Building Networks and Breaking Norms: My Path from ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ to Huawei
Hello, ºìÐÓÊÓÆµians! My name is Christensen Choong Ming Jie, and I am currently a Network Design Engineer at Huawei Technologies Malaysia. In this edition, I’m excited to share how my journey at ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ shaped my career and led me to one of the world’s top Fortune 500 companies.
Growing up, I was far from a model student. In fact, I often found myself at the bottom of the class, struggling to keep up with my peers. I also gained quite a reputation as a troublemaker, like the mischievous Monkey King in Chinese folklore. Back then, teachers frequently complained about my inattentiveness, disruptive behaviour, and missed deadlines. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that the same person would go on to become a student leader, mentor, and now, a professional in the tech industry.
My journey took a new direction when I realised the importance of taking responsibility for my actions. During my Diploma studies at ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ College, I made a conscious effort to lead by example and foster a supportive learning environment. After recognizing the value of a strong peer network, I dedicated myself to helping classmates who struggled academically. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted campus life, I remained committed to supporting my peers and adapting to new challenges.
While pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (Computer Networking and Security), I actively took on roles as a student representative and mentor. I advocated for my cohort, addressed concerns about our academic programs, and guided peers through their challenges. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in co-curricular activities, taking on leadership roles in the Rotaract Club of ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ University, TEDxºìÐÓÊÓÆµUniversity, and the ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ University Student Council.
These experiences have shaped me profoundly, teaching me how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, lead with purpose, and deliver results efficiently. ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ University’s well-structured academic programs kept me at the forefront of emerging trends, particularly in 5G and 5 G-A networking within the telecommunications industry. The professional certifications I earned through the university helped build a strong foundation in cybersecurity, unlocking new career opportunities. Additionally, ºìÐÓÊÓÆµâ€™s academic flexibility allowed me to tailor my studies to my interests, equipping me with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
They always say that it’s only when we move on to the next stage in life that we truly appreciate what we once had—and I couldn’t agree more. At Huawei, where everyone is expected to give their best, there are moments when I find myself doubting my abilities, wondering if I am truly competent enough to handle the workload and responsibilities assigned to me.
However, I have come to realise that self-doubt is perfectly normal; in fact, it signifies the start of an unfamiliar yet valuable journey. What truly matters is how we embrace the challenges ahead. For me, perseverance through setbacks and maintaining a positive mindset in tough situations have been key. By approaching every challenge with resilience and determination, I have learned that nothing is impossible unless we convince ourselves otherwise. At times, the boldest ideas that lead to the greatest achievements are the ones that people hesitate to chase.
My journey at ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ University has not only paved the way for my career but has also strengthened my soft skills, preparing me for the professional world. I hope my story inspires all to push beyond limits, take bold steps, and shape their path to success. Dream big, take action, and trust in your ability to make a difference!