NTQ’s 15-year Journey – From “The World Is Flat” To Co-growing With Vietnam Technology

Inspired by a youthful ambition and the vision of a “flat world” 15 years ago, NTQ has spent the past decade and a half creating value for Vietnam’s technology industry while helping elevate the country’s position on the global stage.

Unlocking Untapped Potential

When NTQ was founded on June 13, 2011, Vietnam’s technology industry was still in its early stages of development. Technology infrastructure remained limited, and only around 1,000 Vietnamese companies were providing IT services, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology’s White Book 2011. At the time, the sector’s contribution to the national economy was still relatively modest.

Yet despite not being recognized as a global technology hub, Vietnam possessed something equally valuable: a talented workforce and an untapped aspiration for growth. This belief became the foundation for NTQ’s establishment.

The company’s founders were inspired by the ideas presented in Thomas Friedman’s influential book The World Is Flat, which highlighted how technology was reshaping global competition by reducing traditional barriers between nations and businesses.

“Reading The World Is Flat helped me realize that technology was creating a more level playing field, where geographical distance and economic scale would no longer be decisive barriers between small countries and global powers—or between businesses themselves,” recalled Mr. Pham Thai Son, Chairman of NTQ. “It strengthened our belief that through knowledge and technology, Vietnamese enterprises could contribute to bringing Vietnam closer to the world.”

A Global Journey Built on Confidence

Driven by strong faith in Vietnamese talent, NTQ chose to pursue international markets from its earliest days, despite limited resources. Japan became the company’s first destination.

“When we first came to Japan, all we had were a few brochures and a very limited budget. We often traveled for hours by bus just to attend our first customer meetings,” Mr. Son recalled. “Perhaps it was that determination that left a positive impression on the companies we met. They appreciated our sincerity and commitment, and those early connections opened many opportunities for us.”

Following its initial success in Japan, NTQ expanded into South Korea, Hong Kong (China), Europe, and North America—markets known for demanding high standards of quality, governance, and delivery capability.

Each international engagement became an opportunity for NTQ’s Vietnamese engineers to sharpen their expertise, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their competitiveness in the global marketplace. To date, the company has successfully delivered more than 760 projects for over 360 clients while building a network of more than 100 partners across 20 countries and territories.

“During my time working at NTQ Japan and collaborating with many generations of Vietnamese professionals, I have always been impressed by their analytical thinking, eagerness to learn, and professional work ethic,” said Mr. Edatsune Isao, Vice Director of NTQ Japan. “Beyond their technical expertise, Vietnamese engineers demonstrate remarkable adaptability across different business environments and cultures, enabling them to earn the trust of international clients. These qualities are helping Vietnamese talent establish a stronger position in the global market.”

As the company grew, NTQ also became increasingly involved in digital transformation, innovation initiatives, and strategic projects that have meaningful impacts on clients’ operations and business growth. These achievements reflect not only NTQ’s development but also the remarkable progress of Vietnam’s technology industry over the past decade.

Growing Alongside Vietnam’s Technology Industry

Throughout its journey, NTQ has remained closely connected to the broader development of Vietnam’s technology ecosystem, guided by the belief that business success should contribute to industry-wide advancement.

One of the founders’ original aspirations was to build NTQ into “a gathering place for talented individuals passionate about technology and committed to contributing to the nation’s prosperity.” This vision continues to shape the company today.

Over the past 15 years, NTQ has grown into a team of more than 1,500 professionals united by a shared passion for technology and innovation. Together, they have developed solutions and delivered projects for international markets while showcasing Vietnamese expertise on the global stage.

The company has also invested significantly in nurturing future generations of technology talent. Through partnerships with more than 30 universities and educational institutions in Vietnam and abroad, NTQ has implemented a wide range of initiatives, including training programs, knowledge-sharing activities, and internship opportunities for students. These efforts contribute to building a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the long-term development of Vietnam’s technology sector.

Beyond talent development, NTQ actively supports the broader digital business community. The company is currently a member of more than 20 domestic and international organizations and associations, including VINASA, VADX, and Tokyo Innovation Base. Through these networks, NTQ participates in trade promotion activities, international collaboration programs, and innovation initiatives aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s global technology presence.

The company’s capabilities have also been recognized through prestigious industry awards such as Make in Vietnam and Sao Khue, reflecting the positive economic and social impact of its technology solutions.

Writing the Next Chapter

Fifteen years after NTQ’s founding, Vietnam has transformed into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies. Vietnamese technology companies, including NTQ, have gradually moved up the global value chain, mastering advanced technologies and contributing meaningful solutions to the country’s digital transformation agenda.

As NTQ marks its 15th anniversary under the message “15 Years of Creating Value, Elevating Vietnam’s Position,” the company is preparing for a new phase of growth. Its strategic priorities include diversifying growth drivers, investing in core digital infrastructure, strengthening technological capabilities, and pursuing its long-term IPO ambition.

Looking ahead, NTQ remains committed to creating greater value—not only for its customers and partners, but also for Vietnam’s technology industry and digital economy. Guided by the same aspiration that inspired its founding 15 years ago, the company continues its journey of innovation, growth, and global contribution, helping bring Vietnamese technology further onto the world stage.