Journey to achieving a High Score on the TOEIC L&R Test: Tips and Strategies
In today's global economy, along with professional skills, English proficiency is essential for increased work success and career advancement. You can demonstrate or set specific goals to improve your English proficiency in a variety of ways. An effective strategy for achieving this is to take the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) exam. I recently took the TOEIC test and got a higher score than I expected. Everyone has their own preferred and effective learning methods; however, I hope to share some tips and strategies that can help you prepare for the TOEIC test.
In the strain of a busy life, it’s easy to get exhausted, feel stressed, or even burn out from multiple missions daily. You may receive signals from your body and mind indicating that it’s time to take a break. Have you ever experienced spending 7-8 hours sleeping but when you get up in the morning you still feel stressed and struggle with incomplete problems? That means sleep is not enough for you. Rest is often considered as avoiding working and just increasing the time of sleeping. But that is not the complete answer.
The truth actually goes beyond our normal understanding. According to researchers, there are basically 7 types of rest. Each type of rest can play a crucial role in your physical and mental health. By learning exactly these types of rest, you might help yourself to overcome fatigue and restore your energy in the right manner. Let’s explore what they are!
Physical rest
Physical rest means your body has time to break. Good quality sleep is an important part of this type of rest. It can also include activities like stretching, taking a short break, getting a massage, going for a walk, doing yoga...
When we rest physically, our muscles have time to recover, which helps prevent fatigue and improve the flexibility of the body.
Mental rest
Our brain is the most active organ in our body, constantly working even during sleep. It does everything from basic functions to complicated missions like processing information, thinking, learning, remembering, and decision-making...
Therefore, we need to treat our brain like our muscles so that it has time to rest mentally.
The mindfulness practices include: giving yourself a few minutes of quiet time when you feel struggle, simply taking deep breaths, or practicing meditation...
By allowing yourself to rest mentally, we will help the brain recharge improve concentration, and increase productivity.
Emotional rest
Emotional rest can be described as the way you recognize your true feelings in your mind and express them in the right way. You do not need to fake your feelings to satisfy anyone. If you are not feeling well, just say “I am not okay” and reach out to someone you trust to share, or just write down what you are feeling at that moment on your note. This way will improve your emotional intelligence, connect more with your inner self, and embrace your lovely relationship.
Sensory rest
We live in a world filled with constant distractions—bright lights, loud sounds, and screens all around us. Sensory rest means cutting back on this overload. Simple ways to achieve it include: turning off electronic devices, taking a bath, dimming the lights, closing your eyes, enjoying quiet moments, or spending time in nature... Practicing sensory rest can reduce the strain on your senses and enhance your inner peace, allowing concentration on your mind.
Creative Rest
Creative rest may be a new concept for many people. Unlike traditional rest which encourages the breaks on physical and mental, creative rest focuses on the necessity for inspiration and fresh feeling for new ideas. It is important for all people, not just for individuals who work in creative fields.
This type of rest includes allowing yourself to deep dive into the beauty of nature, participating in activities related to art, music or just making your home or working places more clean, and filled with lovely decorative pictures. By taking creative rest into your daily routine, you will be surrounded by a lot of innovative ideas and refresh yourself every day.
Social Rest
We may feel overwhelmed dealing with complex social interactions in modern life. This is where the concept of social rest comes into play. Social rest means encouraging yourself to get along well with positive and supportive people including some of your family members, and your close friends as well as avoiding toxic relationships that cause you stress and make you feel stuck in certain stages of your life.
In addition, you can also increase your quality time with the one you love by not using the phone when talking with them or spending time going somewhere with them. By focusing on healthy relationships, you can improve your mood and enhance positive perspectives on your relationships.
Spiritual Rest
Seeking further meaning and purpose in life beyond your daily routines is known as spiritual rest.
There are many mysterious things that you could not perceive with the five normal senses. Therefore, you need time to discover and connect with your inner self through meditation and mindfulness, pray or engage in volunteering communities, and help difficult people to figure out how lucky you are in life and the wonderful meaning of life.
In conclusion, rest is extremely important for your overall health and well-being. You should not feel guilty about taking quality time for yourself and engaging in activities that cultivate your soul. Although implementing all seven types of rest into your life may take some time, the advantages are truly extraordinary. So, It’s time to take a deep rest and recharge!
Recently, I had a 4-month onsite trip to Japan, from June 2024 to September 2024.
During this time, Japan was entering the summer season, with long-lasting rains and quite hot weather.
This period included a long holiday of about one week, which was the Obon festival.
We decided to visit Kyoto during this time and had the chance to experience a capsule hotel there.
What is a Capsule Hotel?
A capsule hotel (Kapuseru Hoteru) is a sleeping pod with just enough space for one person to lie down. True to its name, it is shaped like a capsule, with a width and height of about 1 meter and a length of about 2 meters. It is completely different from traditional hotels, which have bathrooms, beds, desks, TVs, refrigerators, etc. It only provides a minimalist space just enough for one person to sleep. In my opinion, the accurate term should be "personal sleeping pod" rather than a hotel. Each area consists of many sleeping pods stacked on top of each other, with a ladder to access the upper pods. Each pod has a mattress, pillow, blanket, a light, and no door, only a curtain. You will only have a space to sleep and charge your phone. Initially, it may feel a bit cramped when you step inside, but it provides exactly what you need for an overnight stay at a much lower price than regular hotels. That is the only private space you'll have. Other services are shared with everyone else. These include showers, restrooms, sinks, hairdryers, refrigerators, and dining areas. Free Wi-Fi is available, and some other services like towels come with a small charge of around 100 yen. Some capsule hotels even have bars and offer dining services at very reasonable prices.
Why choose a Capsule Hotel?
Cost-saving
With a fairly cheap price: only about 3,000 yen per night. Using a traditional hotel might cost up to 10,000 yen per night.
Traveling alone
For those traveling alone, with basic needs like just needing a place to shower, charge your phone, and sleep overnight, this place provides all you need.
Missing the last train
If you've missed the last train to go home and need a place to stay overnight without spending too much money, the capsule hotel is a good choice.
People who want a unique experience
Those who want to experience Japanese culture while traveling will find that this place meets basic needs. Since most spaces are shared, you can meet, chat, and interact with others when staying here.
Disadvantages of using a Capsule Hotel
Limited space, no privacy.
No eating or drinking inside the sleeping pod.
Must maintain quiet, no noise allowed.
You will encounter many strangers as most of the space is shared.
AI and Machine Learning: Transforming Tomorrow’s World Today
Introduction:
In the past years terms like AI, Machine Leaning and Data Science have become more mainstream, and is today something people admire but this space also separate the waters with excitement and fear.
To break down this space into more digestible pieces, I would like to introduce some core concepts for the readers in this short blog.
What is AI and Machine Learning?
Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems that have been developed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Human intelligence is unique but yet humans are still limited compared to AI capabilities as we are limited by time, computation and communication. AI covers various spectrums and the term “AI” works as an umbrella for these, including Machine Learning.
Machine Learning is a subsidiary of AI, and to the core it is about how system have the ability to learn and improve from experience. This means that from a set of data, the system can based on algorithms learn from data without being programmed to do step by step. Some compare machine learning to the way humans learn: Humans identify patterns and have their own predictions, which through a lifetime improves. For example, imagine a machine learning model trained to recognize images of historic buildings. Through the time, the model would be able to recognize and identify each building and location just as humans do but in a much larger scale and speed.
Key Applications of AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are rapidly changing industries from finance and beyond. Here are some areas where AI and machine learning have made a significant impact.
Healthcare: AI is being used to detect diseases early by analyzing medical images and predicting outcomes. Nowadays: algorithms can spot differences in X-rays, identifying potential issues faster than human radiologists.
Finance: In the finance sector AI algorithms is widely used to help detect fraudulent activities by identifying criminal transactions. AI is also used in financial planning, stock trading, and personalized customer service.
The Prospects and Challenges of AI and Machine Learning
The potential of AI is beyond our wildest imagination, but one thing is sure, AI will change the world as we know it today. With great power comes great responsibility, and AI is not mistake free and some question some areas related to AI.
Ethical Concerns: As AI can make decisions with little human interaction, questions about privacy, surveillance, and biases in decision-making are growing.
Job Displacement: Automation through AI often leads to the discussion of job displacement in sectors reliant on repetitive tasks. On the other hand, it can also create new job opportunities in AI development, oversight, and data science.
Conclusion:
The influence of AI and machine learning will continue to contribute to our lives and will become a substantial bigger part of the society as we know today. While some changes might seem intimidating, understanding these technologies helps us appreciate their potential and manage their challenges.
Life is a journey of giving and receiving, where each of us plays an essential role in the chain. So, don't hesitate to open your heart to others. Many individuals and places in the world are eager for your kindness and a warm embrace. Sometimes, a loving glance, a friendly smile, or a heartfelt word is all it takes to uplift someone!
We inhabit a world filled with uncertainties, human suffering, and significant environmental challenges. How can we show this care to lessen the misfortunes we face and those of others?
The simplest truth is: "Everyone should learn to share, give, and offer the best of what they have to others." Life is indeed a continuous cycle of giving and receiving. There are countless ways we can contribute, from material gifts to sharing advice, and experiences, heartfelt words, or even a sympathetic glance and a kind smile.
These acts of sharing reflect our love for others. In return, we are sure to receive many wonderful things from this noble act of giving. Sharing often brings about miraculous changes in life. Regardless of the circumstances, we can always care for and support one another. Remember, when you radiate happiness and joy, you positively influence those around you.
As the saying goes: "To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you can be the whole world." Moreover, the first beneficiary of your generosity is yourself.
Each of us has something to give away and can also receive. When we share and care for one another, both the giver and the receiver gain the most precious gifts in life. This sharing enriches our characters and leaves a lasting impression in the memories of friends, family, and society. Sharing brings joy, happiness, health, and even life to others. As long as you are sincere, you will never regret sharing what you have, because giving is everlasting!
In the grand picture of life, each action of kindness and generosity we weave not only enriches the lives of others but also enhances our own.
By opening our hearts and sharing what we can—be it time, or simple gestures of warmth means we are contributing to a cycle of compassion that uplifts everyone involved. Remember, even the smallest act can create ripples of change, reminding us that our contributions matter.
Finally, the true gift of giving is the joy and fulfillment it brings to both the giver and the receiver. Giving is indeed everlasting, and in its embrace, we all find a deeper sense of living purpose.
In the rush of our daily lives, we often overlook the profound role trust plays in our everyday interactions. Trust is one of the most fundamental pillars of human relationships, yet it’s also one of the most fragile. It requires time and steady effort to build but can be destroyed in a moment. Whether in personal or professional settings, trust is the bridge that allows us to build deeper connections together, enabling collaboration, intimacy, and mutual growth.
Trust - The Heartbeat of Relationships
Trust isn’t just about believing someone will keep their promises, it's about giving us the freedom to share our true selves without fear of judgment or rejection. When we trust others, we allow them into our lives, offering a space where they can be their authentic selves as well.
Think about the people you trust the most. These are the ones you lean on in times of joy or hardship, whether sharing personal feelings or facing challenges together. In these moments, trust allows you to collaborate, support one another, and create solutions that neither of you could achieve alone. It’s a powerful force that builds bridges, creates opportunities, and paves the way to shared success. Without trust, relationships can easily become a struggle—a cycle of doubt, suspicion, and anxiety that weakens the bond over time.
The Power of Trust in All Aspects of Life
Trust is essential in every aspect of life—be it personal or professional. It’s the foundation on which healthy relationships are built and flourished. In personal relationships, trust is what gives us the courage to love and be loved in return. It’s the glue that holds friendships, partnerships, and family ties together, allowing us to feel secure and supported.
In professional settings, trust enables colleagues to rely on each other, creating a cohesive environment where collaboration thrives. With trust, teams can innovate, take risks, and pursue ambitious goals, knowing that they have mutual support. When employees trust their leaders, and when leaders trust their teams, an atmosphere of respect, loyalty, and dedication takes root. This results in enhanced productivity, stronger relationships, and a culture of success.
Protecting and Strengthening Trust
Trust is a delicate bond, easily broken if not carefully protected and valued. Once damaged, it takes time, patience, and genuine effort to rebuild. But when trust is strong, it becomes a lasting force that can weather even the toughest storms.
It's important to remember that trust isn’t a given, it’s earned through small, everyday actions. Simple actions like keeping promises, being reliable, and offering support during difficult times are the building blocks that keep trust strong.
Trust - A Seed to Be Nurtured
Trust is like a seed planted in the hearts of others, needing daily care and nurturing to grow. Just like a garden, it needs consistent attention, through both words and actions. When we work together to build an environment based on trust, we don’t just build stronger relationships—we create a more harmonious, connected community.
As we go through life, let’s embrace the power of trust—both in others and in ourselves. Let’s be honest, reliable, and open, giving those around us the space to do the same.
Remember, trust is the most precious gift we can give to one another. By building and maintaining it, we’re not just strengthening our individual bonds, but we’re also contributing to a world where respect and mutual support flourish.
Last week, I made a business trip to Singapore after a decade, and I was struck by how much has changed. Upon entering the airport, I noticed Singapore's enhanced cleanliness, modernity, and advanced automotive technology.
I felt a mix of familiarity and novelty, which made me excited to explore further.
In my view, Singapore is a vibrant tapestry of food, culture, and community. The food scene is incredible, with hawker centers offering everything from chili crab to fresh frog porridge and even Bak Kwa. The blend of cultures—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others—creates a unique social fabric and a rich culinary experience.
Singapore is renowned as a major shopping destination, featuring a wide array of luxury brands. Visitors enjoy exploring the bustling shopping districts, making it a unique experience for travelers who come to indulge in retail therapy.
The people of Singapore are renowned for their hard work and efficiency, which reflect the country’s strong work ethic. At the same time, a vibrant sense of community and multiculturalism creates a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
Culturally, Singapore beautifully merges tradition with modernity. Historic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India stand in contrast to the futuristic skyline and dynamic art scene. I can tell you have a deep appreciation for how these elements come together! What’s your favorite aspect of the city?
During my visit, I had the opportunity to attend a significant exhibition that covers various IT fields. Many companies showcased their products and explored opportunities to attract customers and expand their market reach. Most participants were based in Singapore or the US, with offices in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other locations. I also took the time to visit some customers and partners with whom we will be collaborating soon.
Although my itinerary was short, I packed it with activities, savoring the local cuisine and revisiting familiar places I hadn’t seen in years. I’m confident that if you have the opportunity to visit Singapore, you’ll share my admiration for the city. Thank you for allowing me to have such a wonderful experience!
Minimalism has become a familiar concept to many of us. It's evolved beyond just home decor and has become a meaningful lifestyle choice for many. This way aims to simplify all aspects of life, from work to relationships.
So, what exactly is a minimalist lifestyle, and how can you start implementing it? Let's dive in.
WHAT IS MINIMALIST LIVING?
Minimalism is all about finding joy and purpose in the essentials. It's a conscious choice to focus on what truly matters, shedding the excess that often weighs us down. At its core, minimalism promotes simplicity, intentionality, and a greater appreciation for the present.
BENEFITS OF MINIMALIST LIVING
Saving Costs: Owning fewer items means spending less on purchases, storage, and maintenance. Those savings can then be redirected towards experiences that enrich your life, like travel with loved ones.
Gaining Time: Decluttering your space and possessions frees up time that would have been spent organizing, cleaning, and managing stuff. This time can now be invested in your priorities.
Improving Well-Being: Minimalism can alleviate stress by reducing the mental and physical burden of excess belongings. It allows you to be more present and grateful for what you have.
Protecting the Environment: By consuming less, you contribute to the conservation of natural resources and reduce your environmental footprint.
STEPS TO EMBRACE MINIMALIST LIVING
Clean up:
Take stock of your possessions and let go of anything you haven't used in the past 3 months. Donate, sell, or recycle these items responsibly.
Re-organize:
Adopt a minimalist aesthetic in your home decor. Choose functional, versatile furniture and organize your belongings for easy access.
Budget planning:
Create a spending plan that aligns with your minimalist values. Carefully consider each purchase and prioritize experiences over material goods.
Cultivate Habits:
Make decluttering, organizing, and intentional living a regular practice. Being neat and tidy is key to maintaining a minimalist lifestyle.
Final thoughts:
In closing, embracing a minimalist lifestyle is making intentional choices that enhance our quality of life. By focusing on what truly matters, we can cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment that often gets lost in the chaos of modern living. As you take steps toward minimalism, remember that it’s a personal journey unique to you. Embracing minimalism can lead to a more meaningful and enriched life, allowing you to prioritize experiences, relationships, and personal growth over material possessions.
Embracing minimalism is a journey, not a destination. Start small, and stay persistent, and you'll find that your life becomes more streamlined, purposeful, and fulfilling.
The Role and Importance of Team Contributions in Agile Development
In software development, agile methodology thrives on the active engagement and collaboration between team members. Different from traditional and more rigid structures, the agile approach empowers team members to actively contribute with insights and concerns for discussion, all to drive the project´s best possible outcome. In this short blog, we will take you through a few concepts that can leverage and provide insights into the role and importance of team contributions in Agile Development.
Cross-Functional Expertise Drives Innovation:
Agile teams tend to be cross-functional, meaning they consist of many different team roles. The roles are many with a mix of developers, testers, designers, and other vital roles working together. The different skill sets and experiences combined foster creativity and innovation in a team.
Cohesive Problem-Solving: Every member brings insights, and suggestions for improvement, and gives constructive feedback, leading to innovative solutions that individuals may overlook.
Fast Issue solving: With a diverse range of experts in a team, problems can be identified and resolved faster, reducing bottlenecks and keeping the project on track.
Ownership and Accountability Drives Motivation:
As an agile team, every team member is empowered with a sense of ownership over their work, fostering a culture that ensures that every member understands the responsibilities of their work. This sense of responsibility will improve the quality and also motivate team members to engage in the project more actively.
Understand Responsibility: All member´s input is valued and heard. Team members are encouraged to speak up, catch issues early, or deliver key components of the project.
Enhanced Commitment: A clear understanding of their role in the project's success is vital for team members. This will reflect each member´s commitment and reactiveness, driving the overall progress forward.
Communication and Collaboration Lead to Alignment:
The agile methodology emphasizes on regular meetings, such as daily stand-ups, sprint meetings, and retrospective meetings. This is to keep everyone aligned and informed. Open communication ensures that every team member is aware of the project’s goals, priorities, and current status.
Clear Goals: Regular check-ins are important to align the entire team to be on the same page, discussing potential misunderstandings and reducing time spent on problems.
Fast Decision-Making: With effective communication, teams can make quick adjustments to priorities based on the scrum master´s instant feedback to ensure that the most valuable work is always being done first.
Conclusion
The success of adapting agile development is deeply connected to the contributions of its team members. The team members should be aligned with the company´s values and vision in offering agile development that exceeds the expectations of its customers. This can only be done if a development team is united and every member is aware of their own responsibility. By promoting a culture of collaboration, openness, and clear communication, agile teams can deliver faster, adapt better, and produce higher-quality results.
At ISB Vietnam, we foster an environment that praises openness and clear communication. With more than 20 years of experience in developing customized solutions for our clients, we understand the needs and expectations of our clients demand for exceptional software solutions.
The 3rd Remarkable Training and Sightseeing Journey to Tokyo of ISB Vietnam (IVC)
In July 2024, amidst the gentle rains of Tokyo's summer, IVC’s third and final group embarked on an unforgettable training and sightseeing trip to ISB Group’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This journey, commemorating the 20th anniversary of IVC, was more than just a professional endeavor; it was a celebration of the strong bond between IVC and our parent company in Japan.
Our team this time, comprising dedicated IVC employees from various departments, was eager to gain insights and new experiences from the training session with our Japanese colleagues from the parent company and other subsidiaries in the Group. The session was designed not only to discuss about technical knowledge but also to foster cultural exchange and explore future collaboration opportunities within the ISB Group.
The training session concluded with a warm and joyful welcome party organized by our parent company. It was a perfect ending to a productive day, allowing us to unwind and connect with our Japanese colleagues in a relaxed setting. The hospitality and camaraderie shown by our hosts were heartwarming, making us feel truly appreciated.
While the primary focus of the trip was on training and engagement with our Japanese colleagues, the sightseeing aspect of the journey added a layer of cultural enrichment. Tokyo, with its blend of tradition and modernity, offered a plethora of experiences that left a lasting impression on our team. Despite the rainy season, the city’s charm was undiminished. From the historic temples of Asakusa to the bustling streets of Shibuya, our team explored the diverse facets of Tokyo.
The sightseeing itinerary included visits to some of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. The majestic Meiji Shrine, set amidst a lush forest, provided a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The team also marveled at the technological wonders displayed at the Tokyo Sky tree, which offered breathtaking views of the city. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern, evident in every corner of Tokyo, was a source of inspiration and reflection for our team.
The trip was a resounding success, marked by strong connections and promising prospects for future collaboration. The bonds forged during this journey are expected to translate into enhanced teamwork and cooperation, both within ISB Vietnam and with our parent company. The insights gained from the training sessions and the cultural experiences in Tokyo have equipped our team with new perspectives and renewed motivation.
As we look ahead, the successful conclusion of our trip sets a positive tone for the future. The strong relationships built during this journey are a foundation upon which we can build more collaborative projects and initiatives.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to our parent company for their generous support and for hosting us with such warmth and hospitality. This journey has been a significant milestone in our 20-year journey, and we are committed to drive our future growth for the next journey of 30-year and 40-year. As we return to our daily routines, we carry with us the lessons learned, the experiences shared, and the promise of a brighter, more connected future for ISB Vietnam and our parent company.
