A recruiter’s quest for happiness on charity trails
10 trips, thousands of kilometers of landslide-prone mountain passes, and countless smiles from the highlands. For Vu Dang Tinh (FSA), volunteer work isn’t just a “checklist” item—it’s a unique “charging station” that fuels his journey of connecting talent at FPT Software.
What began as a spontaneous whim—sparked by a colleague’s invitation—led Tinh to his first volunteer trip in Cao Bang. Driven by the pure curiosity of an “FSofter,” that first encounter quickly evolved into an essential part of life for this FPT Software Academy (FSA) recruiter. Instead of spending his leave on luxury resorts, Tinh chooses to pack his backpack and hit the road with “Ma Van” and his FPT Software colleagues. To him, these trips aren’t a self-imposed “mission” filled with pressure, but a way to cleanse the soul and recharge after hours of professional grind.
That rhythm of life has flowed through nearly 10 memory-filled journeys. Most notable was the trip to Ngai Thau and A Lu (Lao Cai)—known as the highest villages in Vietnam. Amidst roads so muddy and ravaged by landslides that vehicles could barely move, he witnessed firsthand the soaring studiousness of highland children. The sight of tiny feet trekking long hours on treacherous paths just to reach a classroom gave Tinh, a career orientation professional, a moment of profound reflection. The humble meals shared with teachers amidst the mist-covered peaks, and the radiant smiles of parents receiving gifts from “FPT brothers and sisters across the globe,” became living proof of his philosophy: “Giving is not losing; it is keeping forever.”
The ripple effect of these journeys extends far beyond the physical gifts; it weaves through the office corners of FSA. Transitioning from answering curious questions like “Why are you everywhere?” Tinh has become a silent torchbearer, inspiring many other FSOFTers to follow in his footsteps and join community activities. To him, a tech company prioritizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a cultural trait—it’s a way for the younger generation of HR to see the deep human values behind dry lines of code or business reports.
This journey has no end in sight, because after every trip, Tinh finds himself “receiving” more than he gives: a positive outlook on life, meaningful relationships, and the joy of being useful to the world. “Everyone can contribute to the community in their own way,” Vu Dang Tinh shares. “It doesn’t have to be something grand; just by starting with the smallest actions, we can together create miraculous changes.”
Phương Thảo
