went beyond simple advice and conveyed an emotionally resonant message: you may not yet have a brilliant or extraordinary life, but keep going, hold on to the small rays of hope, and take the next step. This simple yet profound message left a lasting impression, spreading a spirit of inspiration and perseverance – the very message the program sought to convey.
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