From Unpaid Trial to the Top: The Inspiring Rise to Vice President

Anh Duong – A Journey of Rising Above to Shine Bright

At SupremeTech, we often meet during meetings, rush through deadlines together, and celebrate when our products are released. But behind those intense work hours, there are powerful stories of personal transformation & growth that we don’t always get to hear. ST is not only a witness to these journeys but also a part of them. In May, during our ST WOW section—a time where we honor people who make others say “WOW,” not only in work but also in life—we recognized Anh Duong. Duong has been with SupremeTech for four years and has gone through an impressive personal transformation. Let’s explore his story together! From a Shy Boy to the Confident Anh Duong Today Just over two years ago, Duong often felt insecure, especially about his appearance. He was skinny and had trouble even carrying water bottles around the office. He often felt tired and weak due to poor health. These little moments slowly pushed him to make a change, not to impress others, but to take control of his life. He started going to the gym in April 2023. At first, it was just something to try out. When the numbers on the scale didn’t move, he felt discouraged. But instead of giving up, that became a turning point. He chose discipline. He chose daily habits. He set long-term goals. Day by day, these choices built into something bigger—not just in how he looked, but in how he felt. No Trainer, No Showing Off – Just Self-Understanding Duong didn’t have a personal trainer. There was no magic solution. He studied on his own to learn what worked for his body—what foods, exercises, and routines suited him best. He designed his own meals, workouts, and rest schedule. Not to meet someone else’s standards, but to fit what he truly needed. Now that he’s “in shape,” his training is no longer a challenge—it’s just part of a healthy lifestyle. Success Measured by Spirit, Not Muscles After one year, Duong said his energy had improved significantly. He rarely feels drained now. People around him notice he’s more cheerful and full of life. And after two years? He says it’s a turning point—he truly feels proud of what he has achieved with his body. Now, he’s more confident. He’s in a relationship. His family is proud. And most importantly, he inspires others who once felt the same way. “You won’t know until you try. Don’t work out to show off—do it to change yourself.”Nguyen Van Anh Duong That’s Duong's message to anyone who feels unsure, insecure, or not strong enough to start. At ST, we’re proud to have people like Anh Duong—not just skilled at work, but also strong in their personal lives. We believe going far takes not only skills but also willpower. It’s not just about working together, but also living and growing together. Thank you, Anh Duong, for your personal transformation effort and for being a warm and strong light in our ST family. Related articles: From Unpaid Trial to the Top: The Inspiring Rise to Vice PresidentFrom Seeking The Path to Leading The Way: Phuoc’s Journey at SupremeTech

Philippines Business Trip Report: Seminars and School Visits for BA Recruitment

This time, SupremeTech embarked on our very first BA business trip to the Philippines! We visited two cities: Baguio, known for its high altitude, cool climate, and popularity as a study-abroad destination, and Cebu, a well-known tourist spot. Our itinerary consisted of four days in Baguio and three days in Cebu, totaling one week. The primary purposes of this BA business trip were: Visiting language schools for our recruitment of Japanese Business Analysts (BA).Hosting a career seminar for Japanese students interested in working abroad. Through direct conversations with language school staff and students, we gained valuable insights into their genuine concerns and aspirations. It was a truly eye-opening and enriching experience for us. Currently, many students return to Japan for domestic employment after studying abroad, often unable to fully leverage their global mindset. Additionally, when people consider working abroad, they usually look to English-speaking countries, such as Australia or Canada, while opportunities in ASEAN countries—especially emerging economies like Vietnam—remain relatively underexplored. During this BA business trip, our goal was to introduce “working in ASEAN” as a viable career option to language school students and staff, and to encourage them to view their time abroad not just as a study period, but as a stepping stone to a global career. We hope this BA business trip served as a meaningful first step toward expanding their future possibilities. Introducing SupremeTech and the Role of Business Analysts (BA) SupremeTech is a technology company based in Da Nang, Vietnam, specializing in web service development and AI applications. Our core business revolves around offshore development, connecting Japanese clients with talented Vietnamese engineering teams. Among our team, the role of a Japanese BA is especially crucial. BA does more than just translate language; they carefully listen to clients’ needs, organize those requirements into clear specifications, and communicate them effectively to the development team. In essence, they act as a vital bridge between clients and engineers. This role requires not only language skills but also strong logical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and flexible communication abilities. Many of the Japanese BA thriving at SupremeTech have studied English at language schools in the Philippines. They leverage the skills they gained during their language studies to tackle challenges and build careers in Vietnam. However, it’s also common for language students to return to Japan after their studies and choose domestic employment instead. The international mindset and valuable experience gained through studying abroad in the Philippines can be put to even better use, and our company offers a field where those strengths truly shine. Bringing “Working Abroad” Closer to Everyone The key message we wanted to convey in our seminar was that working overseas in IT companies is not just for a special few—it’s something anyone can pursue. We heard many concerns from both school staff and students, such as: “I’m worried whether my English skills are good enough.”“Can I take on this challenge even without prior industry experience?” What we truly value is not how much skill or experience you have right now, but whether we can grow together moving forward. Nobody is perfect.At the same time, emerging countries like Vietnam offer an environment that allows you to take on new challenges flexibly.We strongly believe that those who are willing to try have the most excellent chances. During the seminar, we shared genuine stories from Japanese people currently working on-site, detailed explanations of the work itself, and the skills required. We hope this helped make the idea of working abroad feel a little more realistic and achievable. Studying abroad is not the goal—it’s just the beginning.We look forward to continuing to explore the career possibilities beyond language study, together. Insights from Our Conversations with Students Through our interactions with language school staff and students who attended our seminar, we came to realize the following: Many people are interested in working abroad, but find it challenging to take the first realistic step.There is a lack of information and opportunities to trigger action.Many of them are seriously focused on their future, and we felt great potential in each one of them. For those who are thinking, “I want to change something” or “I want to take a step forward,”We sincerely hope that this seminar and these conversations have helped give them a little push in the right direction. There is nothing more rewarding than that for us. Why Vietnam? – From the Frontlines of Offshore Development You might be wondering, “Why Vietnam?” or “What’s it like to do offshore development there?” Here are the three main reasons why we have chosen Vietnam as our base: A Practical Solution for Global IT Talent ShortagesWith Japan facing a serious shortage of IT professionals, offshore development with Asian countries has been expanding rapidly. Among them, Vietnam stands out due to its strong compatibility with Japanese business culture, offering a great balance of technical skills, cost efficiency, and talent availability.A Market Full of Opportunities for Young Professionals Vietnam has a relatively young population, with approximately 60% of its population under the age of 35. Its rapidly growing IT market provides many opportunities for young talent to gain hands-on experience early in their careers.Comfort and Cultural Familiarity Vietnam is just two hours ahead of Japan, making communication and coordination easier. The cost of living is relatively affordable, and the culture is friendly and welcoming to Japanese people. Our base city, Da Nang, is renowned for its tranquil environment, surrounded by mountains and the sea, offering a perfect balance between work and personal life. Conclusion This BA business trip and seminar were a significant challenge for us as well. By visiting language schools on-site and directly engaging with students, we gained valuable insights, new learnings, and important connections. We plan to leverage this valuable experience in our future recruitment efforts and continue to nurture strong relationships with language schools. Our key messages remain:“Working overseas isn’t just for special people — anyone can give it a try.” “Opportunities to take on new challenges are often closer than you think.” We will continue to share these messages and deepen our collaboration with schools. We also look forward to future visits and new challenges. We hope to visit the Philippines and interact directly with language school staff and students once again. Above all, we sincerely wish that the connections made during this BA business trip will become a new stepping stone for someone’s career journey. Through these activities, we hope more people will engage with our company and, in the future, become our colleagues. If you are interested in the role of BA or an overseas career, please check out [our recruitment information here].If you'd like to learn more or discuss whether this path is right for you, we also offer casual online meetings. We’re cheering you on as you take on new challenges. Gallery Bagauio API BECI (EOP campus) Our first visit was to API BECI, located on a lush, green hillside. We were impressed by the campus’s clean and well-maintained facilities, which beautifully blend the open, relaxing atmosphere of a resort with a focused, structured learning environment. We discussed the possibility of future collaboration with the student manager. JIC (Premium campus） We had the opportunity to visit JIC’s Premium Campus, nestled in a peaceful, green environment. The campus is spacious and well-equipped with convenient facilities such as a café, gym, and convenience store. The cafeteria, in particular, offered a spacious and open atmosphere with an excellent view. We also enjoyed a buffet-style meal there, which exceeded our expectations in both taste and quantity. Amidst this resort-like comfort, students were highly focused on their studies. JIC offers a variety of unique programs tailored to different levels, goals, and budgets at each of its campuses, and is known for its original curriculum and materials. During our visit, we also had positive discussions with the local team about the possibility of future collaboration on an English × IT learning program, and we’re excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead. PINES (main campus) Our final stop in Baguio was PINES, one of the well-known language schools. Founded in 2001, the school relocated to a new campus in 2018, providing an even more comfortable and study-friendly environment. The campus is about a 10-minute drive from SM City Baguio, the city’s largest shopping mall, and is surrounded by nature, with lush parks just a short walk away. The school offers a fully integrated environment where classrooms and dormitories are housed in the same building, eliminating the need for commuting. It also features well-equipped shared spaces such as a gym and student lounge, ensuring a comfortable living experience. What stood out to us during the visit was the calm, focused atmosphere throughout the campus. It’s designed for serious learning. Many students are working professionals or individuals preparing for a career change, and we were particularly impressed by their strong sense of purpose and career motivation. CEBU B CEBU Our final visit was to B’Cebu, a language school newly established in 2023 on Mactan Island, Cebu. This promising new campus was founded as a sister school to API BECI, a well-established school with over 20 years of experience in Baguio. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the open and refreshing resort-like atmosphere of the campus! The clean and modern school buildings and dormitories are complemented by a full range of lifestyle facilities, including a gym, café, and convenience store, creating an uplifting environment just by being there. In contrast to the calm and focused study atmosphere in Baguio, B’Cebu offers a unique style of study abroad that perfectly blends the relaxed resort vibe, engaging activities, and language learning. A fascinating discovery was the chance to speak directly with the Korean owner. We learned that B’Cebu is part of a group that also operates B’Hoian in Hoi An, Vietnam. Given its geographical proximity to Danang, where our company is based, this connection opens up promising opportunities for future collaboration. Remarkably, the campus even features a dedicated diving pool! Students can obtain diving certification if they want, providing a unique combination of English language learning and resort experience. Meals are served buffet-style, offering a rich variety of options catering to the diverse international students. We had the chance to try the dish ourselves and found it delicious, so much so that it was hard not to eat too much! Curious World Academy (CWA） Our last stop was Curious World Academy. Although the visit was planned on short notice, we had a productive meeting with the manager and toured the school. We got a clear idea of the school’s atmosphere. The school is still relatively new, but it has already gained popularity due to its modern facilities and practical programs. The campus feels calm and focused — a great place for students who want to study seriously but also have time to relax. There’s a swimming pool and other nice facilities, which help students stay comfortable and learn well. Many students are young and seem very serious about their future. This visit gave us great hope and some excellent ideas for the future. Seminar - PINES

BA Team’s Offsite Training Session: Boosting Logic and Negotiation Skills

BA stands for “Business Analyst,” but for this day, it also means “Break Away” from daily work. Our BA team recently participated in an off-site training session that was both meaningful and enjoyable. We learned valuable skills and shared laughs with a very engaging Japanese trainer through this Business Analyst training. Besides learning practical techniques, we got to see how professionals in Japan work with clear logic and how negotiation can be more creative than expected. Logical Thinking – Clear Communication Starts with Clear Thinking This part of the Business Analyst training session wasn’t about boring theories. Instead, it focused on how BAs can share ideas in ways that clients can easily understand. The goal was to avoid confusion when people understand the same message in different ways. One key idea the trainer shared was: 一文一義 (Ichi-bun Ichi-gi) – "One sentence, one idea." This means not putting too many ideas into one sentence; keep it simple to avoid confusion. The trainer reminded us: “The best communication is not using big words or complex grammar, but explaining difficult things in the simplest way.” In project discussions, what matters most is being concise, clear, and convincing, not using overly complex or lengthy sentences. One powerful tool we learned is the Pyramid Structure, a way to organize ideas clearly: Top-down communication: Start with the conclusion first, then give reasons.MECE: Ideas should not overlap, and together they must cover all important points. The Pyramid has 3 parts: Main MessageThe key point you want to say.Say it at the beginning.Key Points2–4 supporting reasons.Supporting EvidenceFacts, examples, numbers, or specific details. We practiced this method with the question:"What are the strengths of SupremeTech when promoting our brand?"  Everyone was surprised by how much clearer and more logical the answers became. Negotiation – Helping Clients Discover Their Real Needs Next, we moved into negotiation skills. The trainer gave us two surprising facts: Most clients don’t know exactly what they need at the start.Between 70% and 80% of buying decisions are made during the discussion process. As BAs, how can we help clients realize what they actually need, even if they haven’t explicitly stated it? We learned two useful techniques: 1. SPIN Questions A 4-step method to guide the conversation: S – Situation: Understand the client’s current situation.P – Problem: Identify any issues they are facing.I – Implication: Explore the impact of these problems.N – Need-payoff: Show how a solution can help. 2. BAF Focuses on: Benefit: What the client gains.Advantage: Why it works well.Feature: What the product or service includes. We did a quick practice activity: “Sell this bag to a customer.” Each group played both the BA and the client in real-life scenarios. The room was filled with energy and laughter as teams realized that simply changing the way they asked questions helped clients discover new needs they hadn’t previously considered. Example using SPIN: S (Situation): “What kind of bag do you use now?”P (Problem): “Do you ever feel it’s too small or hard to match with outfits?”I (Implication): “Is it inconvenient if you have to switch bags for different occasions?”N (Need-payoff): “Would it help to have one stylish bag that fits everything and works for all events?” And then with BAF: B (Benefit): “You can use this bag for work, travel, or outings while staying stylish.”A (Advantage): “Many office workers choose this model for its flexibility.”F (Feature): “It has 3 compartments and is made of water-resistant material.” By using these techniques, BAs can help clients understand what they truly need and make more informed decisions. “Soft Skills” – The Secret Tools of Every BA Being a BA without soft skills is like being a superhero without a cape—it feels like something’s missing! From the Pyramid Structure to SPIN and BAF, these are the soft skills that help BAs feel more confident when interacting with clients. With these tools, you don’t just meet client needs—you impress them and build stronger trust. Have you “equipped” yourself with these skills yet?If not, don’t wait—try practicing them in your next Business Analyst training meeting!

Japan – A journey of connection, learning, and cultural exploration

From November 11 to 17, 2024, the SupremeTech team traveled to Japan with three main goals in mind: To explore and learn from Japanese corporate cultureTo visit and work with key clients: This included a visit to Classmethod (CM) and on-site discussions with one of the major clients involved in a key project at our companyTo attend Inter BEE, one of Japan’s leading tech events. The exhibition brought together cutting-edge trends in broadcasting, content creation, and digital entertainment — a must-see for anyone in the industry. Beyond the professional takeaways, the business trip gave us a deeper glimpse into how the Japanese work, connect with others, and shape their distinctive workplace culture. Detailed Agenda Time: 11/11/2024 – 17/11/2024 Location: Tokyo – Chiba, Nhật Bản DateMain activities10/11Travel from Vietnam to Tokyo11/11Work at Classmethod’s office & visit the client site12/11Continue working at Classmethod’s office13/11Attend Inter BEE 2024 in Chiba14~15/11Remote work from hotel: content wrap-up and business trip report preparation16/11Weekend break – Explore Hakone, enjoy hot springs, and the beauty of the Japanese landscape17/11Return to Vietnam Unforgettable Moments & Highlights Office day at Classmethod & client meeting for the project First Two Days: At Classmethod’s Tokyo Office Our first two days were spent working at Classmethod’s office, located on the 26th floor of Hibiya Tower — right in the heart of Tokyo. From up there, we were treated to a sweeping view of Tokyo Tower, and even caught a glimpse of Tokyo Skytree in the distance — a truly breathtaking sight that had us all pausing in awe. The office is thoughtfully designed, with a variety of modern, functional spaces: Cafeteria area: An open, friendly space where people can grab tea or coffee, chat freely, or even get some work done. One particularly charming detail was the “souvenir corner”, where employees leave small gifts or local specialties from their business trips — a fun and meaningful way to share experiences with colleagues.Meeting zone: Equipped with both group meeting rooms and private booths, this area supports a range of activities, from team discussions to quiet, focused work.Internal workspace: A spacious, quiet area reserved for employees — ideal for deep concentration. In the afternoon of our first day, we headed out with Classmethod’s team to visit one of their key clients. We attended a vendor meeting, met the stakeholders in person, and gained a much clearer picture of how our collaboration might evolve in the future. It was a solid start and just the right dose of excitement for the first day. Discovering Japanese Work Culture at Classmethod’s Office Flexible and Respectful Work Environment:The office features an open layout with minimal physical barriers but is smartly designed to maintain focus (e.g., personal booths and small meeting rooms). Everyone is encouraged to choose the work arrangement that best suits them.A Culture of Sharing and Internal Bonding:One great example is the “お土産 (omiyage)” corner in the cafeteria — a small but meaningful tradition of sharing. Boxes of sweets and gifts from different regions aren’t just snacks; they’re little stories passed around naturally among colleagues, building bonds and sparking conversations.Focus on Health and Comfort:Free tea and coffee are always available, and there are cozy spots throughout the communal area where you can take breaks and relax. This thoughtful care helps everyone recharge and stay creative throughout the workday. We truly felt that this is a workplace where people are respected, connections are encouraged, and productivity doesn’t come from pressure but from a spirit of initiative and mutual support. Meeting the Vendors Collaborating on the Project At the Vendor Meeting, we were warmly welcomed with coffee and pastries — a perfect example of “omotenashi,” the Japanese spirit of hospitality. When I introduced myself as being from Vietnam, everyone was pleasantly surprised and delighted, which created a friendly and warm atmosphere right from the start. Through the meeting, we not only got to know our partners better but also clearly felt how important personal communication is in technical collaboration — something that online meetings sometimes struggle to capture. Memorable Moments Beyond Work:  A Fun Visit to a Major Restaurant Chain (Day 2) On the morning of Day 2, before heading to the office, we stopped for breakfast at a restaurant that’s part of a well-known chain — and interestingly, also a client in our current project for a takeout ordering system. The menu was huge. It took us a while to finally decide on our breakfast picks. The restaurant had adorable cat-shaped serving robots with expressive digital faces, but our table was actually served by a real staff member (still cute, though!). Even though it was just a quick breakfast, being in the actual space where our product is used gave me a much clearer sense of the customer’s needs. It was a small but meaningful reminder of why we build what we build. Attending the Inter BEE event Inter BEE is Japan’s biggest tech exhibition dedicated to broadcasting, video, audio, and communications. It’s where major players like Panasonic, Sony, and Hitachi showcase cutting-edge technologies alongside smaller companies offering innovative tools, from video editing software and specialized storage devices to creative graphic design solutions. Some of the standout trends we saw at the event included: AI-powered content production4K/8K broadcasting and cloud-based transmission solutionsNew VR/AR applications in entertainment Impressive Moments from Inter BEE Attending Inter BEE was a completely new experience for me, not just because of its massive scale, but also thanks to the level of professionalism and precision in every detail of the event. Our Company’s Activities at the Event: Our team, in collaboration with our partner Enlyt, set up a booth to showcase CloudTV (internally known as OTTclouds) — a cloud broadcasting platform currently being developed and deployed for the Japanese market.While Mr. Hoang, the project lead, was busy welcoming visitors at the booth, I had the chance to explore the entire exhibition and dive into the latest technologies in the industry. A Few Highlights That Stood Out:  Flawless “Japanese-style” organization:From the booth layout and clear navigation signs to helpful staff everywhere, everything was organized with incredible logic and clarity. Despite the venue's size, finding our way around was surprisingly easy.High-quality tech booths: Every exhibitor put real effort into both content and presentation. The booths were visually impressive, filled with interactive demos and staff who were well-trained. Some even let visitors try out cutting-edge technology, such as VR gear or TV production systems, right on the spot.An authentic feeling for the broadcast-media world:For the first time, the TV and broadcast industry felt tangible to me — no longer distant or abstract. Seeing massive cameras, complex post-production setups, and live demos of AI dubbing or audio processing gave me a whole new appreciation for what happens behind the scenes of every show we watch.Learning through conversations:Beyond just looking around, I also had the chance to chat briefly with staff from a few booths. Even though I couldn’t catch every technical term, those exchanges were incredibly meaningful — a reminder of how valuable honest, human-to-human knowledge sharing can be. What I’m Taking Home from the Business Trip Our business trip to Japan brought so many meaningful takeaways — not just for me, but for the whole team: We got to see firsthand the meticulousness, warm hospitality, and thoughtful spirit of sharing that define how Japanese companies operate.From meaningful conversations to in-person meetings, we deepened our connections, especially with strategic clients involved in our company’s flagship projects.Inter BEE provided us with a front-row seat to the latest developments in broadcasting and digital entertainment — from AI-powered tools to immersive media solutions. This Japan business trip wasn’t just about understanding our clients or getting updates on current projects — it was also a rare chance to immerse ourselves in Japanese corporate culture, learn from how events are run, and truly feel the professionalism that drives the way people work in Japan. We’re hopeful that this won’t be the last time. Here’s to more chances in the future to reconnect, learn, and grow together. Snapshots from the Business Trip More snapshots from the Classmethod office and our client visit  A cozy space that doubles as a cafeteria and a free-seating work area Poster of the football team that Classmethod sponsors Instructions for staff on how to order food in the cafeteria View of the park from one of the meeting rooms Meeting with Classmethod team members from the project we're collaborating on The client team member prepared a slide showcasing different types of sweets for everyone to choose and try during the meeting. Some photos from the Inter BEE event