Student Stories

Lim Swee Ming

Class of 2024
Diploma in InfoComm Technology, PSB Academy

School of Engineering and Technology

What was your highest qualification before taking up this part-time diploma? 

I hold a Master’s degree in Marketing.  

What kind of work or industry were you in before enrolling — and was it related to what you studied? If not, what inspired your shift to a new field? 

I’ve been working at SIFT Analytics Group, an analytics consulting firm in the business and technology space. While my background is in marketing, working in a tech-driven environment meant my role increasingly required a deeper understanding of both IT and data analytics to better support the projects I was involved in. As I explored options to expand my skillset, I came across PSB Academy’s Diploma in InfoComm Technology.  

Initially, I thought it focused only on IT project management, but after speaking with a PSBA programme consultant, I realised it also offered key modules in data analytics — a perfect complement to my evolving role. That combination of IT fundamentals and analytics really convinced me this was the right programme to help me grow and contribute more meaningfully at work. 

How did you hope this diploma would change your career or open new opportunities?

I hoped this diploma would give me the skills and confidence to create marketing content that not only drives results but also makes a meaningful impact for my company.

Did you need to consider family or personal commitments before deciding to study part-time? What were some of those considerations? 

Absolutely. I had to seriously think about whether I could juggle my job, personal commitments, and studies without burning out. One thing that reassured me was the hybrid learning format. Knowing that I had the flexibility to attend classes both online and on campus gave me the confidence that I could maintain balance and stay committed throughout. 

Were you nervous about anything before starting the course? How do you feel now that you’ve graduated? 

Honestly, I wasn’t too nervous because I had previously done part-time studies too but that was without the benefit of hybrid learning, which back then made things much tougher! Graduating from this programme feels incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained exposure to so many new IT processes and tools that I had never encountered before. The lecturers were clear and engaging, they really brought everything to life with their real-world examples, which made even the toughest topics much easier to grasp. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a part-time student — and how did you overcome it? 

The biggest hurdle was definitely keeping pace with the fast-moving modules and heavy assignments. It was a real test of time management. I learned quickly that starting assignments early, collaborating closely with my groupmates, and proactively reaching out to lecturers for clarification were key to staying on top of things. That approach made a huge difference in keeping the momentum going. 

Have you been able to apply what you learned to your current job? Can you share an example?

Yes! One standout example is from the Database Design and Modelling module. Learning how to conceptualise and structure databases allowed me to share the best practices within my team. 

Have your studies opened up new opportunities, such as promotions, new roles, or added responsibilities? 

Yes, I gained enough confidence and technical know-how to propose and develop more data-driven marketing content. This initiative opened up new responsibilities for me as a content writer focusing on analytics topics in the tech space —something I wouldn’t have dared to push for before this diploma. 

How has this experience changed your confidence, mindset, or outlook on learning? 

Technology is evolving rapidly, and since I haven’t been directly involved in the IT field, I was surprised by how many concepts were unfamiliar to me in their technical definitions and how they are actually deployed in real-world settings. I’ve learned that while it’s not realistic to master everything at once, the key is to stay current with the areas that directly impact my role. This mindset has helped me approach learning with more focus and purpose. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about upskilling or reskilling but feels unsure or afraid to take the first step? 

My biggest advice is don’t rush in blindly. First, pinpoint the exact skills you need and clarify your goals, whether it’s career advancement or pursuing domain knowledge like I did. Do your homework and explore courses and study options that truly match your needs. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from the academic team. That extra step of due diligence can make all the difference in choosing a course you’ll thrive in.