People test smartphones at Viettel Corporation's stall. — Photos ictnews

THAI NGUYEN (Biz Hub) — The first "Computers for life" festival, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications, was inaugurated on March 21 in the northern province of Thai Nguyen.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Nguyen Bac Son said that the Vietnamese information technology industry has developed rapidly in recent years and has achieved a wide coverage in the country.

"Information technology has become one of the most important driving forces of economic and social development. However, the people in some places have not had any opportunities to access advanced technology. There are many things to be done to ensure the right of every resident to access high technology," he said.

Intel Corporation and Tinh Van Company offer students an opportunity to use tablets for studying.

He added that the festival would be held annually in every province so that organizations and enterprises could raise the awareness of the community on computer usage, internet and the advantages of IT.

The festival will be organized over two days and will include a lot of activities, including a seminar on IT as a foundation of creativity and success and an exhibition on IT products, solutions and services. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam will participate in the events.

Various organisations and enterprises have committed to gift 160 personal computers and 256 tablets to the people in Thai Nguyen and the other northern provinces. — VNS