Recently, TKU student Yeh Chih-Chang took first place in the Powerpoint category of the 2012 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office. The competition final was held in Las Vegas, America, and the preliminary rounds drew over 200,000 entrants from 53 countries. It was Chih-Chang’s first time entering a major software competition.

The result can be traced back to March this year, when she took part in courses to gain Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification and Techficiency Quotient Certification (TQC). In the courses, her exceptional performance made her stand out among classmates. She was rewarded with a scholarship for two entire days of training per week. A little over a month later, she received MOS and TQC licenses. Then, in mid-June, she took part in the local leg of the 2011 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office and qualified for the international tournament. She then underwent stringent training for two months under the guidance of Chen Zhi-yang and Liu Wen-xiu, two TKU students possessing high-level Microsoft Office skills. For the last six months, Chih-Chang has faced a number of difficulties in trying to coordinate course times with training sessions. Moreover, a week before the competition, Chih-Chang’s grandfather – with whom she enjoyed a very close relationship – passed away. After a week of suppressing sorrow, nerves, and pressure, she was crowned Microsoft world champion and broke down in tears of sadness and joy. She dedicated her win to her grandfather.

Chih-Chang commented “I feel I’m so lucky. The certification courses offered by the TKU Career Planning and Placement Section not only allowed me to obtain important licenses, but also helped to pique my interest in Microsoft Office. This then led me to two incredible teachers, who helped me so much along the way. In the past, when I saw acceptance speeches from prize winners who constantly praised their teachers or mentors, I always felt that they lacked a sense of originality. But now I understand: you can’t be the best at something without the help and support of many others. I get it now”.