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The Power of Advancement Showcases Achievements | [GDE Sharing] Reflections on Fifteen Years of Growth Alongside Google
Author of this article: ML Google Developer Expert Yucheng Wang
A Heartfelt Thanks to the Google Developer Ecosystem
Firstly, I’m thrilled to share that this article has been highlighted by some key figures in the Google Developer Ecosystem. My sincere thanks to:
- Google Developer Experts Official Account on LinkedIn
- Google Developer Experts Official Account on X
- Google Developers Official Account (Chinese version) on WeChat
- David McLaughlin (Director, Global Developer Ecosystem, Google Developers) on LinkedIn
- Eric ShangKuan (Developer Ecosystem Regional Lead — Greater China at Google) on LinkedIn
I deeply appreciate their support, and I encourage readers to follow these accounts to stay updated on insights and initiatives from the Google Developer Experts community!
The Origins of Technology with Google
My name is Yucheng Wang, and I am currently a GDE in the field of machine learning (Google Developer Experts). I am very honored to have a personal profile on the official Google Developers website. For those who have been active in the Google Developer community for a long time, my name may not be unfamiliar. In fact, my connection to the Google Developer community dates back quite a long time, and I can be considered one of the earliest members in the country. To accurately review this journey, I specifically went through the email records from back then, and I actually found that email that has long become an “antique.”
At that time, I was new to the industry and somewhat confused, so I contacted some professionals in the field via email, hoping to learn more about this emerging area and actively participate in various technical activities. It was through this approach that I established my initial connection with the Google Developer Community. Back then, GDG (Google Developer Groups) was still referred to as GTUG (Google Technical User Group).
Continuing to trace back history, I found the early mailing list of Beijing GDG. To my delight, I had the privilege of joining this organization full of technical enthusiasm just three months after the establishment of Beijing GTUG.
By the way, the first Google service preview I applied for was actually Google Wave. When I opened the Google Wave page again today, I found that this former product still retains the explanations from back then, as if Google still cherishes this piece of historical memory.
From 2009 to now, the Google Developer Community has accompanied me for a full 15 years. In a person’s life, 15 years is already a considerable amount of time. When I first connected with Google, I never expected this journey to be so long, nor did I anticipate that Google’s technology would have such a profound impact on me. Today, I am very glad that I am still as active in the Google Developer Community as I was 15 years ago, with my original intention unchanged.
In the following content, I will slowly unfold the gains and insights from the past 15 years. To express my state of mind, I will use a familiar poem:
“满纸荒唐言，一把辛酸泪。都云作者痴，谁解其中味？”
“Full of absurd words, a handful of bitter tears. Everyone says the author is foolish, but who understands the meaning within?”
Please continue to pay attention to my words, friends, and help me interpret their meaning. If you have any thoughts after reading, don’t forget to leave a comment!
Become a GDE
Since 2012, I began participating in the activities of the then Beijing GTUG and gradually became a core organizer. In this process, I met a large number of like-minded technical partners. What is especially fortunate is that many of the friends from back then still maintain close contact even after more than a decade. For example, early Beijing GDG organizer Jackie is still active in Beijing GDG today and remains a member of GDE.
2012 Beijing DevFest event preparation site.
As I became more involved in activities within the GDG community, I gradually took on the task of giving talks and gained a deeper understanding of the GDE role. Compared to GDG organizers, GDEs have access to more Google technical resources and support, which sparked my interest in applying to become a GDE and led me to closely monitor application opportunities.
At that time, I was mainly engaged in Internet of Things (IoT) related work and was also an organizer of GDG. Coincidentally, Google launched a series of IoT products and established a new IoT GDE category. So, I consulted Alpha (another early GDE in China), who strongly encouraged me to apply. It was with the encouragement of Jackie and Alpha, along with the help of Bill Luan, the head of Google Developer Relations for Greater China at the time, that I finally passed the interview with Google employees in 2016, officially becoming the third GDE in China and the only GDE focused on IoT at that time.
Later, in 2019, I successfully applied for the Machine Learning GDE and began to be active mainly in this field. Due to my long-standing commitment to the GDE program, I also became one of the longest-serving GDEs in China.
My information can still be found on the personal introduction page of Advocu (due to permission restrictions, not all users can view this page). However, it is unfortunate that, with the suspension of the IoT GDE project, my IoT GDE identity cannot be displayed for the time being. But I am still a GDE in the AI/ML field, and I have also joined the AI/ML Champion, which is another story for another time.
By 2022, a symbolic plaque was finally established.
Looking back at the experience of participating in the GDE interview, there were two core assessment areas:
Assessment of Professional Knowledge: In the interview, great emphasis is placed on the breadth and depth of technical knowledge, and the interviewer may ask some quite in-depth questions. Since I have five years of experience in embedded technology, I can handle this part with ease and answer related questions smoothly.
Interaction with the Community: This section focuses more on how to improve oneself in the technical field, how to expand the influence of technology through participation and promotion of community activities, and how to realize one’s social value.
For those who intend to apply for GDE, my advice is: in addition to having solid professional skills, you should also think deeply about how to contribute to the GDG (Google Developer Groups) community and the development of Google technologies. This is not only about personal technical growth but also reflects your value in the community. Having some experience in community participation and a plan for the future is also very important.
In addition, all GDE interviews are conducted entirely in English, so good English skills are essential. Even after passing the interview and becoming a GDE, English proficiency remains crucial for technical communication, reading English articles and videos, and even communicating with developers worldwide.
GDE’s benefits
Everyone knows that Google holds various technical events every year, such as Google I/O, Google Cloud Next, as well as the GDE Summit and professional lectures in various fields. For GDEs, if the conference is related to their technical direction, the tickets are completely free, which is a very practical benefit. By participating in these events, GDEs can gain in-depth knowledge of the latest developments in Google technology and communicate with tech enthusiasts from around the world, and even have the opportunity to meet like-minded friends.
In 2014, attending the Google I/O conference for the first time became the main itinerary of my trip to the United States that year.
The event site with over 5,000 people left me greatly shocked. Over the years, the Google I/O conference has naturally become the largest developer event in the world. From the San Francisco International Convention Center to the outdoor theater near the Google campus, Google always brings us continuous surprises.
Every year, one of the tasks of GDE is to work closely with the GDG community, such as serving as a speaker or Code Lab mentor at the annual Google I/O Extended, DevFest, or other GDG events. I have even been a mentor for several sessions of the Google Startup Accelerator. For these events, Google also provides travel support for GDEs. For friends passionate about technology, traveling around and sharing knowledge is undoubtedly a meaningful way of life.
Technical resources
Google provides abundant technical resources for GDEs; as long as one is willing to learn, the resources are endless. This is definitely a great advantage for technology enthusiasts.
Through Google Cloud’s learning platform Cloud Skills Boost, GDE can obtain unlimited learning credits for free to study technologies related to Google Cloud. I continuously learn using this platform and have accumulated quite a few achievements, which can be viewed in my public profile. I have currently completed nine relatively complex projects.
As an ML GDE, you can also use many tools for free to support your daily development training, such as obtaining computing units from Google Colab GPU.
In addition, there are many resources available for GDEs to explore. Google’s benefits content will adjust over time, but it generally only increases. For developers looking to enhance their technical skills and expand their community impact, the GDE program is an excellent growth platform. If your work is closely related to Google’s services or products, applying for GDE is definitely a good choice.
The growth and development of GDE
In addition to the aforementioned rigid benefits, the GDE program also offers a lot of flexible growth opportunities. Making good use of these resources can not only promote personal growth but also bring positive impacts to other community partners and help you make more like-minded friends. The accumulation of time is often more valuable than short-term benefits; only through long-term persistence can one truly see results.
I have been involved with the Google Developer Community for 15 years, and I have been a GDE for over 8 years. Looking back, this experience has made me deeply appreciate the compound effect of time. Life is a process of continuous accumulation, and all efforts will be rewarded in the future.
Next, I would like to share some personal insights on growth and development.
Improve personal comprehensive quality
When I just started working, I joined GDG (which was still called GTUG at the time). This community is made up of a group of people passionate about Google technologies and can be considered one of the earliest tech communities in the country. At that time, I had just started my job, and apart from my daily development work, I had almost no other activities. Additionally, due to my introverted personality, I even had difficulty communicating with colleagues in the early stages of my job. I believe many recent graduates in science and engineering have experienced similar confusion.
It is precisely for this reason that I decided to break through my own limitations and actively participate in community activities. These activities provided me with an opportunity to connect with the outside world, gradually changing my personality. With the help of friends, I initially took on simple tasks such as managing the sign-in sheet, preparing materials, and contacting guests, and gradually became involved in more organizational work. Later, I even took charge of several complete events, accumulating a wealth of experience.
On the night of May 15, 2013, at 12 o’clock, the Cheku Cafe in Beijing was packed, filled with the enthusiasm of technical exchanges. Wang Wei, Li Min, and I jointly planned the Google I/O Extended developer event. Now, the Garage Cafe has become history, but the passion and dreams captured in the photos still shine with a captivating light, becoming precious memories.
During this process, I also began to serve as a speaker for the events, especially in the early activities of GDG Beijing, where I frequently conducted technical sharing and became one of the backbone members of the community.
I also self-studied many related technologies, and the most impressive experience was a special event about Bluetooth 4.0. I was both the organizer and the lecturer. To prepare for this event, I spent two weeks reading and digesting the Bluetooth protocol documents in English, creating a PPT, and ultimately, the event attracted over 100 participants, with results that were very good and even exceeded expectations.
Through these activities, my English reading ability has greatly improved, and while preparing for speeches, I gradually figured out how to create more engaging PPTs. From the initial piling up of text to later designs that combined images and text, I ultimately learned how to convey complex technical content through concise outlines and vivid explanations. In the end, my requirements for my speeches are:
- The PPT must be concise, aesthetically pleasing, and elegant, and include an outline of all key content;
- Each key point must be fully understood and able to be explained vividly;
- During the on-site explanation, ensure that no technical points are overlooked;
- Reasonably manage time.
As time went by, I gradually built my own knowledge framework and completely overcame the problem of poor communication in the early stages.
As a GDE, I have the opportunity to see many PPTs from Google-related conferences. The design of these PPTs is outstanding, being both concise and content-rich, with a reasonable combination of text and images, clear key points, and easy to understand. Moreover, the speakers often delve deeply into each point. These high-quality PPTs have greatly inspired me, helping me continuously improve my ability to distill projects and subtly enhance my own capabilities.
The Google Developer Experts Summit is dedicated to providing a platform for in-depth communication and learning for GDEs from around the world. This is the 2018 summit, where speakers are sharing how GDEs create value for the ecosystem, covering multiple roles such as speakers, content creators, trainers, role models, advocates for diversity and inclusion, mentors, and contributors. Each summit is carefully organized with exciting presentations covering various themes such as technology, community, and leadership, helping GDEs enhance their overall capabilities to better give back to the community and create a greater impact.
Every GDE event is like climbing to a high place to gain a broader view, allowing me to continuously improve. From IoT development to Android, and then to full-stack development and machine learning, I have gradually learned about multiple areas of software development. To reach a broader perspective, one must ascend to a higher level. In this ongoing ascent, my understanding of computer software has deepened significantly.
Technical Deep Thinking
Regarding PPT, I have a profound experience that I would like to share with everyone.
In the Google Build with AI series event in 2024, I had the honor of being a speaker at the Beijing event in May, with the topic being the introduction of Gemma. During this process, there was a slide in the PPT that gave me a new insight, deepening my understanding of the preparation work before the speech.
AI has replaced traditional programming methods and has become one of the foundational applications for the coming years. By reviewing Google’s projects in the field of AI over the past decade, we can gain a deeper understanding of Google’s AI development journey and obtain a brand new experience.
If you are interested in this field, you can delve into specific projects and their significance at key milestones, and then connect the technological breakthroughs of these projects. You will find that this PPT actually showcases the complete development process of Google in the field of AI from theory to engineering. Especially those key projects, which mark significant turning points in AI. Looking ahead to the future of AI based on this, what you see are endless opportunities.
The following questions are also insights I hope to convey to the participants at the meeting.
- How has Google AI developed over the past decade?
- How can we see the evolution of the computer world from theory to engineering through specific projects?
- How to envision the future of AI?
Through this PPT, we can witness the technological evolution in the ten-year development history of Google AI. The transformation from theory to engineering is akin to “skill in technique, excellence in principle.” Looking ahead to the future of AI is like “aspiring to the heavens, soaring to the skies,” filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. This exploration has made me deeply realize that technology is not just about the techniques, but also about the ideas and goals behind it. Only by climbing to new technological heights can we glimpse the light of the future.
Cross-cultural communication
From 2014 to 2019, the on-site experiences of six Google I/O conferences not only allowed me to witness the changes at the forefront of global technology but also made me deeply feel the vastness and diversity of the world. Each event seemed to mark my personal growth, while the true impact came from the gains of each face-to-face interaction.
The first time I attended a conference in the United States was not only for technical exchange but also a brand new life experience. After that, with each annual conference, I gradually learned how to travel independently and even how to protect myself in a foreign land. My numerous solo explorations not only helped me grow technically but also taught me self-reliance and adaptability in various aspects of life.
Every conference is not only a grand event for technology but also a collision of ideas. Communicating face-to-face with tech enthusiasts from around the world and listening to their experiences and insights has greatly benefited me. The exhibition area of the conference is another treasure trove of knowledge, with a continuous stream of technological achievements and innovative concepts. Every conversation with the speakers is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of future technology trends. After years of accumulation, my English proficiency has also greatly improved through practical application.
This photo captures a wonderful moment from the 2014 GDG Summit. In the image, GDG organizers from around the world gather together, inspired by a humorous movie still, to brainstorm on how to enhance communication skills, seek solutions, and take responsibility. This is not just a simple team activity; it embodies the core spirit of GDG’s openness, inclusiveness, and collective progress.
The evening social activities added a unique flavor to the entire conference. In the open-air venue, people from different countries and cultural backgrounds engaged in free conversations, sharing their understanding of technology and their views on the world. Such occasions made me deeply appreciate the power of communication and the importance of open dialogue for the first time. In these open discussions, ideas collided, insights merged, and my perspective was continuously broadened in an intangible way.
At the evening gathering after the 2014 Google I/O conference, participants from different countries engaged in free conversation. Such exchanges not only showcased the globalization of technology and innovation but also made me deeply appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Through interactions with colleagues from various countries, I experienced how different cultures and perspectives influence each other, broadening my international outlook and strengthening my ability for cross-cultural communication and collaboration. This experience made me more aware that in the globalized tech field, openness and understanding are key to driving innovation and solving complex problems.
One of the Google engineers brought the iconic lightsaber from “Star Wars” to the conference, bringing science fiction into reality! She not only generously showcased this “Jedi weapon,” but also transformed into a “Jedi Master,” teaching the audience how to use the lightsaber, which drew gasps of amazement and allowed attendees to personally experience the fun and infinite possibilities brought by technology.
In the lively song and dance performances, I once again felt inclusivity and diversity. I watched the participants engage in cross-cultural and cross-national exchanges, and gradually came to understand and learn to face the world’s diversity with a humble attitude, finding ways to understand and solve problems amidst differences.
At the After Party of the 2014 Google I/O conference, the band’s performance and the audience’s spontaneous response created a unique scene. Lyrics in different languages and music with different rhythms intertwined, showcasing a blend of various cultures. This cultural collision not only allowed people to feel the diversity of music but also sparked profound reflections on cultural interactions in the context of globalization. This experience not only enriched my cultural perspective but also prompted me to reconsider how to better understand and respect the uniqueness and commonality of different cultures in the processes of technology and globalization.
At the 2017 Google I/O conference, AI played the sound of the future. During the music session, melodies completely composed by AI echoed throughout the venue, with every tremor of the bass seeming to be an impact by AI on the boundaries of technology, shaking the hearts of every audience member and heralding the significant changes that AI is about to bring to the music industry.
“海纳百川，有容乃大”。(“The sea embraces hundreds of rivers; only with inclusiveness can one be great.”) The years of experience at the Google I/O conference and the GDE Global Summit have not only enriched my knowledge in the field of technology but have also taught me how to face cultural differences with an open and inclusive mindset. While learning technology is certainly important, true growth often lies in the spiritual exchange that transcends borders and breaks down cultural barriers. It is through these communications and understandings that I have discovered the true power behind technology — it is not only a tool for changing the world but also a bridge that connects souls. On this path where technology and humanity intertwine, I will continue to explore, learn, and share, pursuing higher goals.
Interaction with Googlers
In addition to the regular GDE activities, what is even more valuable is that the GDE program provides us with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Google technologies, which has enhanced my personal comprehensive understanding and application of technology. This growth is not limited to passive learning and participation in activities; it is more about actively participating in the testing of Google’s early projects, becoming a witness and promoter of product development.
Google provides GDEs with a flexible and in-depth learning space. In addition to technical resources and training, GDEs can apply to participate in testing some unreleased projects, gaining an in-depth experience of the technical details of these products before they are launched. These tests are often accompanied by the signing of confidentiality agreements, and this opportunity allows me to communicate directly with Google’s product teams, share my feedback, and offer suggestions on product features, user experience, and future directions. The process of participating in discussions is not only a technical challenge but also a forward-looking exploration of industry trends.
Through the opportunity to interact with Googlers, I was able to have direct conversations with multiple Google product teams, including product managers and UI scientists from product lines such as Gen App, Container, Cloud AI, Responsible AI, and Vertex AI. I discussed various aspects of technology with them, delving into product strategy, feature design, user experience, and the underlying business logic. This communication not only deepened my understanding of the entire process from product conception to implementation but also helped me master how to translate product design concepts into practical solutions. Through these interactions, I learned to identify and analyze the key decision-making criteria in product design, as well as how to quickly find efficient solutions when faced with technical shortcomings. This process not only enhanced my professional skills but also deepened my comprehensive understanding of technology and product development.
From technology to business
My technical vision has been greatly expanded; I have not only begun to think deeply about the evolution and application of technology but have also been inspired to explore new fields. I self-studied all the basics of Google Cloud Architecture and, combined with the capabilities of Cloud AI, gained a comprehensive understanding of how to use these technologies to build a stable and efficient technical service framework. The various basic services of Google Cloud are like precise building blocks; although Google does not provide ready-made solutions directly, it gives us great freedom to create. Once we master the characteristics of these “blocks,” we can piece them together into a unique product based on our business needs. This is not only a technical achievement but also a full release of creativity.
“工欲善其事，必先利其器。” (“To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools.”) The “tools” provided by Google enable each of us developers to fully unleash our creativity and technical strength. In this process, Google encourages every user to leverage its technology and services to achieve business goals, fostering innovation and profitability. Perhaps one day, when we conceive a highly promising idea, we can quickly build a profitable product through business analysis, thus transforming the power of technology into commercial success.
Just as ancient craftsmen used tools to create exquisite objects, the technological platforms and resources provided by Google have paved a bridge to success for modern innovators. This is not only a journey of technological exploration but also an awakening and sublimation of creativity. Through deep collaboration with Google, I learned how to transform technology into actual productivity, how to respond to complex business environments with flexible thinking, and ultimately how to piece together “building blocks” into products full of creativity and value. As stated in the “Tao Te Ching”: “天下难事，必作于易；天下大事，必作于细。”(“Difficult tasks in the world must be done while they are easy; great tasks in the world must be done while they are small.” )By meticulously refining every detail, we will ultimately achieve a perfect integration of technology and business.
Message
In the years since participating in the GDE program, the China region has had 40 GDEs, who are distributed across different fields. Many GDEs remain active and actively participate in various activities of GDG. In the GDE group, whenever a question is raised, it often sparks extensive discussion and is quickly resolved. With a focus on technology, our common pursuit is to continuously strive and persist in learning.
GDE is not just an identity, but also a responsibility, a commitment to technology, to the community, and to the future. I believe that every GDE is a spark; a small flame can ignite a vast fire. We come together to make this flame of technological passion burn even brighter, illuminating each other and the world. In the future, with the support of Google and the collective efforts of all GDEs, we will forge ahead through challenges, creating more miracles with technology, making this world a better place because of us!
The Power of Advancement Showcases Achievements | [GDE Sharing] Reflections on Fifteen Years of… was originally published in Google Developer Experts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
