Vietnam

Vietnam, you're more beautiful than you think you are :)

Saigon aerial view
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2md5rrpXf0

Nha Trang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lSbGo2BdUU

Quang Binh, Son Doong the largest cave in the world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVVOJzuUOL8

Vietnam's second chance in Silicon Valley

And imagine the potential of when the Vietnamese from different corners could team up, leveraging resources and tapping into either the local or global markets. Time to rise. 

http://www.cnet.com/news/vietnams-refugees-find-second-chance-in-silicon-valley/ 

"Thousands of the Vietnamese boat people, like Tran, ended up in Silicon Valley, staking their lives and livelihoods on tech. During the electronics boom in the late '70s and early '80s around minicomputers and personal computers, companies including Atari, Intel and IBM needed a manufacturing labor force. The older refugees found quick work, and the companies found hard-working, loyal employees. But the young (and not-yet-born second generation) Vietnamese Americans would grow into a stock of enterprising and ambitious techies eager to reach higher. Assembly workers and technicians raised today's engineers and CEOs."

The oversubscribed funding saga

Being in Southeast Asia means you have the crowd constantly cheering for startups getting big funding, especially when the startups are from Vietnam. Any founder would feel a bit relieved financially with a round "closed" or "oversubscribed." But it's not that much different from signing a loan (even with preferable interest rate). With privileges come responsibilities to meet expectations. Or sometimes, it has to be about managing different investors come in and out at different phases to meet their own funds' exit expectations.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenhuet/2015/07/23/what-really-killed-homejoy-it-couldnt-hold-onto-its-customers/

http://e27.co/vietnams-foody-snags-series-c-funding-tiger-global-goes-indonesia-20150728/

Nick Vujivic and Serenity

Yesterday, my immediate reaction to the attack on Nick Vujivic's visit in VN was:

"When I worked on these issues, the biggest barrier is the mental barriers of those who need to open more doors and opportunities to the disabilities. I'm not sure how much is enough but if a lot of money could start changing social attitude on a large scale so eventually a tipping point will come, that's justified. Those people are strong and capable - money donated doesn't solve the bigger issue of care and love. 

For those who want to balance business vs. social impacts: 
a. maybe we could look at this whole show in perspective with the movies & music industry? what can a great movie (say Titanic) create in tangible terms but re-ignite some seeds in people's hearts and minds? a lot of people invest in books - if it's a good message for people who need it, then PR is necessary so more people could benefit from hearing message.

b. I haven't looked up how much money is it to bring Korean pop stars to VN but the ticket price is costly and the whole budget will be more than 1US$ million - and what's more eye-opening here? :)

c. we are all humans and attracted by beauty, good messages, good delivery etc. The most successful non-profits (and even governments) understand this and sell their image well to achieve their good causes, rather than just relying on the fact that people could be generous and selfless (on why our Vietnamese heroes don't make it yet on PR...)"

And today, I heard many comments on how bad our society is for having young people unable to see goodness.

It's not important to me which arguments I should use anymore.  I still see hope.  I still see millions of Vietnamese being touched and inspired.  It could be a temporary fad - it could last long - no one, even Nick, has control over it.  But one thing I know, miracles happen when hearts are softened.

Let's not focus on something "yet to be good" and remember Nick's central message:
"Do you know why I love God?" Nick Vujicic asked a young girl on stage who, like him, was born without arms and legs. "Because heaven is real. And one day when we get to heaven, we are going to have arms and legs. And we are going to run, and we are going play, and we are going to race."

And here's the Serenity Prayer, so our hearts still hold hopes:

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."


Love,

Tu, May 2013

Next

As I'm preparing mentally for my next chapter, I can't help but to be thankful for how lucky I have been.  From the opportunities that crossed my path to the people who are truly amazing, smart, idealistic, energetic, inspiring young people who all want to do something for others, for Vietnam.  The ride was not all that rosy - there were times that I did not think I could make it, running out of energy. 

But I'm happy to know I did not give up my conviction and dreams.  This time, I will get to live one of my childhood dreams (among many others): to live in a big city, to dance, to play piano, to read and study about children, to open my eyes to new cultures and new places.  This time again, I'm looking forward to more explorations and in the journey, becoming a person who is even more ready to take on more ambitions.

Congratulations to KB's wedding!

To my dearest mentor,

Thank you for all the wonderful love, push and care.  I'm so happy for your next journey.

At KB's wedding reception @Singapore

And what else can I expect from my mentor's wedding but a wise reminder of what love is :) (Amidst pop songs, dance, butter scones and children jumping around in joy)

Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away.
For lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing has come,
And the voice of the turtledove
Is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth her green figs,
And the vines with the tender grapes
Give a good smell.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away! 
~ Song of Solomon 2: 10 – 13 - Lee to KB 

With KB @SEALNet food outing in Bay Area

Love is a decision.  It takes work.
And remember, it's not when we're happy that we're grateful.  But when we're grateful, we're happy.
~ KB's sister 

- The grass is greener, where you water it 
- You can't change your spouse/marriage, change yourself
- Focus on the person in front of you, not the illusion that someone else can make you happier 
~ Kevin's words, from Google and his own experience with a loving wife and two lovely sons

KB & SEALNet Send-off 2009

A quick sketch of Saigon

Tôi đang ngồi ở một ngã tư ngắm Sài Gòn.

Quán đẹp, nhạc Tây, và những chùm dây điện đen quen thuộc vẫn cuộn vào nhau hiên ngang song song với cửa sổ kính.

Phía bên kia đường, treo một băng rôn xanh "Vì một phường cầu ông lãnh không rác"

Dòng người cuồn cuộn đi qua nhau, vuông góc, chéo 45 độ, cua 30 độ.

Xe tải đi về thành phố từ hướng quận 4 và quận 7.  Vài chú xe ôm mặc áo xanh dương bên góc đường.  Một chiếc xe máy chở một người cầm một tấm kính lớn đằng sau, hay chở 10 thùng giấy trên xe, không chút chênh vênh.

Sài Gòn, không lấp lánh lung linh, không choáng ngợp những nhà cao tầng.

Sài Gòn, sống và thật.

-- cho một ngày mưa