It took six years to chase the Japanese dream, a whirlwind of convincing family and friends along with countless sleepless nights spent conquering the language barrier to earn an N2 language certification. But after just six months of living in his “dream land”, Vu Van Lam (FJP.GE) was determined that he had had enough.  

Stringent requirements with challenging KPIs within a tight timeframe put immense pressure on his shoulders. His initial days at the client’s site, marked by loneliness and the absence of his loved ones, only intensified the crushing weight of expectation. 

“Emotions swamped me, yet I had no one to confide in,” Lam recalled. “The stress became unbearable, and I longed to return to Vietnam immediately.” But then, amidst the chaos, a lifeline emerged in the form of a friend’s unexpected phone call, urging him to take a getaway trip. 

This impulsive decision to postpone the resignation email and embrace spontaneity proved to be a pivotal moment for Lam. In the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun, he stumbled upon his own personal treasure – a newfound appreciation for the country’s breathtaking natural beauty in Shirakawago (白川郷). The untouched landscapes and vibrant sceneries captivated him, and before he knew it, Lam was determined to give Japan another chance, perhaps even calling it home someday. “”I feel really lucky to be here, just soaking in the beautiful surroundings,” he said, his voice tinged with wonder and pride.  

Lam’s “treasure” wasn’t just a fleeting moment of respite; it was a wellspring of motivation. He returned with renewed vigor, fueled by the unwavering spirit of the locals who thrived amidst similar pressures: “If the locals can withstand the pressure of working here, then why can’t I?”. This newfound perspective softened his heart towards his adopted land, allowing him to be more driven in daily work and more focused on delivering the best performance so that he will have more time exploring the natural “treasures” of Japan. 

Stepping out of her comfort zone, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien (FHM.EU) embarked on a vibrant journey in Mexico – a country that, in the mind of outsiders, is often shrouded in whispers of violence and cartel shadows. Her adventure in this American country unearthed not just professional triumphs, but a “treasure trove” of cultural gems that shattered violent stereotypes and painted a kaleidoscope of memories. 

In 2023, when FSOFT planted its flag in the heart of Mexico, a wave of young Vietnamese adventurers, like Lien, followed suit. They arrived with hearts full of bravery and dreams brimming with ambition, ready to conquer the “big battles” of the US market alongside their Latin American counterparts. 

“Coming to Mexico, I had certain anxieties about potential discrimination and danger, but those worries vanished the moment I touched down. Everyone, from the airport staff to the train crew, was so friendly and welcoming, even with the language barrier. English and Spanish are not universal here as there are 68 other local languages, but it didn’t matter because people went out of their way to connect with me. And then there’s the FPT Mexico team with their contagious enthusiasm! They embraced me from the moment I arrived, helped me settle in, and even showed me around the city. I felt like I was part of the family in no time. Thanks to them, my experience in Mexico has been even more incredible than I imagined,” Lien excitedly recalled her first days in the country.  

Mexico was a treasure trove waiting to be unraveled. Its 35 UNESCO-recognized heritages whispered tales of a rich history, while its scenic landscapes painted breathtaking views across North American. Guadalajara, the city that is home to FSOFT’s Mexican branch, surprised Lien with its cool, refreshing climate, a stark contrast to the tropical Vietnam she called home. The early mornings and evenings bring cool breezes akin to autumn in Vietnam, a gentle reminder of the volcanic belt that cradled the city. Moreover, the one-of-a-kind cuisine here is what won her over, from the aroma of the finest coffee beans in the world to the fiery notes of the jalapenos that adorned the beloved Tamales. 

“Eighteen months on-site are simply not enough to unravel the mysteries of this land,”  Ms. Lien admitted with a smile. Echoing her thoughts, many FSOFTers in Mexico are thinking of convincing their loved ones to let them stay just a bit longer to fully discover the charms of this exotic tropical country. 

Despite the constant hum of the human resources engine – payroll wrangling, bonus calculations, insurance intricacies, legal labyrinths – Tallo Marie Yad El Enrile of FSOFT Philippines remains an unyielding “wanderer.” Leaving behind the ever-expanding workforce and her workload’s exponential growth, El Enrile recently embarked on a three-week odyssey through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. This is a solid proof of her commitment to a personal belief: “Even with a busy schedule, I still have the opportunity to achieve personal goals in life. My dream is to travel to every country in the world!”  

One way or another, each FSOFTer across the globe embarks on a unique odyssey of self-improvement, gathering personal “treasures” along the way. Sometimes, they unfold amidst breathtaking landscapes, other times, they manifest in the bonds forged with colleagues, who, though not bound by blood, become surrogate family, offering camaraderie and support on the path of professional growth. In every step, in every challenge overcome, FSOFTers accumulate these priceless souvenirs, enriching their lives and fueling their continued ascent towards excellence. 

In the US market, Mr. Andres Felipe Gomez found a new home not just in a company, but in a team of comrades. “The camaraderie here is incredible,” he shared, his voice bubbling with warmth. “We support each other, push each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. It’s like being part of a family, working together to create something remarkable. This Happy working environment is truly a treasure.” 

Joy is an everyday melody for Jose Danilo Patino, and there’s no finer note than the laughter ringing through the halls. “Work doesn’t have to be just deadlines and drudgery,” he chuckled. “Whether it’s sharing a lively dinner or simply catching up, we always find a reason to laugh and chat together. Each member brings their unique flavor to the team, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by such amazing colleagues.” 

“Learn how to leave three treasures of your life to help people understand who you are, know the value of you,” Jim Rohn, the American motivational master, summarized his life after the ups and downs from a poor childhood to the pinnacle of a millionaire. He described the captured moments, one of the three said treasures, as brushstrokes in the grand portrait of our lives: “Photos and videos hold your experiences, the faces you knew, the places you touched. They tell the story of who you are, the laughter you shared, the lessons you learned. So capture life’s beauty, big and small, and leave a legacy of joy for those who follow.” 

With such wisdom as the leading mantra, wherever they roam, FSOFTers weave intricate tapestries of experience, each thread a success, a lesson, a laugh shared, a grateful heart. They are alchemists, transforming the ordinary into a glittering treasure trove of wisdom and connection. Let the light in their eyes and the stories spun through these images be your testament to the true wealth of an FSOFT life. 

Author: Minh Tuyết
Editors: Ngọc Hoa, Vũ Tuân
Designer: Duyên Hà