Mid-Level Career: APAC Regional Readiness Program Manager at Microsoft Singapore (2006 to 2010)

Stepping into my role as an APAC Regional Readiness Program Manager at Microsoft was an exhilarating yet daunting experience. It was 2006, and the concept of readiness programs wasn’t as widely understood as it is today. So, to simplify things, I often found myself explaining my role as that of a Training Manager.

As I reflect on those formative years, I can’t help but marvel at how much I’ve grown and learned in that role. Initially, I was tasked with producing training plans to support Microsoft customers. Little did I know that this would evolve into a multifaceted role that would stretch my skills and push me to innovate at every turn.

One of my earliest challenges was establishing standard operating procedures (SOP) for our newly formed training team. It was a daunting task, but I approached it with determination and a willingness to learn. Through collaboration with teams across the globe, I was able to develop SOPs that laid the foundation for our training initiatives.

Fostering relationships with the Worldwide Learning & Development Team and the Regional Learning & Development Teams in various regions was instrumental in my growth. These connections not only provided valuable insights but also opened doors to new opportunities for collaboration and learning.

Perhaps one of my proudest accomplishments during my tenure was reducing translation costs by 30% for training materials in key markets like Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan. This not only saved the company money but also streamlined our training processes, making them more efficient and effective.

But it wasn’t just about cost savings – it was also about driving tangible results. Establishing the COPC Vendor Management Organization certification processes for the Microsoft APAC Customer Service team resulted in a 60% improvement in team performance. Similarly, developing a skills verification framework for our customer service providers in key markets helped ensure that our teams were equipped to deliver exceptional service to our customers.

As the years went by, my role expanded to encompass product training projects, strategic planning, and process improvement initiatives. From supporting the launches of Windows Vista, Office 2007, Windows 7, and Office 2010 to leveraging DMAIC Process Improvement Methodology to contribute to revenues, every project was an opportunity to learn and grow.

Looking back, my time as an APAC Regional Readiness Program Manager at Microsoft was nothing short of transformative. It taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning.