I majored in electrical engineering at a university in Vietnam and studied BIM (Building Information Modeling) for building facilities. BIM is a system for managing everything from building design to construction and maintenance using 3D data, which differs from traditional 2D CAD drawings. While CAD is a tool for drawing blueprints, BIM is an advanced method that manages building data three-dimensionally and automatically reflects design changes throughout the entire project. During university, I was already using Revit (design software for BIM) to create models while working remotely with Japanese companies. I have loved Japanese manga and music since I was a child, which naturally led to an interest in the Japanese language.
After coming to Japan, I experienced a wide range of jobs, from an internship at a construction company and a position at a major general contractor to a marketing position at a pharmacy beyond the construction industry. However, when I thought about my future, I decided to return to BIM, where I have the most confidence and would be able to leverage my expertise.
I encountered WILLOF CONSTRUCTION during my job search. While this was during the year-end holiday season and other companies were slow to respond, WILLOF CONSTRUCTION alone contacted me immediately, and the process from the interview to a job offer moved at a remarkable speed of just two days. I felt they were genuinely thinking about my career, which became the deciding factor. This quick, considerate response is particularly important for foreign workers. When there are differences in language and culture, having a company that treats you with integrity provides tremendous support in taking on new challenges.
I was the first foreign employee assigned to the client company. At first, I was anxious about the language barrier, but with support from WILLOF CONSTRUCTION and guidance from senior workers at the construction site, I was able to take on new technical areas such as 3D modeling of building facilities and creating construction blueprints for water piping and HVAC systems.
What was particularly groundbreaking for me was my experience using BIM in actual work. Applying the knowledge of Revit I learned in university to actual construction projects at Japanese work sites allowed me to connect theory and practice. Construction blueprints contain detailed dimensions and installation positions needed for actual construction work based on the design blueprints, and using 3D BIM data lets you identify issues such as interference between pipes that would have been difficult to discover through traditional methods in advance. At first, I struggled because I did not even understand what the blueprints meant, but when I was able to complete a construction blueprint on my own, I felt I had finally caught up with my colleagues, which gave me tremendous confidence.
The client company recognized my workmanship and said, “We’d like to hire other foreign workers as well if they’re anything like him.” This went beyond mere personal success to create organizational change that expanded the possibilities for foreign workers as a whole. Because of my pioneering work, we now have workers from Myanmar, China, Indonesia, and other countries thriving at the company. I not only provide them support but also handle practical work as a specialized technician, such as creating construction blueprints and BIM modeling, contributing to the team’s technical capabilities, and fostering a sense of solidarity.
My workmanship was recognized, and I received the MVT Award (Most Valuable Technician Award) within WILLOF CONSTRUCTION. When I received notice that I would win the award, I was honestly quite surprised. I had not expected to receive this recognition after just one year of working here. This award honors technical employees across Japan who made the greatest contributions during the period, and I was the first foreign worker to receive it. Having my abilities and contributions recognized regardless of my nationality made me truly happy and gave me a sense of fulfillment.
The use of BIM in the Japanese construction industry lags behind other nations. However, the company I work at is a leader in BIM for building facilities, and I work on the forefront of this technological innovation. I have even started representing the company at industry study sessions, which allows me to go beyond my own individual growth to contribute to the industry as a whole.
Looking back, my career has been a series of choices. From construction to marketing, then back to my area of expertise— WILLOF CONSTRUCTION valued rather than dismissed these diverse experiences. My experience in other industries has given me communication skills and a multifaceted perspective that benefit my current BIM work.
Employing foreign workers is an important solution for the construction industry, which struggles with labor shortages. Having engineers like us build a track record allows the industry as a whole to recognize the potential of foreign workers and create more proactive systems for accepting them. This is not simply about securing labor but about developing the industry in a way that incorporates diverse perspectives and skills. For foreign workers, building a career in Japan means constantly taking on new challenges. However, with proper support and evaluation systems in place, those efforts will bear fruit. My experience shows that one person’s success can drive diversity throughout an organization and even contribute to technological innovation and talent acquisition across the entire industry.
My current goal is to become a BIM manager. A BIM manager’s role goes beyond drawing blueprints to overseeing entire projects, leading teams, and working to improve quality while answering questions from team members. Specifically, the role involves providing consultation and guidance to junior staff and foreign colleagues and performing final checks on blueprint consistency and quality. It requires going beyond being a mere technician to someone who holds up the entire team. It is a demanding position that requires management ability and communication skills on top of technical expertise.
As a longer-term dream, I want to establish a school in my home country of Vietnam where people can learn both Japanese and construction technology. Given the language and cultural barriers and differences in technical standards I faced when I first came to Japan, I would like to create a learning environment that makes it easier for the next generation to work in Japan.
This vision is about expanding the diverse career possibilities I experienced in Japan across borders for the next generation. I want to contribute the knowledge and experience I gained in Japan to Vietnam and create a path for more people to serve as bridges between Japan and their home countries.
