Malta participates in third regional MVP open days

Microsoft hosted 118 most valuable professionals (MVPs) from 29 countries in the East European, Middle East and Africa regions at the third CEE/MEA (Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) MVP open days.

This two-day event provided MVPs from around the region with an opportunity to meet with each other, receive technical training and updates on the latest technologies, as well as interact with Microsoft's executives.

Malta was present at this event through an MVP appointed last year, Arie Slob. MVPs are recognised by Microsoft for their demonstrated practical expertise and voluntary efforts to share their knowledge actively in online and offline technical communities around the world.

MVPs represent a wide variety of backgrounds and professions, and share a passion for helping others maximise their use of technology.

"The development of the communities across the region reflects the growing importance of them in this part of the world," Muhieddine Chaaban, the Technical Advisor in Microsoft East Med, said. "It's exciting to be a part of that experience and to recognise the MVPs in the region for their accomplishments and the inspiration they provide to all of us."

This year's open days were hosted at Microsoft Research in Cambridge - established by Microsoft in 1997 as a centre for innovation and computer science research across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

MVPs got an insight into Microsoft's vision for the future during the two days of discussion and demonstrations. The event was also an opportunity to better understand the dialogue within the regional communities by gathering feedback, creating interpersonal connections, and discussing ways to keep the dialogue open across different geographies.

MVPs can be representatives of the greater community as they often lead or actively participate in user groups and other volunteer-based technology- focused organisations and activities.

"Sharing experiences and helping other users to develop their skills is a very rewarding part of taking an active role in an online/offline community, but it is also good to get the recognition of your participation and expertise from Microsoft, and more than that to be offered the opportunity to meet each other and all together interact with high level executives, while being introduced to the latest technologies", Mr Slob said.

The rich diversity that the Microsoft MVP programme enjoys today is a reflection of a multi-year commitment based on global community feedback to identify new, thriving technical communities and connect with the most active and expert people across a broad range of Microsoft technologies and services.

The MVP programme was introduced to the region four years ago. To date, more than 129 MVPs have been awarded in MEA. Altogether, there are over 3,300 MVPs worldwide, representing 81 countries and 32 languages.

"Last year's nominations, and today's participation in this regional event illustrate the growth and passion of the IT profession and skill in the Eastern Mediterranean region," Charles Nahas, general manager for Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean, said.

"MVPs are incredibly important to Microsoft and the software community as a whole because they can inspire their peers, and provide invaluable feedback to Microsoft that helps us build better products."

More information about the Microsoft MVP programme and the 2006 MVPs can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/mvp More information about Microsoft technical communities can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/communities