04.18.2025

Smiles Success Stories: Michael’s Fatherly Sacrifice from Vietnam to Canada

Smiles Mobile Remittance, known as Japan’s most popular global mobile money transfer service, is dedicated to supporting hardworking individuals who send money to their families back home. Smiles helps create a better life for people working abroad and promotes peace and sustainability within the international community.

Loved by loyal customers since the beginning, Smiles is now excited to “Share Smiles” by telling inspiring stories from users worldwide. These stories showcase how Smiles Mobile Remittance provides its service to people determined to achieve their dreams and support their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Meet Michael!

I was born and raised in a poor rural area of Quang Tri, Vietnam, where the harsh Lao winds and constant rainy days forged my resilience from a young age. My family was not wealthy, but it was always filled with love and warmth. From that place, I nurtured a big dream: to create a better future for my family, especially for my two daughters.

Before setting foot in Canada, I had long worked in the umbrella manufacturing industry. The Ô Dù Ô Long brand was my pride in this land of Quang Tri. We specialize in producing umbrellas for coffee shops—places where people gather to share life stories. Seeing the umbrellas bearing our brand name shielding people from the sun and rain brought me immense honor. In June 2024, I decided to leave my hometown for B.C., Canada, in search of a new future for my family.

Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person

This decision was not an easy one. As a father, I always want the best for my children, and I believe my sacrifices will open new opportunities for their future. Carrying nothing but faith and hope, I arrived in B.C., Canada, to begin a new life in a foreign land. Culture, language, and lifestyle were significant barriers. It took me three months to adapt to the rhythm of life here, from getting to know the community to understanding the local culture.

At first, I worked as a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant. Although the job was tough, it taught me humility and the importance of perseverance. Thanks to my hard work and dedication, I was promoted to a sushi chef position after just three months. Standing behind the preparation counter, I found joy in knowing that every slice of fish and every sushi roll brought satisfaction to the customers. This job was not just work; it was a way for me to affirm my value in a foreign land.

Throughout this journey, the Smiles money transfer app has been an indispensable companion. When sending my hard-earned money back to my family, I always chose Smiles because of its high exchange rates and the lowest transfer fees I’ve ever experienced. With every transaction, I felt a connection to my homeland, even though we are thousands of miles apart.

Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad

The proudest moment for me was when I received a call from my wife and children. They shared that, thanks to the money I sent home, my children were able to continue their education, get new clothes, and enjoy better meals. Their happy voices were the greatest motivation for me to overcome all the challenges in this foreign land.

Living abroad has taught me many valuable lessons. First, I learned that patience is the key to overcoming any challenge. All difficulties are temporary if we keep striving forward. Second, I realized that hard work and dedication are always rewarded.

Additionally, being promoted from a dishwasher to a sushi chef in such a short time also made me proud of my efforts.

Life lessons and advice for living overseas

For those who are considering starting a life abroad, my advice is: “To live is to fight.” Life is not easy, but if you always believe in yourself, you will find the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am still on my journey to build a future for my family. My dream is not just to establish a stable life in Canada, but also to set an example for my children to follow: never give up and always appreciate what you have.

This is my story, the story of a son of Quảng Trị striving to continue his dreams in a foreign land. I hope that through this story, you will find inspiration to pursue your dreams.

“Smiles” – keep smiling in the face of adversity, for after the rain, the sun will shine again.

Join the Smiles Family

Smiles strives to “Share Smiles” all over the world and aims to connect migrant workers in the international community. To join the Smiles Family in Japan, Canada and/or Singapore and follow one of the Smiles Facebook fan pages: