Another Day in the Antz Farm

When I graduated from Monash University in 2004, I received more than just a Computing education. The experiences and opportunities in Monash opened my eyes and spurred my desire to understand a larger and interconnected world of knowledge and disciplines. My time in Monash has also encouraged me to boldy pursue my interests and passion which is the manner I want to live my life.

I thought the distinguished alumni featured in this videos perfectly described the capability and potential of this young and fine institution – Monash University.

Related link: Honouring our distinguished alumni (Monash University)

Good news, friends! Since last month, I joined the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) as an intern under the Eric Teo Global Citizens Internships programme. Founded in 1961, the SIIA is Singapore’s oldest think tank dedicated to the research, analysis and discussion of regional & international issues.

A unique feature of SIIA’s programmes is its commitment to public education including students and the general public population through events such as 938LIVE in NIE: What Does ASEAN Mean to You? (past) and the upcoming The Obama Administration’s First 100 Days forum (23 May 09).

During the last month with the organisation, I was introduced to the concept of “Track II diplomacy“, the various ASEAN foras, the various think tanks and special interests groups based in Singapore and the opportunity to be involved in the think tank’s flagship event – 2nd ASEAN & ASIA Forum.

I also enjoy the company I made within the organisation especially over lunch and tea discussion about philosophy and political/ economic theories. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be introduced to this environment before I return back to the university this July.

John Warren (my manager) wrote an article about the life as a University Relations (UR) manager on Microsoft Research Asia web site. In the article, he describes about various UR programs, the multi-facets engagements and the challenges this role entails.

Inside the article he discussed about:

• MSRA “theme projects”
• Internal (Public Sector, Legal and Corporate Affairs) and external customers (from research institutions and sometimes government agencies)
• The amount of legal agreement negotiation and review we undertake for each joint research projects (it’s not funny, trust me)
• The reasons why he enjoys his role as a UR manager

If you are interested to get a snap shot of what I do, check out John’s article “A week in the life of a University Relations Manager“

Chasing the next management or operation fad/ best practice? There is a slice of wisdom for the cubicle office worker courtesy of Scott Adam.

- Microsoft Research Asia Sigma Centre

Getting my cue from Frank’s (12 months down – wow!) post, I involved in the University Relations role for just over 12 months now. Left Sydney, Australia and returned to Singapore. Met a few interesting people along the way, hosted Gordon Bell (Sydney), Tony Hey (Singapore), Hsiao-Wuen Hon, Lolan Song (Singapore). During this period, I also met with many senior researchers and professors in Singapore.

For the next few months, I will be involved the Microsoft Research Asia Faculty Summit (for SEA, Singapore and ANZ academics) and Computing in the 21st Century (21CCC) in 7 Nov 2008, Singapore.  Pretty big projects ahead especially being the only MSRA man in Singapore. At my first year anniversary, I think it is a good time to ask, “Am I Reaching my Potential“.

On the week of Singapore’s National Day, I came across an article (via Siew Ling) celebrating overseas Singaporeans success in Silicon Valley. The IT industry offers exciting opportunities for everyone from a diverse background and not just Computer Science.

The article spotlights on 3 Google engineers – Tan Chade Meng (37), Lim Yew Jin (28 ) and Teng Junbin (26). The article elaborated on their different roles in the company, work environment and even passion for office food! We are talking about chilli crabs!

Unfortunately, the guys are just not ready to come back to Singapore cos “We’re having too much fun here“.

Steve Vamos is making his way back to Australia after a stint as VP, Microsoft International Online Services Group. He was recently interviewed by MIS (a Fairfax publication) about Steve Ballmer’s Google strategy, Vista, his time in Redmond and what he plans to do when he leaves Microsoft. Steve also shared his advice for all Australian graduates out there look for new employment:

1. Find a place where you can learn from the people
2. A place where you can trust the people you work with

Great advice, Steve!

Steve has always been passionate about having the right values in place. During MS AU FY07 kickoff, Steve brought a trainer who elaborated the concept of having a player mentality. Not a political player but someone who takes undertakes responsibility, provides accountability and take pro-active steps to make sure that things happen the right way. I really enjoyed that session and I have a lot of respect for the man and his leadership style.

Related link: A Conversation with Steve Vamos (MISAustralia)

The following Microsoft Research Asia groups are recruiting interns for the period from Jul – Sep 08:

• User Interface
• Media Communication
• Data Intelligence and Tools
• Machine Learning
• Visual Computing
• Internet Media
• Search Technology Center

Internship program, background information and FAQ are avaliable from http://research.microsoft.com/aboutmsr/jobs/internships/about_china.aspx

Interested PhD candidates from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore universities, please contact me () for more information. Please note that I can only respond to relevent AU, NZ and SG enquiries.

Interested applications from other countries may email msraih@microsoft.com.

Microsoft continues expanding it’s research and development capabilities in China with the annoucement of a new $280 million centre in Beijing.

Extract

Software giant Microsoft yesterday said it will invest $280 million to build a research and development center in Beijing and significantly expand its research team in the country.

The new R&D campus, set to accommodate 5,000 employees, will become Microsoft’s largest research center outside the United States when it is completed in 2010, said Zhang Yaqin, the company’s China chairman.

Microsoft currently has 3,000 research staff in the country, with 1,500 full-time employees and another 1,500 working on a project basis, Dow Jones has reported. The company has said it will double the number of its full-time research employees in China to 3,000 in the next three years.

Source: Microsoft to build $280m R&D center in Beijing (People’s Daily Online)