Mohaimen's journey in AI innovation

As a senior software engineer at Microsoft, Mohaimen Khan, with his Bangladeshi roots, isn't just witnessing AI's tectonic impact in tech and our lives-he's driving it with two patents that redefine how people use AI. His latest patent, a breakthrough in generative AI, tackles a persistent challenge in tools like GitHub Copilot which is ensuring that the code suggestions they generate are accurate and relevant to the specific task at hand. "This patent allows LLMs to avoid suggesting irrelevant code," said Mohaimen. "It's about making the AI smarter in real-time so that developers can trust it in high-stakes situations." In his role at Microsoft's Cloud and AI division, he is currently refining tools that enhance productivity and precision for programmers across various projects.

His recent patent isn't his first, though. Back in 2019, during an internship with the Royal Bank of Canada, Mohaimen developed his first patent-a predictive AI-powered rental platform. The idea was to give potential renters a competitive edge by letting them bid on properties before they were publicly listed, using real-time data and predictive pricing. The solution showed his passion for creating intelligent solutions that adapt to complex systems. "It was my first taste of how AI could reshape everyday interactions, like finding a place to live," he shared.

Story of perseverance: Mohaimen's journey to Microsoft wasn't straightforward. Originally aiming for a career in chemical engineering, he changed and enrolled at the University of Toronto's (UofT) Track One Engineering programme. It is a general first-year programme that allows students to sample various fields. He had engineering aspirations growing up but wasn't entirely sure of a specific path. "Engineering was always my goal," he said. "But the morning I applied, my dad asked if I was sure about chemical engineering. I wasn't, and Track One Engineering let me take courses across all disciplines."

This choice was pivotal, as it opened the door to his interest in software, even though it was a challenging entry. "I was up against classmates who had been coding since they were 12 or 13." he said. The rigour of UofT's programme quickly immersed him in coding, which he came to view as a creative and logical exercise. "Software engineering to me is a form of art. It has rules and guidelines, but there's so much room for creativity."

Mohaimen's early university years were marked by persistence, both in academics and in securing internships. By his second year, he had applied to as many as 300 positions but heard back from only five. "I attended countless career fairs and networked as much as possible," he recalled. His persistence eventually paid off with internships at companies like RBC, TELUS, and BlueCat. There he gained experience in AI, full-stack development, and cloud computing. These roles gave him access to diverse aspects of software development and strengthened his technical skills. "These internships were crucial," he noted. "They taught me how varied software could be. There are so many fields within it; you just have to find what drives you."

Breaking through at Microsoft: After three years of studying and interning, Mohaimen started receiving more responses from employers. And by the end of his final year, he had job offers from tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon.

"When I applied to Microsoft, I made sure to emphasise my technical skills and practical experience on my resume," he said. "This combination of a solid technical background, impactful projects, and a drive to learn and innovate was key to standing out." He also shared, "Networking and preparation were also essential. Through my IEEE leadership roles and other volunteer experiences, I developed soft skills like project management, public speaking, and team leadership. These skills were invaluable during interviews, helping me share unique perspectives with potential employers, including Microsoft."

He quickly adapted to the demands of working in a high-stakes environment at Microsoft. He channels his efforts into refining AI-driven tools, especially those that assist developers in enhancing productivity. A significant focus for him has been on improving GitHub Copilot's performance in Visual Studio, so he can make it more contextually aware to help developers navigate complex codebases. "I enjoy working on tools that enhance developers' productivity and creativity," he explained. He shared that the potential AI has to transform coding into a more intuitive process. "The potential to make coding more accessible and efficient through AI-driven features is something I'm passionate about."

The internet boom all over again or not: For Mohaimen, the current potential of AI is similar to the transformative power of the internet boom around 2008. He believes this AI wave has even greater depth. "The internet boom connected people and democratised access to information, changing how we communicate, work, and consume media. But AI is poised to take things a step further by enhancing how we think, decide, and solve complex problems," he observed.

"AI isn't just about connecting or sharing information; it's about making sense of massive amounts of data in ways humans couldn't achieve on their own," he added. He sees AI systems that can analyse data in real-time and provide predictive insights, revolutionising industries from healthcare to software development. "While the internet boom laid the groundwork for a connected world, AI could be the driver for a more intelligent and adaptive one."

Country's role in the AI wave: Mohaimen Khan sees great potential for Bangladesh to play a role in the AI industry. He is optimistic that with the right infrastructure and investment, Bangladesh could become a vital participant in AI. "Bangladesh is at a crossroads where it can leverage the AI revolution to drive substantial economic and social progress," he shared. Moving beyond low-skill roles like data labelling, he sees opportunities for AI to modernise various industries within the country.

The government can play a unique role in building an environment where small business owners, in particular, can benefit from AI tools to become more competitive. Large industries like RMG will also need to adopt AI to remain globally competitive. "The opportunities extend far beyond data training and labelling," Mohaimen said. He, like many global youths with roots in Bangladesh, hopes for a future where AI enables entrepreneurs and businesses to operate with greater independence in Bangladesh.

Never too late to start: For young Bangladeshis considering careers in coding and technology, Mohaimen's advice is simple- it's never too late to start. "The beauty of software engineering is that it welcomes anyone with curiosity and a passion for problem-solving," he said. He pointed out that regardless of background or age, those willing to dive into the field will find a wide array of resources and opportunities awaiting them.

"Bangladesh is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and there's a tremendous opportunity for young people to be at the forefront of this change," he continued. Developing skills in software engineering, according to him, will open doors not just for individual careers but for broader innovation across the country. "So take that first step-start learning, stay curious, and don't be afraid to pursue your passion in technology,"Mohaimen emphasised.

[email protected]