Google on Thursday launched Wonders of Vietnam – an online exhibition project as part of Google Arts & Culture (GAC) which helps people access various cultures from around the world.

On the occasion, GAC senior director Amit Sood offered Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Why did Google choose Vietnam for this project? What are the decisive criteria for you or the GAC team in choosing which countries to involve?

There is so much rich culture and beauty to explore in Vietnam, and we are excited to feature more content from Vietnam on the GAC platform for people around the world to discover.

The contributions and curation on the page all come from our partners and collaborators. Google provides the technology platform that allows the material to be uploaded, managed, and exhibited online. For this project, we were encouraged by the local team and wonderful partners who were so passionate about showing the world the wonders of Vietnam.

We’re happy to work with additional museums and cultural organizations in Vietnam to bring more treasures online. Any museum or cultural organization can apply at g.co/cisignup.

A peaceful and solemn view in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

The entrance to the Hue Citadel in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

Could you please clarify the meaning of ‘Wonders of Vietnam’?

The project helps exhibit more diversified perspectives about Vietnam, including imposing natural landscapes, excellent art performances, traditional festivals, and Vietnamese cuisine.

With highly interactive features, the exhibition allows visitors to experience the wonders and cultural features of Vietnam in a new way.

Banh beo, a well-known specialty of Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

A poetic corner of Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

Of course, nothing compares to experiencing the real things in person. But while many of us aren’t able to do that, virtual exhibits are a unique way to explore and discover.

With Wonders of Vietnam, we wanted to make the experience fun and interactive. The Color Filter allows you to explore Vietnam by color. A number of aerial views provide new perspectives on well-known sites, and a Quiz Section is a playful way to test your knowledge and prompt you to learn more.

Eye-catching and delicious sweet desserts of Hue, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

The global tourism industry has been severely damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, central Vietnam also suffered from severe flooding in 2020. In your opinion, how will the Wonders of Vietnam project help the Vietnamese tourism industry?

The project is an important part of Google’s overall support of the local tourism industry, which has been badly affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions. With this new project, we hope we’ve been able to capture some of the spirit of central Vietnam, so Vietnamese people at home and all over the world can gain a new appreciation for the wonders of their country. We also hope eager travelers from all over the world can discover Vietnam, hopefully building more excitement for when they can visit in person.

By showcasing the wonders of Vietnam, specifically from the central region, we hope to also raise awareness of preserving the sites affected by the recent floods.

Majestic and mysterious Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam is where nature and people meet. Photo: GAC

Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam shows its pure and rustic beauty. Photo: GAC

Banh mi -- a must-try specialty in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: GAC

As a not-for-profit initiative by Google, GAC features content from over 2,000 leading museums and archives who have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute to bring the world's treasures online.

Currently, GAC is showcasing more than 12,400 online exhibitions.

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