Senior Engineering Manager, Marvin Tan’s love for music and coffee adds a unique flavor to his professional life. Dive into Marvin’s journey and see how a supportive environment can drive success.
Growing up in a satellite city near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marvin Tan‘s early years were marked by a deep-seated passion for technology and music. Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Marvin was always curious and eager to explore the world around him. During his high school years, the dot-com bubble was in full swing, inspiring many, including Marvin, to dive into the world of website development.
Marvin’s early fascination with building websites, particularly those hosting music, set the stage for his future career. As a teenager, he had to choose between a career in IT or multimedia design. After discussing with his parents, Marvin decided to pursue IT, recognizing his strength in technical skills over creative design. This decision led him to pursue higher education in IT at Multimedia University in Malacca, another state in Malaysia.
From developer to leader
After completing his studies, Marvin began his career as a developer. Over the years, he worked in various companies, gradually moving up the ranks. Five years ago, he joined Nintex as an Engineering Manager. His journey with Nintex has been nothing short of transformative. Marvin credits much of his development to his mentor, Laavanya, who saw potential in him and gave him an opportunity to grow despite his initial, limited experience in people management. Under her guidance, Marvin developed not only his technical expertise but also his managerial and social skills.
“Before joining Nintex, my previous role was more technical in nature and people management was not my strength at that point of time. Laavanya took a leap of faith by bringing me into Nintex as she saw that I had the potential as a people manager. I’ve definitely improved throughout these years with the company and have grown to enjoy that part of the job.”
Marvin’s management style is shaped by his experiences and the challenges he faced early on at Nintex. When he first joined, his team was underperforming, requiring a significant overhaul and transformation, which took about a year. Today, Marvin’s team is thriving, thanks to his focus on creating a positive and engaging work environment. He emphasizes the importance of casual conversations, team bonding activities, and ensuring that work is not just about tasks but also about enjoying the journey together.
“What I really enjoy is that it’s not all about work. We spend time having casual conversations and trying to have fun. That side of it is something I really enjoy.”
The formation of ‘Noisey Neighbors’
Marvin’s love for music, particularly drumming, was rekindled during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the encouragement of his mentor, Laavanya. “It’s actually Laavanya who encouraged me to buy a drum kit during COVID because I was talking to her about picking up the drums again. She encouraged me, and I’ve been practicing ever since,” Marvin shares.
This passion for music led to the formation of the Nintex band ‘Noisy Neighbors,’ where Marvin serves as the drummer. The band, consisting of team members from the Kuala Lumpur team, Azmi Samiri, SoonKhong Liew, and Nintex alumni Alexander Nicholas, performs at office events, adding a vibrant and fun element to the company’s culture. “Melissa came up with the idea for the band’s performance at the office’s 10th anniversary. We had a great time, and ever since then, we’ve been playing together whenever there’s an event,” Marvin recalls.
In addition to his professional and musical endeavors, Marvin also has a passion for coffee. He enjoys the process of making espresso and has invested in a high-quality espresso machine and grinder. “I fell in love with coffee about 10 years ago. I visited a cafe, and the coffee was so good that it sparked my interest in learning how to make it myself,” he says.
Marvin’s journey from a young tech enthusiast in Malaysia to a Senior Engineering Manager at Nintex is a testament to his dedication, passion, and the positive influence of mentors and colleagues. His story highlights the importance of continuous learning, the value of a supportive work environment, and the joy of pursuing one’s passions, both in and outside of work. Whether he’s leading his team, playing the drums, or perfecting his espresso, Marvin’s dedication and passion shine through, making him a valued member of the Nintex team.
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