Monica Qin

“Unprecedented” Google Cloud event wipes out customer account and its backups UniSuper, a $135 billion pension account, details its cloud compute nightmare. "A joint statement from UniSuper CEO Peter Chun, and Google Cloud CEO, Thomas Kurian." This statement reads, "Google Cloud CEO, Thomas Kurian has confirmed that the disruption arose from an unprecedented sequence of events whereby an inadvertent misconfiguration during provisioning of UniSuper’s Private Cloud services ultimately resulted in the deletion of UniSuper’s Private Cloud subscription. This is an isolated, ‘one-of-a-kind occurrence’ that has never before occurred with any of Google Cloud’s clients globally. This should not have happened. Google Cloud has identified the events that led to this disruption and taken measures to ensure this does not happen again." Read more: https://lnkd.in/ehFe4ehN #gcp #google #cloudcomputing #cloudbackups #drp #technology #changemanagement #incidentmanagement #superfunds #cloudserviceprovider

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3/5 Asia Pacific businesses are considering/implementing hybrid cloud ☁️Yet many struggle to scale/optimise their hybrid cloud environments. ​ ​ Curious about how your industry or country stacks up for maximising the value of hybrid clouds? 🤔 From cost optimisation to cloud reliability and resilience, the IDC Asia Pacific Guide provides tailored insights to help guide your cloud journey. ​ ​ Download the guide today 👉 https://okt.to/8maVdh

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EOFY stress hitting hard? For many businesses, the end of the financial year means scrambling to get everything in order. But it doesn't have to be this way. Embracing business management tools like MYOB can make all the difference. I came across a helpful blog that outlines 7 key things to get on top of for EOFY. Here’s a quick rundown: 1️⃣ Review Record Keeping: Make sure all reports and records are compliant with the ATO and Fair Work Australia. Going digital with tools like MYOB can streamline this process. 2️⃣ Finalise Business Activity Statements: Ensure all GST is accounted for and reconcile liabilities. 3️⃣ Prepare a Taxable Payments Annual Report: If you pay contractors, make sure you're ready to lodge this report. 4️⃣ Finalise Payroll Obligations: Reconcile payroll, finalise STP, and ensure super contributions are up-to-date. 5️⃣ Inventory, Assets, and Liabilities: Complete stocktake and adjust records to reflect accurate quantities. 6️⃣ Complete Reconciliations: Make sure everything matches up by reviewing your Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement. 7️⃣ Prepare for the Next Financial Year: Update budgets, plan for taxes, review pricing, and ensure your software and systems are up-to-date. Using automated solutions like MYOB can transform EOFY from a stressful task into a streamlined process. These tools help ensure compliance, reduce errors, and save time, allowing you to focus on what really matters—growing your business. https://lnkd.in/eaaQYKRR Want more insights and updates about ERP? Follow me! If you’re interested in learning more about how ERP solutions can help you achieve your bottom line, let’s connect! 🌐📈 #EOFY #BusinessManagement #ERP #MYOBAdvanced #BusinessGrowth AlphaBizSolutions

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🚀 🗓 It's already been one week since the hustle and bustle of AWS Summit Sydney 2024! Here are 5 top takeaways: 1️⃣ AI Dominance: AI & Machine Learning stole the spotlight, highlighting responsible AI policies and diverse applications. 2️⃣ Security at the Helm: Security took center stage, emphasising robust protocols and team readiness against evolving threats. 3️⃣ Serverless Surge: Serverless computing gains momentum for its scalability and cost-efficiency in app development. 4️⃣ ESG Embrace: Cloud tech embraces sustainability, driving eco-friendly practices and corporate social responsibility. 5️⃣ Fundamentals Matter: Cloud basics remain essential, highlighting the need for ongoing education to maximise benefits. Secure yourself in the exciting world of cloud tech! ☁ 💡 #AWSSummit #CloudComputing #Innovation #BespokeTraining

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Gold Coast Health is transforming the future of healthcare with the power of technology. iTnews recent podcast reveals how ServiceNow is helping improve innovation to provide better outcomes for Queenslanders. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6041j5NfU #Healthcare #DigitalTransformation #CustomerSuccess

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MFT’s Role in Business: ANZ's IT Leaders Weigh in. In this eBook, Fortra sits down with nine industry experts across ANZ to discuss the benefits they saw in implementing an MFT in to their environments and how MFT Solves many of the Enterprise Data Transfer Challenges they were facing. #fortra #goanywhere #mft #managedfiletransfer #cloudintegration #sftpintegration #cloudsecurity #datasecurity #informationsecurity #cybersecurity

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The new Microsoft and LinkedIn Work Trend Index is here and the findings about Australian and New Zealand workers use of AI and how leaders are approaching skills and building plans is insightful. We’re at the beginning and the value the technology is already providing is tangible. #startups #ai #innovation

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Customers today have more real-time data than ever before. That’s where our Microsoft Fabric real-time intelligence comes in. Now anyone, anywhere can gather real-time data and unlock actionable insights. #MicrosoftAustralia #MicrosoftNZ #MSBuild #MSAzureANZ #Fabric

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There was a huge announcement at the AWS Summit in Sydney. Our team took the journey over to Sydney to get insight into what is to come for AWS. It's no surprise that AI was a hot topic, it has been a hot topic around the world for some time now. AWS announced its release of Amazon Bedrock, AWS GenAI service, to the Sydney region. This brings the technology closer to Australia and New Zealand end users. We are excited to start bringing the offering into our services at Easycoder and giving businesses across New Zealand and Australia the power of AI to grow their businesses (securely). "With Amazon Bedrock now available in the AWS Sydney Region, we’re giving customers even greater choice in where they run and train their generative AI workloads, supporting customers in highly regulated industries and those with low latency preferences to accelerate innovation, address business challenges, and help strengthen the nation's digital economy through this transformative technology." We will share more updates and highlights that our team gathered from the AWS summit in Sydney, stay tuned. https://lnkd.in/gwtfCQkk #cloud #artificialintelligence #data #machinelearning

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📚 1st Google Cloud ANZ Study Jam completed 📚 Recently, I completed my first Google Cloud ANZ Study Jam, geared for developers and engineers in Australia and New Zealand. This one focused on going deeper into the world of machine learning and generative AI, completing Google Cloud Skills Boost's "Introduction to Generative AI" learning path. Across 5 courses, I got an overview of generative AI concepts, from the fundamentals of large language models to responsible AI principles, and got some hands-on experience with Google's Gemini, beyond what I had previously experienced at the surface level. Find out more about the study jam here: https://lnkd.in/gegddPaa Check out the learning path: https://lnkd.in/gbzh8xUD #GoogleCloud #StudyJam #GenerativeAI

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In the fast-paced world of technology, the demand for digital and cyber skills is skyrocketing, creating unprecedented challenges for Australia's tech industry. As recent reports highlight a staggering 70% shortage in ICT professional occupations, the pressure on local talent pools has never been more intense. But amidst these challenges, there's a beacon of hope shining bright! The Australia’s Best Workplaces™ in Technology List 2024 (Tech List) celebrates organisations that excel in nurturing environments where employees thrive and grow. These companies aren't just workplaces; they're vibrant ecosystems where talent is cherished, diversity is celebrated, and innovation flourishes. There is a pivotal role for diversity and inclusion initiatives in leading technology workplaces. From transgender advocacy to narrowing the gender gap in STEM, Tech List companies are at the forefront of driving positive change. But it doesn't end there. These organisations go above and beyond, elevating employee experiences with personalised benefits that prioritise holistic well-being. Whether it's generous parental leave, mental health support, or flexible work arrangements, they ensure every team member feels valued and supported. And here's the best part – it's not just the big corporations making waves. Even smaller companies are redefining workplace norms with parent-friendly policies and flexible work options, earning them a well-deserved spot on the Best Workplaces List. In a world where talent is king, these Tech List companies reign supreme, setting the standard for a brighter, more inclusive future in Australia's tech landscape. Let's celebrate their commitment to excellence and the transformative power of a truly exceptional workplace! #TechExcellence #Innovation #DiversityAndInclusion #greatplacetowork #gptw4all #EmployeeExperience https://lnkd.in/dpyg4GWR

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Cloud outages are not uncommon, but hyperscalers typically resolve these issues quickly. The current UniSuper cloud outage on Google Cloud in Australia is taking an unusually long time to resolve, which negatively impacts Google Cloud's reputation in the region. My PoV included in NetworkWorld news today: https://lnkd.in/gvQSwfnQ #EIIRTrend #news #NetworkWorld #Cloud #outage #UniSuper #GCP #GoogleCloud

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Attention CIO’s and CFO’s: I have an experienced Technology Business Management (TBM) / Apptio Analyst in my network (Sydney, Aus) looking for their next career challenge. If you are looking to improve IT cost transparency or reduce your IT operating costs in FY25 let me know and I will connect you. #Apptio #TBM #ITFinance

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Last night the Sydney Talent Meetup hosted their first social mixer. It was great to see some familiar faces, and meet some new ones too. A couple of things stood out to me when talking to people. Talent professionals have had a brutal couple of years. Hired just before or at the height of the 2022 hiring boom, put under huge pressure to deliver hiring campaigns in an unsustainable hiring market was tough enough on its own. Unfortunately, once companies realised they’d over hired, or were navigating the talk of impending recession, many companies simply cut their TA teams. As recruiters, we know this comes with the territory, but for something as important as hiring, is this how it’s always going to be? It’s not too far off feeling like a mercenary relationship for some of the people that went through it. “Thanks for completing that mission. Your services are no longer needed”. Two themes came up in conversation, and I predict (or hope at least) they’ll become more common. Firstly, is Fractional Talent Acquisition the answer? Fractional is a relatively new concept in Australia but is gaining momentum. It's big in the US and Europe, but it’s got some way to go here. Jamie Finnegan summed it up last night: “People kept asking me what Fractional do, they think it’s a company”. I believe Fractional work will become much more common in the next 2-5 years. A lot of incredible TA operators got burned badly recently. By operating in a Fractional role, they protect themselves. It may also be a better solution for the company so that they can scale their Talent operations to the demand of hiring. But… we all know the cost of living is brutal at the moment. And try getting a mortgage with a fractional role. Until we can figure that out, it may be a blocker. Secondly, how many TAs and Recruiters could have been cross-trained into a new role and continued to be a great asset to the company? TAs (if they wanted to) could easily be repurposed into CS, Sales or People & Culture roles in my opinion. How many were given the option? I’ve only heard of a few companies doing this, but it should be the default question if redundancies are on the horizon for Talent staff. “Hiring is slowing down, but you’ve been great in Talent. Where else can we use your skills? And if given the choice between being made redundant and repurposing to a new role, which would you prefer?” It’s not going to work every time, the individual may not want to step away from recruiting, and should have the choice. That's fine. But surely ask or explore it. I can’t help feeling a lot of talent has gone to waste these past 24 months.

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This month has marked the completion of my final subject in my Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy at Torrens University Australia with a Distinction average. 🎓🎉 As milestones tend to inspire, I've been reflecting on my personal journey and Canva journey over the past six years.. Fun fact — I started at Canva, six years ago as a copywriter. After an arduous chronic health journey, I had a strong internal nudge to learn more about mental health, so I could support those who often fall between the margins. So, In mid-2021, I decided to try my luck at studying again. I was incredibly nervous to do this because I never excelled at school. And didn't consider myself very smart. I failed English countless times in high school and was nearly suspended for taking too many sick days. In fact, I dropped out in year 10, and only went back because my mum low-key forced me to (In hindsight, mum knew best. Thanks mum!) So, I swallowed my pride (and fears) and enrolled — not knowing what this would lead to, but knowing that it was something I needed to try. I loved every moment of it, from learning about trauma-informed care and evidence-based principles, to finishing my practical placement counselling society's most vulnerable. Along the way, two years ago, there was an opportunity for my current wellbeing role at Canva. An opportunity I still pinch myself about. Over this time of studying, working and completing placements, I have found the most beautiful threads of symbiosis between how we can embed wellbeing into organisational culture with a person-centred approach. There are many conversations about organisational wellbeing, but I also believe that equally important are the unique and multifaceted individuals who make up these organisations, and how best to support them. I genuinely feel honoured to do what I do every day. I believe that the skills I’ve learnt through my studies, enrich and inform so many of the initiatives and programs we run in wellbeing at Canva. Anyway, the TL;DR being — always take a step towards the unknown, obscure dream. You don’t need to know exactly how it will all play out, but you must take the first step. 

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