Student Stories

What inspired you to pursue a certificate and diploma in IT at PSB Academy? 

After completing my National Service, I wasn’t really in the mindset to study — but my mum encouraged me to further my education. I chose PSB Academy because the IT diploma pathway was fast-paced and practical. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

How did your interest in IT develop since then?   

I’ve always been curious about computers and software. Growing up, I was inspired by tech innovators like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Once I started the diploma, my interest grew deeper as I learned how things actually work behind the scenes — from coding to networks and systems. 

How do you feel your IT diploma at PSB Academy prepared you for your degree at University of Hertfordshire? 

Honestly, I had thoughts of giving up during my diploma. But that experience helped me realise that limiting myself wasn’t the answer. The diploma laid a strong foundation in IT and gave me the confidence to continue. Today, I’m proud I chose to continue and even pursue my degree. I’ve built strong relationships with my lecturers, found a great support network, and grown so much, both personally and academically. 

Congrats on securing the 3rd place for the World Engineers Day Hackathon amongst 150 global participants! 

What was your team’s project about, and how did your IT background play a role? 

Our project was called the Smart Irrigation Monitoring System (SIMS). It’s a low-cost solution designed to help farmers optimise water usage and receive real-time data about soil moisture levels. We used components like a moisture sensor, solar power unit, GSM module (SIM800L), and a mobile application to bring the system to life. 

The “Introduction to Programming” module from my Diploma in InfoComm Technology really helped me during this project. It gave me the foundation to understand how to write code that connects hardware and software. Thanks to that, I was able to work on the logic that made the system responsive and automated — something I wouldn’t have been confident doing before. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced for this Hackathon, and how did you and your team overcome it? 

Time was our biggest challenge. We were juggling our academic projects and other competitions at the same time. During the Hackathon, I was also serving my reservist (NS) period. I remember coming home around 11PM after training and working on the video submission for the Hackathon right away. It was intense, but we pushed through as a team — with a lot of late nights and determination. 

How did it feel to secure 3rd place among so many global participants, especially knowing that PSB Academy was the only private institution from Singapore to win, ahead of public institutions like NUS, Singapore Polytechnic, and ITE?  

We were shocked — and incredibly proud. We didn’t realise at first that we were the only team from Singapore to receive an award, let alone that we had ranked above such well-known local institutions. It was a truly unforgettable moment for us, and it gave us a huge boost in confidence. 

What are your career aspirations after completing your degree? 

At the moment, I’m still exploring and keeping an open mind. I’m going with the flow and staying open to opportunities as they come. But I know that the skills I’ve gained will open doors for me in the tech industry. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering an IT diploma at PSB Academy? 

Just start. When I joined PSB Academy, I had a lot of doubts and mixed feelings. But looking back, I’m so grateful I took that first step. My friends and I have managed to make a small impact, and that means a lot. One quote that really speaks to me is: “We suffer more in our imagination than in reality.” Sometimes, all you need is to take that leap — and you’ll be surprised by what you’re capable of.