Online Retailing Triumph #2: Success comes from Small Features

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

Many at SupremeTech may have already heard the inspiring journey from an unpaid trial to the Vice President of Mr. Nguyen Huu The Vi, now our Vice President. During his appointment ceremony, Mr. Truong Dinh Hoang, our Chairman, recalled the first time he met Mr. Vi at his interview years ago. From a candidate who once offered to work for free during his trial period, he has risen to Vice President—an incredible journey marked by perseverance, dedication, and growth. Today, let's meet Mr. Vi and listen to his unforgettable experiences! Opportunities Aren’t Given – They’re Created from Within - Can you recall your first interview day? Of course! That day, the interviewer asked in-depth questions about a framework I wasn’t very experienced with. I knew I could handle it if I had time to study. But I didn’t perform as well as I wanted during the interview. Even though I didn’t get an immediate response, I was very interested in the discussion and eager to take on challenges. When Mr. Toan walked me out, I said: "Please hire me! I am willing to work for free during the trial period. If I can’t do it, I will leave on my own." Of course, I was paid during the trial period. SupremeTech never asked me to work for free. But at that moment, my words weren’t just a proposal but a commitment to myself. A Fast Learner with a Growth Mindset: Overcoming Early Challenges - How did you feel during your trial period? I only worked one month in my two-month trial period. In the second month, I had health issues and had to be hospitalized. - That’s surprising! How did you pass the trial period with only one month? From the very beginning, I jumped straight into work. During this time, I realized why I didn’t perform well in my interview—not just because of my technical knowledge, but also my understanding of teamwork and processes. Once I figured that out, I was able to improve and prove my abilities. One of my strengths is my ability to focus. This strength helped me learn quickly, whether researching or adapting to new things. I constantly ask 'Why?' to understand the root cause of problems instead of just looking at the surface. If something was unclear, I immediately asked questions to clarify before starting my work. - Did being proactive help you succeed? Being proactive is essential, but more than that, the ability to learn is key. Always observe, analyze, research, and learn from leaders, colleagues, and younger team members. Continuous learning is the only way to keep up and not fall behind. Why Great Teams Matter More Than Great Individuals - Some say that one talented person cannot make a strong team. What do you think? I completely agree. A strong team is not just a group of talented individuals – it’s a team that supports and grows together with a win-win mindset. Imagine an organization as a box. The people inside are the driving force. Their impact remains limited if they stay still, no matter how skilled they are. But if each person continuously moves, innovates, shares knowledge, and supports one another, the box will expand, allowing the organization to grow further. - Was there a turning point in your career? When I joined the company, I noticed that the Front-end team was still young. Previously, the company only had a Web team that included both Front-end and Back-end. I took the initiative to analyze the situation and propose solutions to the team manager. Instead of just listening, the manager encouraged me to present my ideas to the company members. I had never spoken in front of a big audience before, but I stepped up and challenged myself. I still keep the slides from that presentation as a milestone in my journey. After that, I got the chance to train interns. I embraced this responsibility, continuously learning and growing alongside my teammates. Another key moment was my first project after becoming a full-time employee. That project faced major challenges with complex, slow APIs, causing delays and stress for the PM. Instead of waiting, I discussed with the Front-end leader, gathered the team, analyzed the problem, and found a solution. Once we developed a solid plan, I presented it to the PM. Our approach fixed the issues and received great feedback from the client. This experience taught me the importance of responsibility, proactiveness, and teamwork – all essential elements of a strong team. - Have you ever felt your teammates weren’t good enough and wished they could work faster or better? Everyone has their strengths. Instead of complaining, we should help each other improve. When the team strengthens, work becomes smoother, and everyone can go further together. Giving Honest Feedback to Grow Together as a Team - Are you a straightforward person at work? Yes, very! If there’s an issue, I address it. But what matters most is how we communicate – feedback should help us improve, not criticize. (Laughs) I always believe, "Don't judge people; evaluate the problem." When receiving feedback, we should be open-minded because no one is perfect. Only by facing reality, listening, and improving can we move forward. Fearlessly Meeting Challenges Head-On - What helped you rise from a trial employee to Vice President? It has been a long journey filled with challenges. But one thing I always believe in is continuous learning. The company's "Continuous Learning" core value has guided me throughout my career. I learn from people, work, and even my mistakes. But learning alone isn’t enough – action is key. I always ask myself: "What more can I do?" A job without challenges becomes boring. Challenges push us to grow. Stepping up, facing difficulties, and setting new goals keeps my passion alive. I take the initiative to tackle problems that haven’t been solved yet. I observe the organization’s needs, listen to concerns, research, analyze, and act. Only by doing can we see the bigger picture, understand strengths and weaknesses, and decide the next step. - Any advice for young professionals starting their careers? Just do it – give your best effort! Keep your enthusiasm in everything you do. Most importantly, never stop learning – learn from colleagues, seniors, and even juniors. Every experience, big or small, holds value. The question is whether you are ready to embrace and turn it into your strength. Mr. Vi’s story from an unpaid trial to Vice President is more than career growth—it truly reflects the SupremeTech-er spirit. From proactively taking his first opportunity to persistently learning and improving himself, he embodies commitment and responsibility in his work. He strives for his own success and supports his teammates, creating an environment for collective growth. With honesty and openness, he faces challenges, listens to feedback, and continuously improves. Most importantly, he never stops learning because his growth journey never ends. The company’s core values are not just present in his work but are deeply ingrained in every step and decision. And that’s what makes his journey truly inspiring. Fascinating. Thank you, Mr. Vi, for sharing your inspiring story from an unpaid trial to Vice President with us! >>> Read more: From Seeking The Path to Leading The Way: Phuoc’s Journey at SupremeTech

OTTclouds Wins Sao Khue Award 2025 – A Proud Moment for SupremeTech

We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone in SupremeTech’s journey! Our flagship product, OTTclouds, has officially been honored with the Sao Khue Award 2025, one of Vietnam’s most prestigious awards in the software and IT industry.  This recognition marks a proud moment for our entire team and highlights the innovation, dedication, and impact behind OTTclouds — our all-in-one cloud-based platform for OTT, FAST channel, and VOD streaming. As we celebrate this achievement, we’re also looking ahead to new opportunities to expand our reach and support the digital transformation of the media industry both in Vietnam and around the world. SupremeTech – Building Innovative Digital Solutions SupremeTech is a software company based in Da Nang, Vietnam, delivering tailor-made digital solutions to clients worldwide. Our team excels in a wide range of services, including web and mobile application development, AI and data engineering, cloud infrastructure and DevOps, quality assurance and software testing, as well as providing dedicated development teams for long-term collaboration. One of our primary products is OTTclouds – a comprehensive solution for streaming video content over the internet. This platform has enabled media companies to launch services quickly and scale efficiently. And now, OTTclouds has been honored with one of the most respected tech awards in Vietnam. What is OTTclouds? OTTclouds is an all-in-one FAST channel and OTT streaming solution that helps businesses deliver video content online. It includes services for: Streaming FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported TV)Video on Demand (VOD)Content management system (CMS)User and subscription managementAdvertising integrationCross-device support (Smart TVs, mobile apps, web)Analytics to track viewer behavior and platform performance OTTclouds helps content owners reduce costs, speed up time-to-market, and scale their services easily. It’s ideal for media companies seeking to deliver high-quality streaming without incurring the expense of building expensive infrastructure. From Global Projects to the Local Market Since its launch, OTTclouds has been utilized in numerous international projects, enabling media businesses to deliver content to audiences worldwide. Our platform helps clients: Save money on servers and hardware.Launch new streaming services faster.Reach users across many platforms.Grow their systems in tandem with their audience's growth. Now, we’re ready to bring OTTclouds to more businesses in Vietnam. As the demand for online content continues to rise, local broadcasters, publishers, and content creators are seeking new ways to engage with their viewers. OTTclouds is here to help them do that with a modern, flexible, and easy-to-use solution. Why the Sao Khue Award Matters Winning the Sao Khue Award 2025 is a proud and meaningful achievement for both OTTclouds and the entire SupremeTech team. More than just a prestigious award, this recognition is a clear validation that our hard work is creating real impact and value for the media and broadcasting industry. Presented by VINASA (Vietnam Software and IT Services Association), the Sao Khue Award is one of the highest honors in Vietnam’s technology sector. Each year, it highlights the most innovative and high-performing software products in the country, and OTTclouds was selected in the category of New Software Products and Solutions for its flexibility, scalability, and practical benefits to the media industry. This milestone reinforces our commitment to developing future-ready, cloud-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of content providers. It also provides us with a strong foundation to build greater trust with new clients, expand our presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and continue to improve our product to serve a wider network of partners. We are deeply grateful to the judging committee for this recognition and sincerely thank all our clients and partners who have supported and believed in us along the way. Ready to Build Your Streaming Platform? If you’re looking to launch an OTT or FAST channel service or want to enhance your current video streaming system, OTTclouds is ready to support you. Learn more about OTT Streaming Solution and contact us for a demo or consultation. Let’s build the future of digital broadcasting — together.

From Seeking The Path to Leading The Way: Phuoc’s Journey at SupremeTech

Are you curious how someone with no IT background made a bold leap into tech and ended up leading a team? Starting with no formal IT background, Phuoc took a leap of faith into the world of Infrastructure at SupremeTech. What began as a fresh start during the pandemic has become an inspiring tech career journey from entry-level newcomer to the leader of our Infrastructure team. In this inspiring interview, Phuoc shares the lessons learned, the power of making mistakes, and how embracing challenges helped shape his career in tech. First Impressions That Last Hi Phuoc! What was your first impression when you joined SupremeTech?I still remember my first day at SupremeTech. What impressed me most… was the smell of a brand-new office! (laughs)It might sound funny, but that paint smell felt comforting. It reminded me of my first job after graduation, working at a new construction site—filled with excitement, hope, and anticipation. Whenever I catch that same scent, it brings back the feeling of a fresh start. From Tourism to Tech: A Career Switch Sparked by Fate We heard you used to work in the tourism industry. What made you switch to IT?Yes, I worked as an admin in the tourism sector. Shifting careers felt like fate. Honestly, it might sound silly, but I chose SupremeTech mainly because they offered a MacBook! (laughs).At the time, I was looking to change my career to IT Infrastructure and had passed interviews at two companies. But when I discovered SupremeTech would provide a MacBook, I was so excited I couldn’t say no.Back then, I felt like a blank sheet of paper. Starting in a completely new field was a huge challenge. But thanks to the support from my teammates, I slowly adapted and began to grow. Starting During COVID: Remote Work and Early Struggles Changing industries isn’t easy. What was the toughest challenge for you?I joined SupremeTech during the COVID pandemic, so the biggest challenge was starting remotely. I didn’t know anyone, and everything was done over Google Meet. Building connections, understanding the work, or communicating effectively was hard. When we finally returned to the office, I was so happy to meet my teammates, mentors, and colleagues in person. That’s when my real learning journey began.One of the most memorable challenges? Making mistakes. I’ve never been afraid of being wrong—in fact, I enjoy it. I made many mistakes initially, but each one taught me something. Most of them happened because I didn’t think far enough ahead. Over time, I learned to be more thoughtful and less overconfident. Lessons from Mistakes: Learning the Hard Way How did you manage to get through those mistakes?Mistakes are valuable lessons. Now, I even create small “traps” in internship assignments based on the mistakes I once made. It helps them encounter real problems and learn through hands-on experience. You remember things better when you figure them out yourself, rather than just reading about them. After every project, our team writes a retrospective report noting what could have been done better. One mistake equals one lifelong lesson. Facing Challenges with a Grateful Mindset You talk a lot about challenges—what does that word mean to you?To me, challenges are a kind of “fate”. They don’t just happen by chance. You have to find a way to overcome them when they show up.They might feel overwhelming at the moment, but when I look back, I feel grateful—even thankful for the people who gave me those challenges. Every company has its problems. What matters is how you deal with them and what you learn along the way. From Fresher to Team Leader: A Role Earned Through Action You’re a team leader now. How did that role come to you?Honestly, I didn’t expect to become a leader so soon. But I’ve never been the type to wait around for task assignment. At the associate level, I tried to help interns and share my experience. I focused on building strong communication and genuine connections.As a mentor, I always try to lead by example. So when I was promoted, I already felt ready. When you sincerely help others, good things naturally come your way. A Culture of Calm and Growth What’s something special about the work environment at SupremeTech?SupremeTech has a very peaceful work environment. There’s no office politics or unnecessary drama. It’s a safe and supportive place where people can grow. But that doesn’t mean the work is easy. During projects, it can feel like going into battle. Everyone has to stay sharp and take ownership to solve problems. It’s an outstanding balance—our culture is kind, but our work ethic is fierce. That reflects SupremeTech's core values: be kind in life and embrace Passion and Challenge at work. Words of Advice for Young IT Professionals What would you say to young people just starting their careers in IT?Make mistakes while you still can. Don’t be afraid to be wrong. You’ll learn more from your errors than from any books.Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t avoid difficult things, especially if you want to grow beyond your comfort zone. Looking Back: Any Regrets? Looking back at your tech career journey, do you have any regrets?Not at all. Every step I’ve taken has been worth it. Skills are essential, but the environment shapes who you become. I love investigating new problems and finding solutions. My curiosity has given me more experiences than most people at my level haven’t had, which helps me grow every day. Final thought Thank you, Phuoc, for sharing your honest and inspiring story. We wish you continued passion, positivity, and success on your tech career journey with SupremeTech!

How to Upgrade Aurora MySQL Databases: Lessons Learned from SupremeTech

Upgrading a critical database like Aurora MySQL can feel daunting. We want better performance and a smooth system, but downtime and data risks can loom large. At SupremeTech, we’ve tackled this challenge head-on and shared our proven approach.  This insight comes from Mr. Phuoc Pham, our Infrastructure Manager, who presented at the morning session of "Harnessing AI on AWS: Transforming Software Builders for the Future" event by AWS and MegazoneCloud. The event focused on giving software companies tools, strategies, and real-world solutions to innovate, boost performance, and grow globally with AI. In his talk, Mr. Phuoc revealed our 6-step process that minimizes risks, protects data, and increases efficiency. Here’s how we did it, key lessons learned, and how you can ensure a smooth and risk-free database upgrade. Mr. Phuoc Pham, our Infrastructure Manager, presented the lesson learned from Aurora MySQL upgrades SupremeTech’s contribution to the AWS and Megazone event SupremeTech partners with AWS and MegazoneCloud to share our expertise in tackling technical challenges. In the morning session, Mr. Phuoc Pham delivered a presentation on lessons learned from Aurora MySQL upgrades, offering practical tips for software companies to optimize their infrastructure. In the afternoon, our chairman, Mr. Truong Dinh Hoang, joined a panel discussion on future trends for ISVs, highlighting strategies for growth and innovation. These contributions underscored SupremeTech’s commitment to helping businesses enhance performance and scale smarter. In the afternoon panel discussion, Mr. Truong Dinh Hoang shared about the market expansion and future trends for ISVs. The Challenges of Upgrading Aurora MySQL Mr. Phuoc kicked off by sharing real-world challenges we faced with a client’s Aurora MySQL upgrades: Minimal downtime: We had to finish in under 2 hours, including rollback time if needed.System stability: Our database powers multiple services, so it had to stay reliable post-upgrade.Fast rollback: We needed a quick way to revert without losing data if something went wrong.User impact: Our process had to keep disruptions low and customer trust high. These hurdles might sound familiar if you’ve upgraded a system. The key to achieving this is a structured and well-tested upgrade process. Mr. Phuoc Pham presented the challenges of upgrades for our client’s system. The 6-Step Database Upgrade Process At SupremeTech, we follow a 6-step upgrade process to ensure a smooth transition. Step 1: Collect and Analyze Data Before the Upgrade Preparation is everything. Before making any changes, assessing your current database setup is essential. This helps identify potential risks and prepare for a smooth transition. Mr. Phuoc emphasized checking: Database Schema & Objects – Make sure there are no conflicts with the new version.Connected Applications – Identify all services using the database.Custom Database Settings – Compare parameter changes between versions.Performance Metrics – Monitor CPU, memory, query latency, and transaction speed. We gather this information using tools like database logs, security groups, and queries like SHOW FULL PROCESSLIST. This step prepares us for a smooth upgrade. Mr. Phuoc shared one of our 6-step upgrade processes. Step 2: Choose the Right Upgrade Method with C.I.D.D.E.R Framework Not all upgrade methods are the same. Depending on your system’s needs, you may choose one of the following: Snapshot Restore – Reliable but requires full backup and longer downtime.Clone Cluster – Fast rollback but requires additional storage.In-Place Upgrade – Minimal downtime but higher risk.Blue/Green Deployment – Safest rollback option but costly. At SupremeTech, we use the C.I.D.D.E.R framework to decide the best method based on: Complexity: How hard is the upgrade?Infrastructure Cost: What’s the budget hit?Downtime: How long will it take?Dependencies: What else relies on our database?Expertise: Do we have the skills?Rollback Strategy: How easy is it to undo? Choosing the right upgrade method can reduce risk and save time. For this case—a 10GB database, multiple services, and a team still building experience—we chose an in-place upgrade with a clone cluster backup for quick rollback by renaming the database cluster. It kept the endpoint intact and downtime under 2 hours. Step 3: Test with a Dry Run “There’s no place like production,” Mr. Phuoc quipped, stressing the need for practice.  A dry-run is a test upgrade performed in a staging environment to catch problems before they affect real users. We run dry runs on a cloned database and DEV/STG environments to: Detects issues before they impact production.Reduces unexpected downtime.Helps estimate the actual upgrade time. This extra step can save hours of troubleshooting later. Step 4: Fine-Tuning Based on Dry-Run Results After testing, we adjust the process: Adjust database settings.Fix errors from the dry run.Shorten execution time for less downtime.Refine rollback procedures.Update guides for our team. A few small tweaks before the upgrade can prevent major issues after it. Step 5: Deployment – The Actual Upgrade With everything tested and fine-tuned, it's time to execute the upgrade in production. How we ensure success: Perform the upgrade during low-traffic hours.Keep the rollback plan ready.Monitor logs in real time for any errors. Having a clear step-by-step deployment plan prevents last-minute surprises. Step 6: Monitor After the Upgrade Post-upgrade, we track key metrics like: Resources: CPU, memory, disk usage.Performance: Query response time, QPS, TPS.Errors: Any glitches or slow queries.Data Integrity: No data loss or corruption. Continuous monitoring after the upgrade helps us spot issues quickly, reducing troubleshooting time and minimizing the impact on our customers. We monitor key performance metrics for both the new and old databases to compare. We also watch the four golden signals—latency, traffic, errors, and saturation—to get a full picture of system health. At SupremeTech, we use AI-powered tools like Amazon Q to analyze database logs and detect anomalies faster than manual monitoring. Why post-upgrade monitoring matters: Quickly identifies hidden performance issues.Ensures the upgrade was 100% successful.Helps optimize for better database efficiency. Boosted performance and customer trust are critical criteria when we implement upgrades. Results & Lessons Learned Our Results By following this 6-step process, SupremeTech successfully upgraded Aurora MySQL with: Done in under 2 hours of downtime.Lowered infra costs with smarter planning.Boosted performance and customer trust. Key Takeaways Mr. Phuoc wrapped up with these gems: Prep is everything: Gathering and analyzing info before the upgrade is critical to spot risks early.Plan for data checks: We ensure data integrity with a solid verification plan.Pick the right approach: We choose deployment and rollback methods that fit our clients’ operations.Keep monitoring: Continuous tracking helps us stay ahead of issues.Automate with AI: Using AI and tools speeds us up and cuts errors. Wrapping Up Upgrading a database doesn’t have to be a risky, stressful process. You can confidently upgrade with the right preparation, testing, and monitoring. Thanks to Mr. Phuoc Pham’s presentation at the AWS and MegazoneCloud event, our 6-step process at SupremeTech proves you can keep risks low, protect data, and emerge stronger when doing Aurora MySQL upgrades. If your company is planning a database upgrade and needs expert guidance, contact our team at SupremeTech. We help businesses upgrade critical databases without disruption. Want to learn more about cloud database best practices? Stay tuned for more insights from our tech experts! Related articles about AWS: Mastering AWS Lambda: An Introduction to Serverless ComputingCreate Your First AWS Lambda Function (Node.js, Python, and Go)Triggers and Events: How AWS Lambda Connects with the WorldBest Practices for Building Reliable AWS Lambda Functions