Many centuries ago, the abacus evolved independently in many countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and China. Its use is recorded in China as early as 6th century B.C., from where it found it's way to Korea and Japan.

The Abacus (Suen Poon) is still in use and its distinctive noise can be heard in many small businesses and restaurants in Hong Kong and China.

Experts use it to make long and complicated calculations faster than the same calculations made by using an electronic calculator. Indeed, competitions are regularly held in Hong Kong to determine which method is faster and the Abacus (Suen Poon) users inevitably win.

One mathematics teacher in Hong Kong has gone a step further; he teaches his pupils to calculate using a Abacus (Suen Poon) and when they are proficient, he removes the Abacus (Suen Poon). The pupils then solve complicated mathematical problems by moving their fingers as if using an imaginary Abacus (Suen Poon). They have been tested and have proved capable of making mental calculations quicker than using electronic calculators.

The first time an IBM computer was put on display at the old Radio Show at Earls Court, a glass-fronted box containing an abacus (Suen Poon) was located on the wall next to the computer. Under the box was the message "IN CASE OF FAILURE, BREAK GLASS".