ISB VIETNAM CO.,LTD Outsourcing & Product

SDGs

January 26, 2024

How IVC joins hands to support a sustainable future

In the context that global challenges are more pressing than ever, companies worldwide are taking a stand to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future.

As a leading Japanese software outsourcing company in Vietnam, IVC is not only committed to delivering top-notch technological solutions but also to making a positive impact on the environment and society. In this blog post, we will write about IVC's commitment to sustainability, the initiatives we have undertaken, and the impact on both our business and the community.

The first is a brief introduction about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015. These goals are designed to address various challenges facing the world, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. These global goals serve as a roadmap for creating positive change on a global scale, and we believe that every business has a role to play in achieving them.

In the next part, we will write about some specific initiatives IVC has implemented to support the SDGs.

Employee Welfare Programs:

Our belief in sustainability extends to our greatest asset – our employees. IVC is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture that values the well-being of our employees. Through comprehensive wellness programs, reasonable work arrangements, and continuous learning opportunities, we ensure that our employees develop both professionally and personally.
Community Engagement:

In the past years, IVC has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives; each designed to address pressing social issues and contribute to the realization of the SDGs. Some typical charity activities in recent years include sponsoring Vietnam's Covid-19 vaccine fund, donating blood, sponsoring SOS children's villages, supporting many social activities of The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (JCCH)...
Internship opportunities for new graduates:

Understanding the concerns of new graduates in finding a professional internship environment, every year IVC creates many job opportunities for new graduates. When joining IVC's team, they not only received both theoretical and practical training in the real project environment but also earned a deserved income.

As we reflect on our past achievements, we look forward to continuing our charitable initiatives, expanding our impact, and working towards a future where every action brings us closer to achieving the SDGs. Join us on this meaningful journey!

ARTICLE

January 23, 2024

10 Tips To Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination is a very common problem that most of us encounter at some point in our lives. Often, we know what we need to do and when we need to do it, but we can't take action which often leads to procrastination. It can be a major obstacle to achieving our goals and maximizing productivity. It refers to the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often resulting in unnecessary stress and missed opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore 10 practical tips to help you overcome procrastination and regain control of your time and productivity.

Set clear goals

Setting clear and specific goals provides a sense of direction and purpose. Define achievable objectives and break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach allows you to focus on one step at a time, making it easier to get started and stay motivated.

Prioritize tasks

Not all tasks are equal. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. The Eisenhower Matrix can be a helpful tool for categorizing tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. By identifying and addressing high-priority tasks first, you can avoid unnecessary delays.

Create a schedule

Creating a schedule helps structure your day and provides a visual roadmap of your tasks. Allocate specific time slots for each task, considering your peak productivity hours. Utilize digital tools such as Google Calendar… or traditional planners to organize your schedule effectively. Stick to the schedule as much as possible to develop a productive routine.

Eliminate distractions

Distractions can significantly hinder your progress and lead to procrastination. Identify common distractions, such as social media or unnecessary notifications, and take steps to minimize their impact. Utilize apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites or set your phone to silent mode during focused work periods.

Start with small steps

Getting started is often the most challenging part. Overcome procrastination by taking small actions toward your tasks. Break them down into smaller, easier-to-take first steps, and commit to completing just one small task. This approach builds momentum and motivation as you gradually progress toward your larger goals.

Use time management techniques

Various time management techniques can help you improve productivity and combat procrastination. Consider trying methods like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break. Besides that, you can explore time blocking, which involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks.

Apply the 5-second rule

The 5-second rule is a method to help you overcome procrastination and take immediate action. Created by renowned author and speaker Mel Robbins, this rule builds on the idea that we can take advantage of 5 seconds to make decisions and take immediate action.

Countdown from 5 to 0: Focus on the specific action you need to take, such as getting up from bed, starting a blog post, or calling a client, and counting down from 5 to 0 in your head. The countdown will help keep your mind focused and ready for action.

Practice Self-Discipline

Finally, self-discipline is crucial for overcoming procrastination. Develop self-discipline through consistent practice. Set clear boundaries, avoid unnecessary temptations, and implement strategies like positive reinforcement or habit formation. With discipline, you can establish productive habits and overcome procrastination.

Try not to let procrastination become a habit. Let’s get started NOW. Don't wait till you "feel" like it. Sometimes we don't want to do something, and it's easy to put it off. Rather than waiting till you "feel" like it, get started and work on it. Once you get started, you'll discover that it's not always as difficult as you think.

Implementing these tips will help you overcome procrastination, manage your time efficiently, and increase your overall productivity. Remember, overcoming procrastination requires consistent effort and practice. Take control of your tasks and start achieving your goals today!

SDGs

January 17, 2024

Christmas 2023 - The Season of Love

We are writing to share the heartening experience we had at the SOS Village during our recent Christmas charity event at the beginning of December 2023. We had the opportunity to bring a touch of joy to the lives of abandoned children by providing them with Christmas gifts, a gesture that we believe resonated deeply with all of us.

The event was a resounding success, with numerous volunteers from our organization contributing their time and effort to ensure that the day was special for every child. We managed to distribute an array of gifts, aiming to cater to the interests and needs of the children.

Our team's dedication was evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the event. From selecting appropriate gifts to organizing entertaining activities, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The smiles and laughter of the children were a clear indication of the impact we made.

We would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your generous donations and volunteer work. Your compassion and commitment to giving back to the community are what make our team extraordinary. It is actions like these that truly embody the spirit of the season.

Specially, we would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to our community initiatives. This event would not have been successful without the generous support of them, who provided not only the funding but also the encouragement to make this event a reality.

As we move forward, let's carry the momentum from this event to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those around us. Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we can further our community outreach efforts.

Let's look back at the memorable moments on this journey together!

ARTICLE

January 9, 2024

10 fundamental differences between introverts and extroverts

The workplace is a melting pot of diverse personalities, and understanding the nuances between introverts and extroverts is key to fostering a harmonious and productive environment. In this blog, we'll delve into the 10 basic differences between these two personality types and explore how recognizing and embracing these distinctions can contribute to a more cohesive and effective workplace.

Energy source:

Introverts: Recharge by spending time alone, often needing quiet and solitude to regain energy after social interactions.

Extroverts: Gain energy from social interactions and external stimuli, feeling invigorated and motivated in group settings.

Communication style:

Introverts: Tend to be more reserved and thoughtful, preferring written communication or one-on-one discussions.

Extroverts: Thrive on verbal communication, often thinking out loud and engaging in group discussions to generate ideas.

Social interaction preferences:

Introverts: May choose smaller, intimate gatherings or one-on-one interactions over large social events.

Extroverts: Thrive in larger social settings, enjoying the energy and buzz of group activities.

Decision-making process:

Introverts: Take time to consider all aspects before making decisions, often relying on thorough analysis.

Extroverts: Tend to make decisions more quickly, drawing on external input and gut instincts.

Handling change:

Introverts: Prefer gradual changes and may need time to adapt to new situations or processes.

Extroverts: Embrace change more readily, often seeking novelty and excitement in new challenges.

Work environment preferences:

Introverts: Thrive in quiet and focused workspaces, avoiding overly stimulating or noisy environments.

Extroverts: Enjoy dynamic and social work settings, finding inspiration and motivation in a buzzing atmosphere.

Team collaboration:

Introverts: Excel in tasks that allow for independent work and contemplation, contributing well-thought-out ideas.

Extroverts: Flourish in collaborative environments, enjoying team brainstorming sessions and group projects.

Response to conflict:

Introverts: May prefer to reflect quietly on conflicts, seeking resolution through careful consideration and introspection.

Extroverts: Tend to address conflicts head-on, engaging in open communication to resolve issues quickly.

Recognition and feedback:

Introverts: Appreciate private recognition and feedback, valuing personal acknowledgment over public praise.

Extroverts: Respond well to public acknowledgment and verbal affirmations, finding motivation in shared recognition.

Leadership styles:

Introverts: Tend to lead with a calm and introspective approach, valuing depth and strategic thinking.

Extroverts: Lead with energy and enthusiasm, often inspiring and mobilizing teams through their outgoing nature.

Recognizing and respecting introverts and extroverts in the workplace is necessary for creating a productive and inclusive environment. By understanding each other's strengths and preferences, accepting these differences not only improves team spirit, effective coordination, and support at work but also enhances employee happiness and satisfaction in a working ecosystem.

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Image source by Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/

ARTICLE

December 7, 2023

Some tips to secure your source code when using open source libraries

Open source libraries are important resources for programmers when developing software, but how do you know which ones are reliable, secure, and suitable for your project? In this article, I will suggest some ways to avoid risks when using open source library.

Using trusted and reputable open source libraries: Always use open source libraries that are widely used and have a good reputation in the developer community. Check the library's documentation, user reviews, and online forums to ensure that it is secure and reliable.

- Check the library's GitHub page and see if it has a large number of contributors and active development.

- Look for libraries that have been around for a long time and have been used in many projects.

- Check online forums and communities to see if other developers have had positive experiences with the library.
Regularly update your libraries: Keep your libraries up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Regularly check for updates to the libraries you are using and apply them as soon as possible.
- Set up automatic notifications for library updates so that you are alerted when new versions are released.
- Choose and use a dependency management tool like Maven, Gradle, or npm to manage your library dependencies and make it easier to update them.
Conduct a security audit: Perform a security audit of the open source libraries you are using to identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Look for any known security issues with the libraries and take steps to mitigate them.

- Use a tool like OWASP Dependency Check https://owasp.org/ to scan your codebase for known vulnerabilities in your open source libraries.

- Hire a third-party security firm to perform a comprehensive security audit of your application.

- Use automatic code analysis tools to identify potential security issues within your codebase.
Using version control: This can help you detect any unauthorized changes or modifications to your source code.

- Use Git or SVN to track changes to your source code and monitor for suspicious activity if any.

- Use automatic notifications to alert you when your source code has any changes.
Limit access to your source code: Restrict access to your source code to only those who need it. Use secure authentication methods and access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access your code.

- Use secure authentication methods like OAuth or SAML to control access to your source code.

- Use a private repository on GitHub or another platform to restrict access to your source code to only authorized users.
Using encryption: Use encryption to protect important data and code within your application. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your source code and data.

- Use encryption to protect sensitive data stored in your source code, such as passwords or API keys.

- Use SSL/TLS encryption to protect data transmitted between your application and other systems or users.

- Consider using a third-party encryption service to further protect your data.

Conclusion:

Using open source libraries effectively will be very beneficial for your project. But if you don't pay much attention to security, your source code will easily be attacked or stolen.
I hope this article will help you improving the security of your projects when working with open source libraries.

ARTICLE

December 7, 2023

Some tips to help stay awake at work

Busy year-end days, or even regular workdays, will sometimes make you tired, leading to loss of concentration at work. Here are some tips to help you be more alert at work.

ARTICLE

December 6, 2023

Simple Ways To Be More Outgoing

Being more outgoing, especially for introverts, might sound like a challenge. However, being more outgoing can bring numerous benefits, it helps you have better social connections, build meaningful relationships, and even career opportunities.

If you're wondering how to step into the outgoing zone, here are some of the best tips to help introverts put themselves out there and become more outgoing.

Deal With Social Anxiety

Sometimes, if you're more of a quiet person, you might feel a bit nervous in social situations. This worry might make it challenging to meet new people or join social events.

It can affect how you connect with others and your everyday life. For some, this nervousness might show up physically, like a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, shakiness, or sweating.

However, you can try being more aware of the present moment, challenging negative thoughts, slowly getting used to being around people, and talking to someone you trust for support. These little steps can make a big difference in feeling more at ease in social situations.

Find Social Activities You Enjoy

Being social is easier when you are doing things you love. Join a book club if you love reading or a sports team if you enjoy physical activities. It not only makes socializing more enjoyable but also provides a natural way to connect with others who share similar interests.

Don't stress about being the new person, it's important to remember that everyone in that group was once a newcomer.

So, the next time you're thinking about stepping into a social space, let your passion guide you, doing what you love is the key to making social connections effortlessly.

Practice Small Talk

When you're meeting someone new or hanging out in a group, having small talk or asking the right questions can make things smoother.

It's the art of having light, easy conversations about everyday topics, and it can help you break the ice, create connections, and make acquaintances.

You can start with easy situations, then share interests that you both can talk about or share a bit about yourself after that can make it more comfortable for them to open up. Also, ask open questions instead of yes/no questions, or you can prepare your few questions in mind.

Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere for connection, so keep it light and enjoyable, it will make things friendly and easygoing.

Bring Along an Extroverted Friend

If you have been invited to a social event and social situations make you uneasy, bring an extroverted friend along. An extroverted buddy can provide familiarity, giving you comfort in challenging settings. They might introduce you to new people and you may find a few you want to connect with.

Imagine Success

Picture yourself succeeding in social situations as a potent way to tackle anxiety. Visualization is like a mental rehearsal that readies you for various scenarios, making you more at ease and boosting your chances of positive outcomes. It helps to calm your mind and feel relaxed and positive even in challenging social moments. For the best results, try to put your envisioned actions into practice in the real world.

Go Make it Happen!

Becoming more outgoing doesn't mean changing you to become extroverted. You can enhance your social skills, boost confidence, and step into social situations without altering your introverted nature.

Be courageous, and gradually put yourself in social settings as regularly as you are comfortable. Remember, you should understand there will be ups and downs, and progress always takes time, so just be patient with the process and be kind to yourself throughout this journey.

ARTICLE

November 30, 2023

Immortal Tree

Please be started my story by a photo which I took when I had a chance to visit Tokyo last September.
It is a manhole cover photo. Why? The reason is the art in public construction can tell you some stories about the culture of the country you visit.
It is same with this photo. In the center of the manhole cover is the symbol of a sakura flower and the leaves of Ginkgo tree. When talking about Japan, surely no one don't know about the sakura flower. So, what is about Ginkgo tree

Ginkgo tree appeared more than 290 million years ago (1*). This tree family is the oldest tree family in the world. It existed before the appearing of dinosaurs. This plant doesn't have any natural diseases or pests. Therefore, the Ginkgo tree has eternal vitality.

In the summer of 1945, the historic bomb explosion in Hiroshima can kill every thing lives on the ground but the Ginkgo tree. You can visit Myojoin Temple ( Higashi Ward, Hiroshima) and see the only living witness of the atomic bomb. So from that day, Ginkgo tree is considered as the hope bearer tree.

On June 1st, 1989, Tokyo city adopted the symbol which is made of tree arcs resembling of a Ginkgo leaf to form up the T letter in "Tokyo" word(2*). Since then Ginkgo tree has become the Tokyo tree. You can commonly find out the Ginkgo tree with fan-shaped leaves along Tokyo's streets or avenues. The tree symbolizes for strong vitality, steadfastness and everlasting beauty.

Every year, at the end of Autumn, the entire Ginkgo tree forest will turn its leaves from green to yellow, flying with a small wind like the swan feet touch on the sky. Icho Namiki is the best place to see that romantic scenes.

Moreover, Ginkgo tree also brings the benefits to people in term of health. Dried Ginkgo leaves help promote brain health, support treatments of asthma and bronchitis.
Japanese use Ginkgo seeds to prepare many delicious of dishes such as takikomi rice, rice soup, grilled skewered meet, chawanmushi, ...

Reference Links:

The post uses the free photo from Freepik site

ARTICLE

November 27, 2023

15 Tips to Eliminate Anxiety and Find Inner Peace

Anxiety is a common and natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can have a detrimental impact on our overall well-being. Fortunately, there are various strategies and techniques that can help reduce anxiety and bring a sense of inner peace. In this blog, we will explore 15 tips to eliminate anxiety and regain control over your mental and emotional state.

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful technique to calm your nervous system. Slowly inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. This technique helps in the control of your heart rate and the relief of anxiety feelings.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation requires focusing on the present moment. By doing this, you can reduce rumination and negative thinking patterns that often contribute to anxiety.

Exercise regularly

Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, natural substances that elevate mood. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress, so find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

Prioritize sleep

A lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your emotional well-being.

Limit caffeine and sugar

Both caffeine and excessive sugar intake can contribute to anxiety and mood swings. Pay attention to what you consume and choose healthier alternatives.

Balanced diet

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can positively affect your mood and reduce anxiety.

Establish a routine

Creating a daily routine provides structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety. Know what to expect in your day, and you'll feel more in control.

Seek professional help

If your anxiety is severe or persistent, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide therapy, medication, or other appropriate treatments.

Express your feelings

Bottling up your emotions can intensify anxiety. Talk to a friend or therapist about what's bothering you, or try journaling to release pent-up feelings.

Limit exposure to news

Constant exposure to distressing news can increase anxiety. Stay informed, but set boundaries on how much news you consume each day.

Practice gratitude

Every day, practice thinking about the things you feel grateful for. Concentrating on the good aspects of your life can help you change your perspective and lessen anxiety.

Progressive muscle relaxation

Relax all muscle groups in your body. This helps release your physical tension and calm your mind.

Visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool to reduce anxiety. Imagine yourself in a calm, peaceful place, and try to immerse yourself in that mental space.

Limit perfectionism

Striving for perfection can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Accept your imperfections and remind yourself that no one is perfect.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can affect your mood and increase anxiety. Do not forget to drink enough water during the day.

Anxiety is a common challenge that many people face, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can manage and even eliminate it. The 15 tips mentioned in this blog are effective ways to reduce anxiety and find inner peace. Remember that everyone's journey is unique, and it may take time to discover which strategies work best for you. Stay patient and committed to your well-being, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. With time and effort, you can achieve a calmer and more fulfilling life.

ARTICLE

November 24, 2023

A small story about relationship and coding

As a married couple, my wife and I are constantly trying each other’s field to be able to better understand each other. Lately, as I am trying to do more housework, my wife is beginning her journey to programming.

To help my wife, I set up her MacBook with Swift Playground. It has a cartoony interface and simple objectives like collecting gems and toggle switches, it makes learning more like playing a game. And it introduces you to the basic concepts of programming, great for starters.

Then came last week, she was introduced to the concept of function.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with programming, a function is “a sequence of program instructions that performs a specific task, packaged as a unit. This unit can then be used in programs wherever that particular task should be performed.” (the definition taken from Wikipedia).

You can turn right by turning left 30015 times (or 3 times)

When she completed the task, I helped review her code as always.

The problem has 4 lines, each has 2 gems and 2 switches, and expects the learner to make use of function and loop.

She has a function named goToCollectGems, which is looped to run 4 times. So far so good.

But that function do: tell the character go to the nearest gem’s position, collect the gem, go the the next gem’s position, collect it (so far so good); then turn around, go back to starting position, then go to the nearest switch, then toggle the switch, then go toggle the next switch, then back to starting position, then go to the beginning of the next line.

I told her that it is not good to make a function do more than what is written in its name. She was confused to hear that, she said: “But I expect you guys to know better than what you are told to do”. That is when something suddenly clicked for both of us.

Ah, no wonder you always lack the ability to understand my expectations. - said my wife.
Now I know why you always group a lot of tasks to your function. - I told her my realization.

We are both not wrong, we just have different ways of thinking. She, being my wife, expects me to understand and do everything with only a hint from her. I, as a programmer, expect everything to be clearly and exactly defined, so they can be applied and followed correctly.

I explained to her that functions are to be reused, and should do exactly what it is expected to do, no more, no less. “Maybe next week you will call that function again, and because you have forgotten what it does, you will then make the character move unnecessarily”, I said, she agreed.

Her code after fixing my review (it reminds me of my high school time)

I also told her next time when she tells me to “go out for dinner”, I will also budget the time and money for moving, having dinner, strolling around, shopping and watching a movie.

Yeah, that’s the way - she said.

A snippet of “my code” after fixing her review

Image source: https://www.freepik.com/

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News

How IVC joins hands to support a sustainable future

10 Tips To Overcome Procrastination

Christmas 2023 - The Season of Love

10 fundamental differences between introverts and extroverts

Some tips to secure your source code when using open source libraries

Conclusion:

Some tips to help stay awake at work

Simple Ways To Be More Outgoing

Immortal Tree

15 Tips to Eliminate Anxiety and Find Inner Peace

A small story about relationship and coding

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