The special series to put a spotlight on our international staff, “Eyes, JAPAN Employee Interview” is back! Our 10th interviewee this year is Dinh Thi Kieu Trinh from Vietnam.

She has been working in Eyes, JAPAN for about 8 months, and she started working as a full-time staff from this month! We wanted to ask Trinh about her life in Japan, why she came to Japan and what does he think about working in Eyes, JAPAN.

(Interviewer: Angie)

Takes Pride in Strong Math, Chemistry, and Physics Skills!

What is your favorite thing about your home country?

Trinh: One of my favorite things about my home country, Vietnam, is its incredible diversity and delicious food. The cuisine is a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—making it not only tasty but also very healthy. Fresh vegetables play a significant role in our dishes, and even though I’m not a big fan of vegetables, I love the way they’re incorporated into meals.

Trinh: There are so many amazing dishes to try, and I haven’t even sampled them all yet! Each region has its own unique take on classic meals, so something as simple as a noodle dish can vary greatly depending on where you are. Besides the famous pho and banh mi, there are gems like bun bo Hue, bun cha, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), goi cuon (spring rolls), bun tron nam bo, and hu tieu bun rieu cua,… which I absolutely adore.

Trinh: What’s special is that every cook adds their own unique touch, making each meal distinct and delightful. Even though the cooking process can be intricate and time-consuming, the prices are very reasonable, making it accessible to everyone. Overall, Vietnam is an extraordinary melting pot of flavors and culinary traditions, and I look forward to returning and trying as many dishes as possible!

What do you like about Japan?

Trinh: What I love about Japan is the harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements. The attention to detail in everything, from architecture to cuisine, reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and history. Additionally, the politeness and friendliness of the people create a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home here. Overall, Japan offers a rich cultural experience that I truly appreciate!

What do you think about life in Aizu?

Trinh: Life in Aizu is quite peaceful. The city has a relaxed vibe, surrounded by beautiful nature and mountains, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the scenery. You can feel the history everywhere, especially with landmarks like Tsuruga Castle and traditional streets that add to the charm. Plus, the community is friendly and welcoming, which really enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and appreciate both nature and culture.

What is your academic background and what kind of research are you doing or have you done before?

Trinh: I studied an advanced program in Information Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, which is the top university in Vietnam. After that, I received a MEXT scholarship to transfer to The University of Aizu, where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. My research has focused on computer vision, exploring various aspects and applications of the field. This educational journey has allowed me to deepen my understanding of technology while engaging in meaningful research.

Do you have any things or skills that you are proud of?

Trinh: I take pride in my strong skills in math, chemistry, and physics. Throughout school, I received several awards for my achievements in Math. These skills not only solidified my foundation in technical subjects but also fueled my passion for learning and problem-solving, which has been invaluable in my academic journey.

Loves how Everyone Helps Each Other Out.

How did you know about Eyes, JAPAN and why did you decide to join?

Trinh: I found out about Eyes, Japan through a friend at university. They shared their positive experiences working there, which really piqued my interest. Hearing about the supportive environment and the exciting projects being worked on made me want to join the team and contribute as well. It sounded like the perfect environment for me to grow and develop my skills. I wanted to be part of a team that values collaboration and continuous learning, so it felt like a great fit for my career goals.

What is your role and what kind of projects have you been working on in Eyes Japan?

Trinh: I work as a backend developer but I also do some tasks of front end. I’ve been involved in both website and app development projects. These projects have allowed me to handle both frontend and backend tasks, utilizing a range of technologies to create functional and scalable solutions.

Which customs in Eyes, JAPAN do you like the most?

Trinh: What I like most about the customs at Eyes, Japan is how everyone helps each other out. It creates a really friendly atmosphere where we all pitch in and support one another. This team spirit makes it easier to tackle challenges and keeps the workplace enjoyable. It’s great to know that I can rely on my colleagues, and it definitely makes a positive impact on our projects.

What do you think about the working environment in Eyes, JAPAN?

Trinh: I think the working environment at Eyes, Japan is really great! Everyone’s super friendly and always willing to help each other out, which makes for a nice, supportive vibe. It’s nice to know that we can rely on our teammates when things get tough. Plus, the structured approach to work helps keep everything organized and clear, which I really appreciate. It feels like a fun place to grow and learn while working on interesting projects.

What kind of problems or challenges have you faced while working in Eyes, JAPAN, and how did you solve it?

Trinh: One of the challenges I’ve faced while working has been managing my time effectively. I want to ensure that I don’t spend too long on a task while still producing high-quality work. It can be tricky to strike that balance, especially when you want everything to be perfect. To tackle this, I started setting clearer deadlines for myself and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This way, I can keep track of my progress and avoid getting bogged down in details. I also prioritize tasks based on their importance, which helps me focus on what really matters first. It’s definitely a work in progress, but being more mindful of my time has helped me stay productive without sacrificing quality.

Dream: “To Do What I Love and Bring Value to People!”

How do you balance your working, studying, and private time?

Trinh: Balancing work, study, and personal time is something I’m still struggling with, but I’m working on finding the right approach. I prefer to set long blocks of time to focus solely on work, then dedicate similar long stretches just to study. Once I’ve completed those, I make sure to take personal time for myself. This helps me compartmentalize and concentrate on each task fully, without trying to juggle too much at once. It’s a strategy I find effective, but I’m still working on refining the balance!

What motivates you to keep working and studying?

Trinh: What motivates me to keep working and studying is the desire for continuous growth and improvement. I enjoy learning new skills and staying up-to-date with technology trends, which not only helps me in my current projects but also prepares me for future opportunities. The satisfaction of solving complex problems and seeing the tangible impact of my work keeps me driven. Additionally, I’m motivated by the idea of contributing to meaningful projects that can improve systems or make a difference in people’s lives.

Any advice for people who wants to work in Japan?

Trinh: If you’re looking to work in Japan, just remember to enjoy life while you’re there! Learning some Japanese can help you connect with people, and understanding the local culture will make your experience much richer. Don’t forget to network, getting to know folks can really open up job opportunities. Embrace the adventure and have fun exploring all that Japan has to offer.

What kind of projects do you want to work on in the future?

Trinh: In the future, I’d like to work on backend projects that involve building scalable and efficient systems. I’m particularly interested in working with databases, APIs, and cloud infrastructure, focusing on creating robust and secure architectures. Projects involving data processing, real-time applications, or integrating multiple systems would be exciting, especially if they require optimizing performance and ensuring seamless communication between services.

Lastly, what is your dream?

Trinh: My dream is to do what I love while bringing value to people. I want to work on projects that make a positive impact, whether it’s through technology, education, or community service. It’s important for me to find fulfillment in my work and contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. Ultimately, I hope to create solutions that not only advance my career but also help improve the world around me.

Thank you!

If you are interested in Eyes, JAPAN and would like to hear other stories, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following contact form.

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