There is no doubt that the rapid development of information technology has brought countless conveniences and a great impact on people's lives. In the Industry 4.0 era, advanced technical means help to bring people closer together no matter where they are.

Mr Nguyen Huu Phu (right) had a warm small ‘party’ with his students in Song Tu Tay Commune, Truong Sa District, Khanh Hoa Province.

1. Before getting married, Mrs Nguyen Thuy Thanh residing in Houston, Texas, the U.S. lived with her parents in Hai Chau District, Da Nang. Her husband, an overseas Vietnamese, returned to the U.S. to continue his business after getting married to her. Except for the holidays when they reunited, the couple still kept in regular contact via Facebook and Facetime video calls.

“Thanks to Facebook, we connected daily so we don't feel apart. After 3 years, I moved to the US but miss my home very much. My parents are getting older so I often call them so they can feel assured. In the past, neither of my parents knew about technology, but when I was away, my parents had to get used to social media.

Moreover, the advanced utilities of Facebook and Zalo offer my parents opportunities to see their children and grandchildren every day by following my personal Facebook page and via video calls. Today, the convenience of social networking platforms helps us stay connected with each other at a very low cost.

In particular, on the days of complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, phone calls sharing information and affection took place more regular. On top of that, my family members always encouraged each other to overcome the pandemic”, shared Mrs Thanh.

2. Mr Nguyen Huu Phu, a native of Van Thang Commune, Van Ninh District, Khanh Hoa Province, has currently taught preschool and primary school children on the island in Song Tu Tay Commune, Truong Sa Island District, Khanh Hoa Province for 4 years. On an annual basis, he is allowed to take a leave of absence to go to the mainland to visit his home during the summer vacation and Tet holiday, but it also depends on the schedule of navy ships.

“The wifi signal on the island is very weak, so it is not possible to make video calls. I mainly call by phone, send messages and see pictures of my family on the mainland via Facebook messages", said Mr Phu.

When he goes to the mainland, Mr Phu took advantage of posting clips summarizing the school year on Facebook to share with friends about the life and activities of teachers and students on the island, thereby spreading the love of the sea and the island to everyone.

Although life there is not as full as on the mainland, Tet on the island is still close and warm. People also organize cultural activities to welcome New Year's Eve, go to pagodas at the beginning of the year and organize folk games.

It has been four Tet holidays away from home, and the closeness of the army and people, especially the students on the island, has made him less homesick. Mr Phu's poems about the peaceful land of Song Tu Tay, about the unity of the army and people, and the love for the country, are always resounded by the students here every day, making him feel absolutely happy. "The sound of children is bustling, making me feel warm like at home!", Mr Phu said emotionally.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG- Translating by T.VY