[E-Magazine] Onsiter: When the globe's your playground

Embracing continuous exploration is a positive and enriching lifestyle of modern young people. In this journey of discovery and experience, they unlock a vibrant, liberated, and purpose-driven life, inspiring those around them.

Whether embarking on distant journeys to broaden knowledge and explore unfamiliar territories, or venturing into new fields brimming with uncertainty, these experiences forge a path to self-discovery. They empower individuals to uncover untapped potential, cultivate deeper connections, and seize valuable opportunities in life.

At FSOFT, young professionals have the opportunity to build their own paths by contributing to community development, acquiring valuable skills, and embarking on enriching journeys across diverse corners of the globe. Let’s delve into the captivating stories of FSOFTers from across five continents, whose journeys stand as testaments to the transformative power of exploration.

“Since being in Japan, I have loved snowboarding, so when I came to the US, I went to Denver. Denver is also where the most dazzling US autumnal panorama is. After that, I went to New York alone for 10 days. During the summer months, exploration becomes almost weekly. As we yearn to travel, we believe in maximizing our work hours to ensure that our weekends are truly restful and enjoyable.” Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai (FAM.ST13) recounted her experiences traveling across the US with her significant other – Mr. Do Tan Liem (FAM.ST7), who is also her colleague at FPT Americas.

What Mai likes most about the US is that people value the balance between work and life. Customers rarely engage outside of designated hours, respecting employee downtime and fostering healthy boundaries between office hours and private time for families.

Mai and Liem drove a considerable distance to reach the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. The drive from Denver to Moab, Utah, another cherished destination boasting breathtaking sunsets, culminated in a truly unforgettable moment with beautiful sunsets. “We drove to the Grand Canyon the next day in the scorching weather. But once we got there, the magnificent scenery was worth the effort,” she shared.

“We also visited Savannah, a beautiful historic town recognized as a giant museum with various small museums inside. It is often considered a must-visit destination for tourists to Georgia. Tybee Island is also nearby and a breathtaking spot in the afternoon and at sunset. Georgia is famous for its more than 60 state parks for camping, fishing, and barbecuing. “If we weren’t drawn to wandering on the weekend, we would go to these parks and engage in various activities.

Just recently, we returned from New Orleans and crossed the Mississippi River, the largest river system in North America during the trip. New Orleans is known for its French-style architecture. New Orleans truly lives up to its reputation, the streets are often filled with music from street performers, coupled with mouthwatering cuisine to create an unforgettable experience full of sounds, smells, and taste,” Ms. Mai recounted her experiences.

With enthusiasm in his voice, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quang (FHN.BU91) shared his experiences of embodying the “American Dream” during his recent onsite trip. “Before going onsite, I was guided by colleagues in Vietnam and also in the US on what to prepare. After coming here, I was taken to markets, restaurants, and introduced to the surrounding environment by colleagues in the US. For my part, I actively communicated with the locals to improve my English, tried American food, and explored the area where I stayed. Thanks to this onsite trip, I saw snow for the first time. I was very happy to meet, work, and cook with my onsite colleagues!”

Vietnamese employees at FPT Japan were similarly thrilled by the opportunity to experience snowboarding. “In Vietnam, my friends have to plan their entire lives to travel together, but in Japan, these colleagues are exceptionally reliable. We only needed a month to plan our snowboarding trip,” stated Mr. Luong Ngoc An (FJP.GE). An has been onsite in Japan for several years and has cultivated a close relationship with his onsite colleagues in the land of cherry blossoms.

Embodying the spirit of “ready to go when FSOFT needs it,” the Starship warrior group from FHM.AKAT arrived at FPT Mexico in Guadalajara, following the first “army” to Mexico last September.

“When I heard about the new C99 project offering the privilege to work in Mexico with the same working hours as the client, I knew I had to sign up. I was particularly excited to be selected for an onsite period of at least 6-18 months, as this presented an excellent opportunity for me to experience a very new country,” shared Scrum Master Ho Truc Ly.

Though a seasoned traveler, Ms. Ly had never been to Mexico before. This was also Mr. Nguyen Tuan Son’s, a developer on the project, first time abroad. “Mexico’s country and people have long impressed me through the media. Mexico boasts a unique and diverse culture with world-famous cuisine. When I learned about the opportunity to come here, I immediately embarked on the journey,” Son shared.

The Starship team warriors shared their praise of the exceptionally friendly and hospitable Mexican people. Despite language barriers (very few people speaking English), FSOFTers never felt lost from the moment they arrived in this magnificent country. “I always feel a warm and familiar atmosphere, just like at home,” Son affirmed.

“At the airport, we were greeted by exceptionally enthusiastic baggage handling staff,” BA Tran Bao Viet recounted. “And upon arrival at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed by colleagues like Laura and David, who helped us check in and explained how to use the facilities. Even though it was 10 pm, everyone was still incredibly friendly and energetic!”

In addition, FSOFT onsite employees in Mexico were pleasantly surprised by the delightful weather in Guadalajara, where the FPT office is located. Contrary to popular depictions in movies, the climate boasts cool mornings and evenings, with comfortable temperatures throughout the day.

The office, conveniently located just 600 meters from accommodation, allows employees to enjoy scenic walks with music from street performers, adding a joyful touch to their commute. “The most special thing here, according to us Vietnamese, is the music. All pressure and rush seem to disappear when you hear someone singing. Spanish music is truly joyful and vibrant, reminding us to embrace life’s beauty,” Viet expressed.

FSOFT personnel have been consistently impressed by the excellent cuisine, even though they have only randomly tried at times, leading to concerns about potential weight gain! With its abundance of UNESCO-recognized landmarks and an adventurous spirit among the young team, 18 months seems an insufficient time to explore the wonders of Mexico. Some even jokingly express “falling in love” with FPT Mexico and fearing their families won’t grant them a “family visa” extension to stay.

In the United States, Mr. Nguyen Trong Hieu (FAM.ST5) describes a vibrant and energizing atmosphere in his US city. “Being here in December, even during the “planning” season, which is similar to Vietnam, has been a wonderful experience”.

During the year-end holiday, Hieu had a remarkable scuba diving experience in Miami – the “city of sunshine” and also the economic, financial, and cultural center of Florida with a warm tropical climate, long stretches of blue beaches, and vibrant cultural life. Accompanying him this time was John – an American client and colleagues in the group. Thanks to John’s enthusiasm, the whole group had the chance to dive into the crystal clear ocean at Miami Beach.

“Witnessing the underwater ecosystem firsthand, touching it, was awe-inspiring,” recounts Hieu. “We spent a phenomenal Saturday enjoying the American dream in Miami, the bustling tourist destination” Hieu confidently states.

The talented Australian guy, Rayner Laurence (FHN.DXT), also had unforgettable impressions right from the first days he set foot in Vietnam: “I have integrated quite well into the extremely diverse culture of Vietnam. I have had the opportunity to visit many provinces and understand the customs of each place. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful scenery of Ha Long and Sapa, each place has made me understand and love this country more. It can be said that my life and work have become much richer and more interesting since coming to Vietnam. At FPT in particular and FSOFT in general, I also have the opportunity to become an MC for events of partners, customers, participate in programs like Sum Up and the radio bulletin Voice of F-Ville. Every day at FSOFT is filled with new and interesting things for me.”

As for the Indian guy, Gandhi Jaykumar Shaileshbhai (SCM.BCG), Vietnam is a beautiful country, rich in history and culture, bringing him vivid experiences. “From exploring bustling cities to relaxing on simple beaches, Vietnam is a country for everyone. A recent trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi allowed me to experience your cuisine. Each dish is a unique blend of spices and tradition, especially the food during Tet. Vietnamese people are also very enthusiastic, especially in sports communities such as badminton, tennis, cycling, and golf,” Gandhi enthusiastically shared.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Hoang (FAM.ST1) summarized his journey from his initial aspirations to his current fulfilling career in the United States. The joys in life are one of the most precious experiences that Hoang has harvested during his time working at FPT Americas. In the first 20 months of setting foot in the United States, despite the complex pandemic situation that has limited most activities, he still managed to travel a long distance of about 38,000km. The journey has helped him see more, learn more, and accumulate more experiences for himself.

Every weekend, his family would go on picnics, visit parks, go to the zoo, explore farms, then go to the beach or drive through bustling cityscapes. Perhaps the most impressive moment for him was the opportunity to see snow with his own eyes. “So far, Texas has never had snow, so our group had to drive to another city about 2 hours away to truly enjoy the snow. From the moment we decided to go until piling into our cars along with four families and 15 eager souls, it only took 30 minutes. That’s the beauty of community and shared experiences.”

Beyond the joy of exploration and heartfelt connections,Hoang also learned many new surprising things, especially having to learn how to fix his own car. “Back in Vietnam,” he admits, “a simple oil change meant a trip to the mechanic. But watching how easy and neat those YouTubers do it made me want to try it myself. What started as a one-time experiment became a rewarding habit, then a genuine source of satisfaction. Now, I firmly believe in preventive maintenance. I usually surf the internet and stock up on spare parts, and I find immense satisfaction in keeping my car healthy and running smoothly.”

Not having as smooth an experience as Hoang, Ms. Le Thi Thao Truc (FHM.AVI) had a very special business trip to Lebanon – a politically unstable country. The trip was originally planned to last for 2 weeks in October last year, but due to the tense situation in Lebanon and neighboring countries, everything was wrapped up and completed in just over 1 week.

Based in the vibrant capital of Beirut in northern Lebanon, Truc was met with exceptional hospitality and unwavering support from her client. “They prioritized my safety and well-being throughout the trip for me to be safe and focused on my mission, even providing private transportation,” she shared with an appreciative tone. Despite the absence of immediate danger, peaceful protests and bustling traffic prompted the client to proactively shorten the on-site visit, ensuring Truc’s absolute security.

Truc affirms that this would definitely be an extremely memorable experience in her career journey, having completed the mission in special circumstances, while also having the opportunity to explore and gain invaluable insights into the culture, history, and political situation of a foreign country.

This unique experience, Truc affirms, will leave a lasting impact on her career. Not only did she fulfill her mission under extraordinary circumstances, but she also gained invaluable insights into Lebanese culture, history, and the current political climate. Witnessing a nation persevering through hardship, a country etched by conflicts and wars, Truc was deeply moved by the resilience and optimism of its people. “They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely caring. That positive atmosphere helped me feel more confident and less stressed,” she recounted. Truc acknowledges that such encounters, though fleeting, can hold transformative power, shaping perspectives and enriching lives.

Now, Truc strives to expand her horizons and appreciate the beauty of diversity, realizing that people are different but also alike.

Hailing from the vibrant Philippine archipelago, Mr. Ngo Trung Kien candidly shares his initial adjustments to life in Cebu. “At first, it was fun,” he recounts. “We would always invite each other out to eat, but the sight of armed police officers initially caused unease. The distinctly salty and meat-heavy food, compared to Vietnam’s vegetable-rich diet, required adaptation as well. Eating out here is quite expensive compared to Vietnam, so wherever we go, we always bring a bottle of chili sauce.”

Despite initial challenges, onsite colleagues in Cebu are always close-knit, even from the early days of settling down. From sharing meals prepared together to foster camaraderie, a rare comfort away from home, to handing out information about transportation, activities… colleagues have the opportunity to gather together. Weekends are transformed into opportunities for exploring the rich tapestry of the local culture and forging heartwarming connections.

Kotikala Ravi Kumar (FHN.BU91) is not just a valued colleague at FSOFT, but a cherished embodiment of kindness and warmth. Always eager to lend a hand, he spearheads the company’s volunteer initiatives, leaving his footprints across remote corners of Vietnam. From villages to schools, he offers unwavering support, both material and emotional, to those facing hardships. His affection for Vietnamese culture shines brightly, prompting him to pursue Vietnamese language classes.

As life unfolds, each experience, be it joyful or challenging, shapes us with its invaluable lessons. Those blessed with a wealth of experiences understand that change is the very essence of life. It is this wisdom that allows them to approach every challenge with open arms, viewing difficulties as opportunities for growth. This adaptability and resilience are hallmarks of FSOFT’s successful onshore team, who have not only thrived in their careers but also embarked on new journeys with a sense of fulfillment.

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