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| Mr. Nguyen Viet Thuong livestreams to share information about services with customers |
Learning technology to open new paths for making a living
From 2024 to 2025, through the collaboration of multiple institutions—including the Institute for Cooperation and Development (Phu Xuan University), Liverpool John Moores University (UK), Deakin University (Australia), and Hue Industrial College - many visually impaired association members have participated in training courses on applying AI skills in marketing.
In these training courses, participants were not only guided on how to write content, design images, and produce videos using AI technology, but also received practical instruction on online sales skills through Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok - platforms that are becoming increasingly popular sales channels in the digital age.
Through these special training courses, the lives of many visually impaired individuals have improved significantly. They have changed the way they work and become more confident in seizing new opportunities. On this journey, Mr. Nguyen Viet Thuong stands out as one of the exemplary individuals applying technology to develop his livelihood and economic stability.
When we visited Mr. Thuong’s Binh Minh massage facility on Nguyen Thien Ke Street (Thuan Hoa Ward), he was preparing content for a livestream on his TikTok platform.
He shared: “Previously, through information technology courses, I independently explored and learned additional skills in web programming and Java. However, the real turning point for me came with the emergence of AI technology. Thanks to AI and other supporting tools, it feels like I now have an assistant by my side - helping me professionally introduce my services, answer customers’ questions, and interact with them.”
Mastering the digital space
Thanks to his proficient use of technology, Mr. Thuong now manages multiple platforms, including Zalo, TikTok, and Facebook. Through AI-generated images, videos, and livestream sessions, he not only promotes his massage services but also increases engagement and builds credibility with customers. As a result, the number of clients has grown, and his income has improved.
He further shared: “To livestream, I use several supporting applications. Because it is difficult for me to adjust my face to face the camera directly, as sighted people can, I use Open Camera combined with screen-reading software to actively adjust my position when needed. In addition, the TikTok platform, together with the TikFinity toolkit, helps me increase engagement and improve the content of each livestream session.”
With the help of these tools, Mr. Thuong is able to add sound effects, use voice-based comment reading features, and interact with viewers in real time without needing assistance from others.
Not only Mr. Thuong, but many other association members are also gradually applying AI and digital technologies in their work, from promoting handmade products and earning income through digital platforms to providing healthcare services.
According to Mr. Le Van Loc, Chairman of the City Association for the Blind, a notable feature of technology training programs for visually impaired individuals in Hue is that, in addition to combining theory with practice, participants also receive continued support and guidance after the courses, making it easier for them to apply what they have learned in real-life situations.
“As a result, many participants, after completing the training courses, have become more confident in using technology to support their daily lives and work. This is what ensures the sustainability of the program, while opening up opportunities for inclusion but also affirming the capabilities of visually impaired individuals in the digital age,” Mr. Loc noted.