Can you tell me more about your career development after graduation?

I am now serving the National Service as a Cloud Engineer at the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Prior to that, I was an intern at GovTech Singapore as a Full-Stack Cloud Engineer, with a focus on cyber security. This aligns with my interests, and I’ve been able to apply my expertise to a project I called “Second Brain.”

What is the “Second Brain”? How will it help people?

The “Second Brain” is a one-stop platform that I’ve developed to share computer science notes (https://notes.yxy.ninja). It was designed for students, and anyone interested in computer science. I identified this need during my time at NYP, as I realised I could not remember everything and struggled to find relevant notes.  I’m building it from the ground up, and I envision it as a lifelong project that I hope to collaborate with others. As I grow in my career and gain more knowledge, I’ll continuously improve the system.

What are your thoughts about Generative AI?

I support the utilisation of AI for work and learning, especially during the ideation phase. I frequently use AI to create coding templates, which simplifies work processes and enhances quality as they can substitute the time-consuming research process. This allows users like me to focus on developing content and expanding on the generated results.

However, I acknowledge that AI is not fully trustworthy yet, users must still peform fact-check on AI outputs. Additionally, AI’s impact on employment is a serious concern, as some jobs may become obsolete. Therefore, I encourage people to build a strong foundation in computer science to understand the concepts behind AI tools. If you can’t change the transformation, ride on the bandwagon. 

Can you tell me about a challenge that you have overcome in life?

My hometown is Hunan, China. When I first moved to Singapore, I faced a significant challenge as I couldn't communicate in English, and all my school subjects were taught in English. Attending classes felt torturous because I couldn't understand anything. Fortunately, some of my classmates noticed my struggles and helped me throughout my academic journey. Gradually, I picked up the language and worked extremely hard to reach where I am today.

What is your secret to achieving a perfect GPA score of 4.0?

Interest is essential because it makes even the most challenging tasks seem manageable. It drives you forward and provides a sense of achievement eventually. Without interest, it's hard to sustain any effort, whether at work or in school. Consistency comes next and is often the most challenging part. It’s about building small, good habits that accumulate into significant accomplishments, much like working out to achieve a fit body. Lastly, luck plays a pivotal role as well. I was fortunate to be exposed to computing in Secondary 3, which aligned perfectly with my interests.

How did you make your poly life colourful and enjoyable?

I participated in various activities, such as becoming a Student Assistant Coach at MakerSpace NYP. I spent a lot of time there, met like-minded individuals, and made friends. Leading a team to develop an in-house attendance system for other coaches was particularly satisfying. Additionally, I learned to operate advanced machines like laser cutters, 3D printers, and leather crafting tools.

Give me some of your inspirational quotes.

“The best time to start something is right now, not 10 years ago.” Do not look back at what you never done and focus on what you can do at the current moment. Focus on improvement and not regretting things from the past. Move on and do it!