UNSW Co-op Scholar Ethan Wong represents Australia at the 2022 Excel World Championships

Second Year, Business Information Systems Scholar, Ethan Wong recently represented Australia at the extremely competitive 2022 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) World Championship in Disney Land, California. After competing against over one million contestants from around the world, Ethan was humbled to be awarded 5th place in the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019) event.

Ethan shares his experience of travelling to California and competing in the 2022 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) World Championship.

How did you become the 2022 MOS Australian Champion?

I completed the MOS Excel Certification Program (via Prodigy Learning) as part of the Co-Op scholarship program’s professional development scheme. Almost 3,000 UNSW students signed up for the MOS Excel Certification Program in 2021.

I then qualified to compete in the Australian finals’ competition. I did not expect to become Australian Champion!

Why was it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity?

Most people don’t get too many opportunities to represent Australia on the world stage! There were so many extraordinary experiences - competing at Anaheim against the best in the world; hearing from fabulous speakers including Keynote Speaker, Michelle Poler (Founder of Hello Fears); spending three days with so many incredible people from different cultures, being interviewed by an Australian based film crew for a documentary on the World Championship and Disneyland of course! Prodigy Learning made the whole experience so amazing. 

What were some of the highlights of Disneyland?

What’s not to love about the “happiest place on Earth”? Undoubtedly, the highlight was the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride. This multiple ride system with realistic special effects and props was incredible! The Disney California Adventure Park Incredicoaster ride was amazing too. Finally, the World of Colour – Season of Light show, would give Vivid a run for its money!

I was also able to spend a few days sight-seeing in LA (Hollywood, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills were some of the highlights).

Final words

I encourage everyone to strive with your best efforts even if at first, it may not look like the most exciting thing on your plate, as it may lead to “once in a lifetime” opportunities, like it did for me with the MOS World Championship!