How is the once famous English teacher on VTV doing now?

In the VTV Memories program, the audience had the opportunity to meet again Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung - the first English teacher on Vietnamese television.

In 1986, when the country began to enter the Renovation process, for the first time, the English teaching program was broadcast on national television. In the context of learning foreign languages still full of difficulties, scarce materials, and unpopular foreign language centers, the appearance of Mr. Hung on the small screen brought knowledge to every home and became an unforgettable memory in the hearts of many generations.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung - the first English teacher on Vietnamese television.

At that time, Mr. Hung was an English lecturer at the University of Foreign Languages (now Hanoi University). He had no intention of working in television, but he unexpectedly received an invitation from VTV's Science and Education Department.

“Television needs someone who can write English scripts, has experience in compiling textbooks, and has the appearance and voice to be on screen. I met some of the requirements, so I decided to try. Thanks to the encouragement of two friends, I entered television by chance – simply, “Let’s go! ” – Mr. Hung recalls.

Compared to today, teaching on television at that time almost started from zero. There was no modern studio, the scenery was just a simple background, the editing technique was rudimentary. In particular, the biggest difficulty was to convey a mass of dry knowledge into concise, easy-to-remember, easy-to-follow content on the small screen.

Mr. Hung had to learn how to write television scripts, dividing knowledge into “scenes”. When to put words on screen, when to teach directly, when to illustrate with pictures or real-life situations – all were carefully calculated. “I studied while working, read more documents about teaching through media, and asked seniors in the television industry ,” he said.

Teacher Hung became a familiar face on VTV2, affectionately called "Hung MA" by the audience.

The work was hard but full of memories. The team, consisting of only a few people, was as close as a family. One night, working late, they ate a simple meal of tofu with shrimp paste together, but it was filled with laughter. Another time, the whole group went to the countryside, sat down to eat with the locals, and enjoyed rustic dishes, creating lifelong memories.

From 1986 to the early 2000s, almost no one who studied English on television did not know Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung. He became a familiar face on VTV2, affectionately called by the audience as “Hung MA” – both an abbreviation of “Master of Arts” and a “brand” associated with English on television.

The image of a teacher with a simple appearance, a warm voice, and an attractive way of teaching has left a deep impression. “Once, a young man recognized me on the street and asked to shake my hand just to go home and brag to his wife that he met 'Hung MA'. I was very touched. That is the priceless reward that this profession brings ,” he shared.

Many people who later became teachers, interpreters, diplomats , engineers or businessmen were "introduced" to English thanks to their teachers' first lessons on the small screen.

Mr. Hung has compiled nearly 100 books and thousands of lectures on television and radio.

Few people know that Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung's youth was associated with another dream. Since childhood, he had studied French and English, but he loved to be a geological engineer, and used to hold a guitar and sing Son Nu Ca in the forest. After three years of teaching in Cao Bang , his passion for foreign languages really blossomed, leading him to a different path.

During his career, Mr. Hung has been associated with Hanoi University of Foreign Languages for 35 years (as Vice Principal), 25 years with VTV2, and 20 years with VOV. He has compiled nearly 100 books, thousands of lectures on television and radio, including People You Meet, Muzzy in Gondoland, Sing to Learn... He is the first lecturer in Vietnam to be sent by the State to the UK to receive formal training in teaching English through mass media.

Now, at the age of over 80, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung still diligently writes, researches, and especially cherishes the memories associated with generations of television audiences.

Mr. Hung has two children. His son currently lives in Ho Chi Minh City. Although he did not study foreign languages, he specializes in graphic design. His daughter chose a more familiar path, being educated in England and currently following her father's profession.

For many, he is not only a “teacher on the screen” but also an icon. For many, English on television is not only a subject, but also a door to the world.

Le Chi

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/nguoi-thay-day-tieng-anh-tren-song-vtv-noi-tieng-mot-thoi-gio-the-nao-ar966063.html