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I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Software Engineering (hons). I chose this programme because I felt it offered strong career prospects, and I was also curious to understand what software engineers really do. Looking back, I’m glad I made that choice because the knowledge and training I gained gave me a solid foundation for my career today. For example, the subject Software Processes and Software Testing turned out to be especially valuable. As a Quality Assurance Engineer at Ant International, it helped me adapt quickly to the demands of my role and ease my transition into the professional world.

After graduation, I took a short break before starting my job hunt. At first, I had a “honeymoon period” that lasted almost half a year, and eventually I began to feel the pressure of finding work. Submitting resumes and attending interviews wasn’t easy, but fortunately, I soon received an offer from Ant International. The process moved quickly, and before I knew it, I was closing the chapter of my student life and stepping into the 9-to-6 world of adulthood. Since then, I’ve grown a lot, thanks to the support of my colleagues and seniors. Not long after joining, I was entrusted with leading multiple projects and even given ownership of processes I introduced to the team. These opportunities have boosted my confidence and given me a strong sense of responsibility early in my career.

When people ask how I chose this path, my answer is simple: I just went with the flow. I don’t believe in stressing too much about every decision—it feels like some things are part of destiny. That mindset has helped me stay open to opportunities and focus on growth rather than perfection.

My time at ������Ƶ shaped me in more ways than I expected. As an introvert, I used to be shy, but ������Ƶ gave me the courage to talk to people, make new friends, and build my confidence. I also had the honour of presenting my Final Year Project at an international conference to judges from around the world. That experience was a real eye-opener - it pushed me to improve my social skills and gave me exposure beyond the classroom.

One of my fondest memories at ������Ƶ was working with my teammates on group projects. They always made me feel supported and backed up, and we shared the same goal: to finish our assignments as quickly and perfectly as possible so we could chill afterwards. It really reminds me of my current work environment, where my teammates are close in age and equally supportive. Working with them often takes me back to those days with my “OG team,” where determination, teamwork, and friendship made even the busiest assignment periods meaningful.

Outside of work, I like to stay active and creative. I go to the gym to keep healthy, sleep enough, build Legos, play sports, and watch anime to de-stress and escape from work for a while. I also still keep in touch with my coursemates - we catch up when we can to share updates about our lives and, of course, the latest “tea”.

Looking at the bigger picture, I think young people today should focus on developing adaptability and curiosity. The world is always changing, almost like the staircases in Hogwarts. My advice is to stay curious - ask, learn, fall, ask again, and learn again. One quote that inspires me deeply comes from Bruce Lee: “Be water, my friend.” To me, it’s a reminder to stay flexible, adaptable, and open to growth no matter the circumstances.

To the next generation of ������Ƶians, my message is this: don’t be afraid to try, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every attempt and every setback is a step toward becoming stronger and better. As I always remind myself, “It’s okay to fail—just come back stronger.”

Associate Professor Ts. Dr Lee Yun Li
School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Email: @email