Student Stories

Could you share more about your education journey before joining PSB Academy?

At Bukit Panjang Government High School, I completed my N-Levels in 2016 as a Normal (Academic) student. I then took my O-Levels the following year but did not pass the examinations.

I was extremely disappointed with myself for not pushing myself harder. As the only student among my schoolmates who did not pass, I felt embarrassed and believed that I was not as capable as the others. For a while, I found it difficult to regain my motivation.

With ITE as the option available to me, I pursued a Higher Nitec in IT Systems & Networks at ITE College West from 2018 to 2020. I barely passed the programme, and my GPA was not high enough for me to enter a polytechnic despite trying for three years. At first, it felt like the end of the road because I knew I had taken the opportunity for granted.

What motivated you to continue your studies after Higher Nitec?

In 2020, my father was interviewed about his own education journey. He has always been my role model and an example of someone who continues to seek knowledge.

His message was simple: knowledge is power, and learning does not stop as we grow older, every day is a learning phase. After hearing those words, I became motivated to return to my studies and gain the qualifications that would help prepare me for the modern world.

I owe a lot to my family for never giving up on me. I am extremely grateful that they continued to encourage and support me.

What sparked your interest in IT, and why did you choose PSB Academy?

I became interested in computers when I was young and often explored the folders and data on my parents’ computers. That interest grew as I discovered software development and programming, and I knew that I wanted to pursue Computing Science.

As public polytechnics could not accept me because of my GPA, I decided to explore the private education route. There were several options available, but I chose PSB Academy because they accepted me with open arms and believed that I could make a comeback from the setbacks I had experienced.

I started with the Certificate in InfoComm Technology to rebuild my academic foundation before progressing to the Diploma in InfoComm Technology and eventually graduated with a Computing Science degree with PSB Academy’s university partner.

How did the Certificate prepare you for the Diploma, and which experiences stood out to you?

I had not studied for more than three years before joining PSB Academy, so returning to school was a major challenge. The IT certificate helped prepare me for the academic demands ahead. My lecturers supported me in the areas where I was struggling, while my classmates helped keep me grounded.

My IT diploma experience was more challenging. The assessments did not only test my understanding of theories they also required me to think outside the box. However, the preparation I received during the my certificate experieince helped me overcome the challenges I faced in my projects and examinations.

One memorable experience was a Design Thinking assignment in which we researched RedMart. Under our lecturer’s guidance, we were encouraged to examine the situation from different perspectives and find solutions to the problems faced. Foundation Mathematics and Discrete Mathematics also stood out to me. I had always enjoyed Mathematics, but I failed the subject during my O-Levels in 2017. When I found out that I would be studying Mathematics again, I saw it as an opportunity to settle some “unfinished business”. With Dr Saifullah’s support, I passed both modules with good grades. It felt as though I had finally closed that chapter on good terms.

How did the Diploma prepare you for your Computing Science degree, and how did graduating feel?

The Diploma gave me a foundation in Information and InfoComm Technology and helped me decide which area of IT I wanted to pursue. I chose Computing Science because I had developed a strong interest in programming and software development, and I hope to develop my own software in the future.

I graduated from Coventry University in March 2026. There were many positive emotions, but gratitude best describes how I felt when I finally reached the finishing line.

It had been a long journey since 2018, and it was not a story I had expected to be able to share. My parents were extremely proud that I had completed my studies. They never stopped supporting and encouraging me, even during the lowest points of my journey.

What are you doing now, and which skills from your IT studies do you use at work?

I am currently working as a Field Operations Coordinator on a technology-related project. My work involves testing different parts of the project and providing feedback. I also conduct checks on the physical and online status of its software and hardware before and after operations, before submitting my feedback for my colleagues to review and make adjustments.

Despite my limited working experience, the transition from student life was smooth because my colleagues supported me and helped me understand the project and my responsibilities.

The computer hardware knowledge I gained from my studies has been useful because it helps me understand how the hardware used in the project works. I have also been exposed to the programming side of the project, which has allowed me to continue learning.

Outside of work, I run a football league as a hobby. I use the programme developed for my Individual Computing Science Project to generate player ratings based on match performances, with the aim of identifying the league’s best player without human bias.

What do people often misunderstand about taking a private education pathway?

People may assume that securing job opportunities with a private education is impossible. However, I believe it is not only about where you studied, but also about the dedication you show and what you can contribute to the workforce.

If you are willing to start from the bottom, demonstrate your capabilities and work your way up, employers will consider what you can offer.

What would you say to students who are interested in IT but unsure where it can lead?

First, understand what you can contribute to the IT sector and ask yourself whether you would like to use technology to make a positive difference.

If you are genuinely interested and willing to work through the challenging stages of development, take a leap of faith and begin the journey. You may encounter roadblocks along the way, but having the right mentality will help you keep moving forward.