2024: Turning 30, Transforming, and Thriving

This year (2024) was special for me — not just because of the milestones I reached, but because it marked the beginning of my 30s. Entering this new decade of life has been a moment of reflection and anticipation, a chance to look back at everything I’ve experienced and accomplished so far, and to dream even bigger for the future. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and so many moments that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Credit: Yeah, me at 30!

A Foundation of Love and Support

The year began on a deeply personal note, one that set the tone for everything I would achieve. This was my first year with my wife as part of my family, and her love and unwavering support became the cornerstone of my journey. She wasn’t just a partner at home; she was a source of strength, caring selflessly for my parents and her own family. Her warmth, kindness, and tireless encouragement have been my greatest blessing, reminding me every day of how fortunate I am to have her by my side.

Taking a Bold Step into Business Education

Credit: Deakin University

In March, I embarked on an exciting new chapter by joining the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Deakin University, an opportunity made possible by upGrad. The flexibility of distance learning has allowed me to balance the demands of work, family, and study. Deakin’s reputation as one of Australia’s top institutions, particularly for its Business School, made this an easy choice. Over the next two years, I’ll explore courses like Business Strategy, Economics, Finance, and Decision Science — a subject that perfectly aligns with my background in data science. The program is rigorous and intellectually stimulating, equipping me with skills in management and decision-making while broadening my horizons. Beyond the curriculum, the connections I’ve made with peers and the lessons from industry experts have made this a transformative experience.

Delving Deeper into Cutting-Edge Research

My academic pursuits didn’t stop with my MBA. This year, my research became a significant focus, diving into cutting-edge fields such as Reinforcement Learning, Explainable AI, Graph Neural Networks, and Data Governance. These topics hold immense potential for driving innovation across industries, and exploring them has been both challenging and rewarding. Every breakthrough reaffirmed my passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and making meaningful contributions to the field.

A Journey of Learning and Exploration in the UK

Credit: My friend at Liverpool John Moores University

June brought one of the most memorable moments of 2024: my trip to the United Kingdom. This wasn’t just a trip; it was an adventure that combined academic enrichment with cultural exploration. At Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), I joined a celebration honoring international students, an experience filled with engaging discussions about Big Data and artificial intelligence. These conversations with professors and peers opened new horizons and fueled my passion for learning. Beyond the academic setting, I explored landmarks like Big Ben, the Museum in Manchester, Birmingham’s vibrant streets, and the historic grounds of Oxford University. Each place offered unique insights into British culture, and the connections I made along the way enriched the experience. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife, and the incredible teams at LJMU and upGrad.

Credit: Birmingham City Centre

Diving into Entrepreneurship with the Founder Institute

Credit: Founder Institute Vietnam

August brought another turning point as I joined the Founder Institute Vietnam, a global accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful companies. This was my first structured entrepreneurial experience, and it was both challenging and rewarding. The program pushed me to think critically, adapt quickly, and embrace resilience. I committed to following the guidance provided, sharing weekly updates on LinkedIn to document my progress. This journey not only sharpened my entrepreneurial skills but also strengthened my determination to bring my vision to life.

Credit: Founder Institute Founder

New Professional Heights and Founding a Startup

Credit: Mark & I at Techsauce 2024 — We are the co-founders of SkinMatch, backed by MarQ Technologies LLC.

By late 2024, my professional journey took on new dimensions. I stepped into the role of Solution Architect at SVTECH, where I applied my technical expertise to solve complex challenges. At the same time, I co-founded SkinMatch, a startup backed by MarQ Technologies LLC, focusing on AI-powered skincare solutions. Balancing these roles wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly fulfilling. These experiences allowed me to grow as a leader, tackle demanding problems, and turn innovative ideas into reality. They reminded me of the importance of pushing beyond my comfort zone to achieve meaningful results.

Reflecting on a Transformative Year

As I reflect on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for everything this year has brought me. Whether it was working late on my thesis, balancing MBA coursework, or navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, every moment made me stronger. This year has been a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of unwavering support.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With 2024 behind me, I’m ready to take on 2025 with confidence and determination. The lessons I’ve learned, the skills I’ve honed, and the support of those around me have prepared me for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This new chapter is a chance to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve even more. Here’s to another year of transformation, growth, and success!

Credit: SkinMatch and Cinvest collaborate on a project! 🚀