Career Update and MVP Retirement

12 years is a long time. It’s been an absolute honor to be recognized and a part of the awesome Microsoft MVP program for such a long period. I have learned so much from my fellow MVPs, Microsoft product groups, and the broader tech community. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am forever grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that came with being an MVP. More importantly, I have made so many good friends along the way and it’s likely we will stay connected for life!

12 years ago, after spending 4 years blogging and contributing to the Microsoft tech community, I started wondering where could this lead me. I started having this though in my head that “maybe I can become a Microsoft MVP one day just like the guys I looked up to. Maybe I can reach out to the MVPs I admire and ask them for advice on how to become a part of their elite group.” Funny enough, before I had the courage to reach out to them, one morning, I received an email from Microsoft informing me that I had been nominated by a MVP that I deeply admire. I felt extremely honoured and excited. long story short, after I completed the nomination process and waited for approx. 3 months, I got accepted! Since then, I have been re-awarded every year for 12 consecutive years.

Initially, I set a personal goal to maintain the MVP status for at least 5 years. then after 5 years, I made another goal to maintain in the program for as long as the MVP trophy itself has more space for the annual renewal discs.

Right now, I am proud to say that I have accomplished my goal and filled all the available space on this trophy.

During my time, I have had the privilege to contribute to the community in various ways, including speaking at conferences and user groups, writing articles, YouTube videos, books and providing feedback to product groups, etc.. The MVP program has provided me with a platform to share my knowledge and passion for technology, and I am grateful for the recognition and support from Microsoft.

I also enjoyed the opportunities to meet the fellow MVPs and Microsoft product groups in person during MVP summits. The wonderful time we had in Seattle would always be cherished memories.

Every journey has its end. Back in November last year, I have accepted a full-time employee position at Microsoft Australia. After the Christmas holidays, I started the new role at Microsoft this week.

As a full-time Microsoft employee, I am no longer eligible to be an MVP. Therefore, with a mix of emotions, I have notified the MVP support team that I will be retiring from the MVP program.

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire MVP community. Thank you for the support, friendship, and inspiration over the years.

Last but not least, I am still going to be active in the tech community, just in a different capacity now. I look forward to continuing to contribute and give back to the community in new ways as a Microsoft employee.