Asians and Allies in Tech: A platform for learning, connection and career mentoring
The Asians at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Employee Resource Group (ERG) has created a technology industry first in Australia with Asians and Allies in Tech (AAIT) – Develop & Thrive. It’s a successful networking and mentoring event designed to help build a supportive community for Asians working in the technology industry.
AAIT epitomises the ERG’s commitment to fostering career development, empowerment, and allyship. “You can’t bring about change if you’re talking with yourself,” says Sneha Rao, Microsoft Partner Lead and member of Asians at Microsoft ANZ.
Empowerment through connection
The networking model in AAIT facilitates coaching on the importance of building a strong support network, crucial for career advancement. It also provides valuable two-way mentoring and learning opportunities through breakout sessions hosted by senior executives from some of the industry’s biggest technology companies. Participants can choose any of these focus areas they see as relevant to their career paths:
- Building a career plan
- Changing career functions
- Growing into a managerial role
- Exploring regional/international roles
- General career guidance and direction
Mentoring partnerships
These are personalised, authentic and valuable breakout group discussions that were a standout at the inaugural event hosted by Microsoft in 2024 at the Sydney office. At this event participants were grouped by similar career stages to ensure relevant and insightful conversations. The senior executives running the breakout sessions leveraged their experience and insights to guide attendees. Each session started with short introductions from each participant and the opportunity to share one thing that’s top of mind in their career. The moderators shared their own career journeys and encouraged participation with specific questions focused on the workshop theme. For example, in the building a career plan session, discussions included prioritisation of career objectives, sharing of helpful tools and resources, and advice on career planning conversations with managers.
These meaningful dialogues gave participants actionable insights around career planning, transitioning roles, and leadership development. Attendees came away with practical tools, strategies and a sense of empowerment to help them navigate their careers and continue their professional journeys with renewed vigour.
Some participants built cross-company mentoring partnerships, like Lisa Vu, Communications Manager at Microsoft ANZ, who connected with an executive at Dropbox: “Having a mentor from a different company that looks like me and is a senior executive has been super empowering. If it hadn’t been for AAIT I don’t think I would have had the chance to meet her.”
A positive impact
Lisa’s experience highlights the value for employees in engaging with senior level people from similar backgrounds. Meeting 10 leaders from the tech industry with Asian heritage and hearing their stories of success can help break down preconceptions about achieving leadership or executive roles. It inspires people to fulfil their career aspirations. It’s also an opportunity for those leaders to provide mentoring and give back to their communities.
“My favourite part of the event was being able to hear stories from executives and other people in the field in my position. It was a great opportunity to make new friends and connections.”
Event attendee.
“I really appreciated the level of intention and thought behind the event. I think everyone walked away with a new learning and that's the beauty of this community.”
Event attendee.
Continuing Microsoft’s successful networking model
Other technology organisations are planning to replicate the successful structured networking model designed by Microsoft ANZ for this annual event. The goal is to continue to build on its success as a transformative experience for the industry, designed to build meaningful peer and executive connections and offer actionable insights around career aspirations and growth.
At Microsoft, we champion a culture of ‘learn-it-alls’, embodying a growth mindset to enable our AAIT community to thrive.