About Me
I am Matt Kellett, a passionate self-taught web developer and technology leader with an extensive background in diverse technologies and methodologies. From LAMP stack development to cloud infrastructure design, and from waterfall project management to agile and DevOps practices, my career spans an evolving spectrum of experiences in the tech industry. My leadership toolbox is filled with strategies that foster team growth and deliver outstanding results.
Professional Journey
After earning a BSc in Computer Science from Loughborough University, I began my career at UFindUs, a promising directory service that was later acquired by BT. Here, I played a pivotal role in developing a powerful platform that empowered SMEs to create and manage SEO-optimised websites with ease.
My drive for innovation led me into the education sector at FrogTrade, now known as Frog Education, where I collaborated with a team of exceptional professionals. We shared a singular vision: to enhance children's education using cutting-edge technology that makes learning more accessible and impactful.
Leadership and Global Influence
A turning point in my career came with the opportunity to relocate to Malaysia and join FrogAsia as Head of Technology. Building and leading a talented, multi-disciplinary team, I've driven the technology that has enabled the company to the transform the educational landscape across 10,000 public schools in Malaysia through the ambitious 1Bestarinet programme.
My leadership journey has been characterised by the strategic integration of DevOps and agile methodologies, including scrum and XP practices. I guided my team in deploying OpenShift Origin clusters, enabling rapid development and growth essential for the success of large-scale projects and more recently migrated a full data center over to the public cloud. Today, I continue to shape our platform strategy, refine our infrastructure, and mentor my team in developing scalable, efficient solutions all while focusing on the goal of improving education through technology.
Expertise and Responsibilities
At FrogAsia, my role encompasses:
- Requirement Gathering and Prioritisation: Collaborating with stakeholders to understand and prioritise project needs that align with our strategic objectives
- Unified System Architecture: Ensuring consistency across project architectures while maintaining a robust codebase and high project delivery standards
- Cross-Team Communication: Facilitating seamless communication between teams in the UK and Malaysia to drive global collaboration and align on shared goals
- Product Strategy: Balancing local and international requirements to deliver products that resonate with all user demographics
- Team Development: Leading recruitment, defining objectives, and supporting team growth while fostering an environment that prioritises learning and personal development
Personal Philosophy
My professional ethos is rooted in the belief that technology should be a conduit for knowledge, bridging gaps and opening doors to education and opportunities. While my role has grown to embody leadership and strategic oversight, I remain, at my core, a developer – curious, innovative, and driven to solve complex problems with thoughtful solutions.
Beyond Technology
When I'm not immersed in technology, I indulge in various hobbies:
- Gaming: From retro classics to modern favourites
- 3D Design/Printing: Designing practical solutions, such as custom phone stands
- Driving and Mountain Biking: Enjoying the freedom of exploring new paths and open roads
- Music and Film: A fondness for 80s and 90s rock and indie, and sci-fi/action films
- Writing: Sharing insights and articles, covering everything from docker and cloud migration tips to deep dives into Kubernetes and Helm chart design
Last updated 2nd November 2024