A Journey in Technology, Leadership, and Advocacy for Women in Tech

Jolene Chong (Class of 2024), recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science, shares her inspiring NYP experience.

Published on 11 Feb 2025
Jolene poses for a picture against greenery at NYP campus.

Jolene was awarded the SCS Girls in Tech Award 2023 and the Google Innovation Award during her studies. She graduated in 2024 as a recipient of the esteemed Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science.

My journey into the world of technology and innovation at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) began well before I ever set foot on campus. Fuelled by my innate curiosity, I embarked on a self-taught adventure into web development during my secondary school days. My fascination with the intricate dance of code and creativity led me to work on freelance projects, utilising platforms like Fiverr and absorbing knowledge through countless YouTube tutorials.

 

Understanding the importance of formal education in realising my ambitions, I applied to join NYP’s Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).

 

I chose NYP because I wanted hands-on experience and a curriculum that bridges business and technology, areas I am deeply passionate about. NYP’s reputation for fostering industry-relevant skills and a vibrant learning environment further convinced me it was the right place to nurture my aspirations.

And I’ve never regretted my choice. During my three years at NYP, beyond excelling academically, I also made a difference within the tech community.

I founded the Ladies in Tech group at NYP to encourage more women to explore the various IT pathways. This initiative was part of my broader vision to make technology more accessible to all NYP students, demystifying AI and web development through workshops, seminars, and community projects.

 

One of my proudest achievements was developing NeuroNote, an AI-driven journal app designed to support youth at risk. The concept, borne out of stories shared by friends during my secondary school days, matured into a project that combined my interests in technology, social good, and innovation. NeuroNote’s success, including recognition in competitions and awards, underscored my belief in the power of technology to effect positive change in society.

 

After graduating from NYP, I am set to advance my education in computer science at the National University of Singapore.

 

My years at NYP were life-changing – I grew from an inquisitive teenager dabbling in web development to becoming a committed leader and innovator within the tech community. This eventful yet gratifying journey has underscored my capacity to make impactful contributions to technology and society at large, and I look forward to tackling any challenges ahead.

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