Early Life

I was born on April 17, 1998, in the picturesque Hoa Binh province of Vietnam. From a young age, I was drawn to the world of technology, as if fate had predetermined my path.

At the age of 2, my family relocated to the vibrant city of Hanoi, where I was introduced to the digital world. Our home was equipped with a computer, an Intel i386-powered machine running Windows 98. Despite its age, this device held the promise of a new frontier.

Under the guidance of my sister, I embarked on my first journey into the digital realm. Through 8-bit games, I discovered a world where imagination knew no bounds, marking the beginning of my odyssey in the ever-changing world of technology.

2005: Entering the Digital Frontier

At the age of 7, I ventured into the uncharted territory of the internet in the summer of 2005. Accompanied by my aunt to her workplace, I was captivated by the possibilities that lay before me.

I quickly became fascinated with coding tutorials, mastering HTML and JavaScript. I created my first applications, including a personalized message encryption tool and a password-protected "lock" program for safeguarding my digital possessions.

My passion for technology was further fueled by my exploration of electronics, guided by my father's expertise. Together, we worked on various projects, such as FM transmitters and amplifier circuits, which demonstrated my growing skills.

Throughout my secondary school years, my affinity for technology earned recognition, with teachers often seeking my assistance with computer-related tasks.

However, my journey was not without its challenges. Between 2005 and 2010, much of my work was lost due to hardware failures, and data backup was a luxury beyond reach due to the expense of storage devices.

Despite these setbacks, I developed resilience and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, propelling me forward on a path of endless discovery in the ever-evolving world of technology.

2010: Pioneering Pathways

At the age of 12, I embarked on a journey of innovation and discovery, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. While my peers were still learning the basics of programming in Pascal, I was already delving into the intricacies of code. I created a program that could calculate the areas of triangles, circles, and rectangles, showcasing my early aptitude for algorithmic thinking.

My explorations extended beyond programming, as I disassembled an MP4 player to understand its inner workings. To my surprise, I discovered a miniature computer with its own RAM, CPU, and flash memory. This revelation sparked my interest in the intricate complexity of electronic devices.

In the realm of gaming, I pushed the boundaries of performance by overclocking my AMD GPU, unlocking new levels of speed and efficiency.

I also experimented with Photoshop, teaching myself the art of digital manipulation through trial and error.

Simultaneously, I developed a passion for mobile photography, capturing moments of beauty and inspiration with my Nokia mobile phone. I also harnessed the power of Adobe Flash to create dynamic live wallpapers for my phone, showcasing my growing creativity and innovation.

2012: A Technological Renaissance

In 2012, at the age of 14, my journey into the realm of technology reached new heights with the acquisition of a Samsung Galaxy Y smartphone, an Android marvel that served as the canvas for my burgeoning creativity. I delved into the depths of its operating system, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

Armed with my new device, I explored the intricacies of Android customization, from rooting to modifying system files and reverse-engineering smali and XML codes. I wielded my smartphone as a gateway to endless possibilities, driving my curiosity and thirst for exploration.

2014: Android Adventures

In 2014, I took my first leap into the world of app development, creating Jelly Music - an Android app that garnered attention from over 100 users. Although it was later removed from the Play Store due to compatibility issues, its legacy lives on through the source code, available on my GitHub repository.

Meanwhile, I extended my knowledge beyond software to the core of Android itself, exploring the vast possibilities offered by custom ROMs. I immersed myself in the world of CyanogenMod, an off-store Android operating system that opened new horizons of customization and control.

On the hardware front, I continued to expand my horizons, honing my skills in gadgetry and DIY projects. From repairing external HDDs to crafting an enhanced version of a speaker I had built years prior, each endeavor served as a testament to my growing expertise.

In the final months of 2014, I received a Raspberry Pi, a miniature marvel that introduced me to the world of Linux server administration. With determination and grit, I transformed this humble device into a powerful server, harnessing its potential to host websites, configure Apache, and set up dynamic DNS.

2015: Linux Kernel and Android

In 2015, I continued to push the boundaries of innovation, driven by a relentless drive for knowledge and creativity. I collaborated with my brother-in-law on a project that resulted in the creation of Ban co biet, an Android app that provided users with intriguing facts sourced from reliable references.

I also explored the realm of Linux kernel development, creating Nui Kernel, a modded kernel that gained recognition on a global scale. This kernel granted me unprecedented control over low-level system functions, from overclocking and underclocking to voltage control and LED manipulation.

The process of compiling my Linux kernel was a significant accomplishment, as it required a deep understanding of the underlying code and a strong grasp of system programming.

2016: Modern Web Development

In 2016, I ventured into the dynamic world of modern web development, creating a website for my school's annual prom. This platform revolutionized the ticket booking process for students, providing a streamlined experience powered by the latest technologies of the time: Firebase and AngularJS.

This project served as a testament to my evolving skill set and laid the groundwork for a myriad of future projects in the realm of web development.

My endeavors extended beyond the digital realm during that period. That same year, I discovered solace and inspiration in music, cultivating my guitar skills and developing a profound connection to melody and rhythm. What initially began as a casual pursuit evolved into a deep passion, becoming an integral part of my life and enriching it with harmonious resonance.

2017: University Ventures & Entrepreneurial Pursuits

In 2017, I enrolled at the University of Engineering and Technology, where I immersed myself in an environment ripe with opportunities to cultivate my programming prowess. I participated in web projects guided by my esteemed teachers and embarked on a side project, creating a Facebook Messenger chatbot called Chatbot CNH.

This chatbot provided users with a platform to engage in anonymous conversations with strangers, akin to the renowned Chatible page. To my astonishment, the response was overwhelming, with over 200 users flocking to interact with the chatbot on its inaugural day.

I continued to optimize the code for enhanced security and reliability, soon evolving Chatbot CNH into a cultural phenomenon. I then pivoted toward monetization, offering bespoke chatbot and web development solutions to eager clients.

My pursuits extended beyond the digital sphere and academic endeavors. Alongside my studies, I embarked on a journey of linguistic and cultural exploration, learning French in preparation for future aspirations to study in France. Embracing the value of cultural exchange, I collaborated with peers from the University of Languages and International Studies to organize events, utilizing my skills as a graphic designer to support social causes and community initiatives.

2018: Academic Excellence in France

In the summer of 2018, I embarked on a sojourn to France to further my studies at the Université d'Aix-Marseille. I achieved commendable results throughout the school year, earning recognition from my professors for my exemplary performance.

I also participated in Prologin, a computer science competition held in France, and achieved a ranking within the top 10 participants in the regional event held in Bouches-du-Rhône.

My pursuit of knowledge extended well beyond the classroom. In my free time, I immersed myself in the intricate fields of web development and machine learning, driven by a deep curiosity about the cutting-edge technologies shaping the digital landscape. From exploring the complexities of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models to delving into the nuances of word embeddings with word2vec, I approached each challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

In the domain of web development, I advanced my expertise by mastering ReactJS, building upon my prior experience with AngularJS to make significant progress with this versatile framework. As I refined my skills, I crafted dynamic and engaging web applications, pushing creative and technical boundaries to deliver innovative digital experiences.

However, my journey was not one of solitary exploration but also of sharing and collaboration. Through writing, I contributed blog posts to document and share my discoveries with the vibrant Vietnamese tech community, J2TEAM. By providing tutorials, explanations, and insights, I cultivated a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a spirit of learning and collaboration that extended beyond the academic sphere.

2019: Towards Cybersecurity

In 2019, I embarked on a pivotal chapter in my academic and professional journey, seeking out my first internship opportunity. Despite the competitive landscape of the job market, I persevered, leveraging my extensive portfolio of side projects to demonstrate my capabilities to potential employers. I eventually secured an internship with Botfuel, a pioneering enterprise specializing in Conversational Marketing platforms.

During my three-month internship, I delivered exceptional results and earned accolades for my productivity and dedication. This experience not only deepened my understanding of machine learning and web development but also instilled in me a strong foundation for future endeavors.

Photo of Botfuel team, taken from my linkedin post

Building on the success of my internship, I embarked on the next phase of my academic journey by enrolling in my second year at INSA, a prestigious engineering school renowned for its rigorous curriculum and innovative research. At INSA Centre Val de Loire, located in the scenic Centre region of France, I joined the Department of Sécurité et Technologies Informatiques, a specialized field dedicated to the diverse and complex domain of cybersecurity.

2020: Pandemic and New Opportunities

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, including disruptions to daily life and intensified academic workloads. Amidst the upheaval, I seized the opportunity to join an apprenticeship program, leveraging my practical experience to secure a position as a full-stack web developer at Botfuel.

As I navigated remote work and social distancing, I also explored new avenues of personal and professional growth. Engaging in open-source contributions with SimpleLogin provided valuable insights into collaborative project development, while nurturing my creativity through photography offered solace amidst the chaos.

2021: Deepening Expertise

In 2021, I continued to excel in my role at Botfuel, leveraging my expertise to contribute to the company's mission in cybersecurity. I delved deeper into backend development, honing my skills and expanding my expertise in this critical domain.

Amidst my professional commitments, I embarked on numerous side projects that fueled my passion for innovation and exploration. One such endeavor involved hacking a budget-friendly smartwatch, the Amazfit Bip. Collaborating with a vibrant community of developers, I leveraged my expertise to develop new applications based on a primitive yet intriguing API exposed by the firmware.

In addition, I sought opportunities to make a social impact by joining the Vietnam Organization for Gender Equality as a freelance graphic designer. In this role, I utilized my technical skills to support meaningful initiatives, leveraging design and technology to promote positive change and advocate for gender equality.

2022: Linux - Snowpack - New Beginnings

In 2022, I secured a position at Snowpack, a startup specializing in cybersecurity. Joining the team in September, I immersed myself in the world of development systems, leveraging my expertise in C++ to contribute to the company's mission.

The acquisition of my Framework Laptop marked a turning point, as I made the decision to transition fully to Linux - an idea I had long contemplated. Previously, I maintained a hybrid Linux - Windows setup due to software compatibility concerns; however, the limitations of Windows 11 ultimately motivated me to adopt Linux as my primary desktop environment.

This transition represented a significant milestone in my technical journey, unlocking new opportunities for exploration and innovation. Immersing myself in the Linux ecosystem, I discovered a world of customization and flexibility, enabling me to tailor my computing environment to align with my unique needs and preferences.

2023: Professional Growth and Academic Milestones

In 2023, my journey at Snowpack continued to thrive as I excelled in my role, leveraging my expertise to advance the company's mission in cybersecurity. Immersing myself in the dynamic nature of my work, I delved deeper into the Linux kernel, exploring advanced concepts such as Docker, Linux namespaces, and SELinux with enthusiasm. As my responsibilities grew, I utilized my backend development skills to optimize Snowpack's server infrastructure while applying my frontend expertise to enhance the desktop application using cutting-edge technologies like Flutter.

Photo of myself at school and on TV:

Amidst these professional accomplishments, I celebrated a significant academic milestone: graduating from my three-year apprenticeship program and earning the title of certified engineer. This achievement was further elevated by the honor of being named valedictorian of my cohort, recognizing my dedication and perseverance. I was also entrusted with the role of spokesperson for my apprenticeship program, delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony - a moment I embraced with humility and pride.

As 2023 progressed, each milestone reflected my growth and commitment to excellence, inspiring me to continue my journey of lifelong learning and professional achievement. Filled with gratitude and determination, I eagerly looked forward to the opportunities ahead, ready to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving field of technology.

2024: LLM - Hugging Face - New Horizons

As 2024 began, I embarked on a new chapter of self-discovery and growth, dedicating my free time outside of my role at Snowpack to contributing to open-source projects as a means of continuous learning. One project that particularly captured my interest was llama.cpp, an innovative initiative enabling the deployment of large language models locally, without relying on external servers.

As I began contributing to llama.cpp, I was thrilled to see the project grow and gain momentum. My efforts did not go unnoticed, and I was approached by Julien Chaumond, CTO of Hugging Face, who expressed interest in collaborating with me on on-device LLM technologies such as ggml, ONNX, and more.

I was honored to accept the offer and joined Hugging Face in August 2024. I was eager to leverage this opportunity to expand my knowledge in LLM and AI, and I was not disappointed. Working alongside a talented team, I was immersed in a dynamic and innovative environment that fostered growth and exploration.

One of the highlights of my tenure at Hugging Face was the launch of the Ollama compatibility layer in October 2024. In collaboration with my colleagues, we successfully bridged the gap between two prominent LLM platforms, enabling users to utilize GGUF models from Hugging Face directly on Ollama. In the 24 hours following the release, we received over 20,000 requests from users to download a wide variety of models. This achievement was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, and I was proud to have played a part in it.

Photos: (left) me in front of Hugging Face office in Paris, (right) me at Entrepreneur First's hackathon event. Thanks to Marc Sun and Kevin Kuipers for taking these photos 🤗

As I reflect on my time at Hugging Face thus far, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I am excited to continue contributing to the domain of LLM and AI, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.