A degree with Informatics Academy opens up opportunities for career advancement. In a world where technology and consumer preferences change with a snap of the fingers, Informatics Academy is well placed to equip students with work-ready, world-ready skills.
Twenty-seven-year-old Ng Wen Chang’s position as Network Consultant at NCS Pte Ltd requires a great deal of problem-solving and lateral thinking skills. His responsibilities at the leading information communications technology service provider include providing network support to clients. An understanding of his clients’ needs and how these can be met within the computer network perimeters is required prior to any solution recommendation.
One of his many clients is a government agency involved in military network systems. In order to better serve his clients, Wen Chang sees the importance of increasing his knowledge in network computing. This has sparked his interest to search for an education provider to meet his need.
Wen Chang admits that prior to undergoing a degree programme specialising in Network Computing at Informatics Academy, he was only equipped with basic knowledge to carry out his work sufficiently, but did not possess any knowledge outside his job scope. He tells us, “I have always been trained to do things on-the-job. Before taking up my degree, I was never exposed to the entire project flow and how various project aspects fit together. My degree has been helpful in providing me with a strong foundation in computing, as well as a broad perspective of a project’s overall structure.”
Not Simply Any Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Network Computing at Informatics Academy provides the foundation of computing and computer networks. These foundation modules are complemented by modules in Network Construction, Administration and Security. This comprehensive framework equips students with knowledge on the basic principles of network computing, as well as the best way to apply these principles.
Wen Chang adds, “There are common modules that all students at the School of Information Technology have to complete. This is to ensure a level of competency is attained before we move into module specialisation.”
Ng Wen Chang
Network Consultant,
NCS Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Science
(Honours) in Network
Computing at
Informatics Academy, awarded by Oxford
Brookes University, UK
“My degree has been helpful in providing me with a strong foundation in computing, as well as a broad perspective of a project’s overall structure.”
Other than the course curriculum itself, lecturers who are capable of delivering the tutorials are just as important in how the students fare. Wen Chang highlights two lecturers who have strengthened his understanding of the subject matter and have left lasting impressions on him.
“Mr Palaniappan Karuppan Chettiar has been my lecturer for Software Project Management,” says Wen Chang. “He has helped me to understand the importance of looking beyond the nuts and bolts and understanding the project in its entirety. He has also stressed the necessity to understand what a project is designed to achieve and how it can be achieved in line with its design.”
Apart from Mr Palaniappan, another lecturer who inspires Wen Chang is Mr Lim Jet Wee. “Mr Lim encourages us to explore beyond the boundaries and confidently test out our ideas. He does not simply teach. A lot of relevant information outside of the curriculum is imparted to us by him. In fact, he is so passionate about teaching that he has formed a Facebook group comprising both past and current students, to have discussions regarding industry trends. His lectures are also very engaging,” Wen Chang shares.
Why Informatics Academy?
In his search for an education provider, Wen Chang visited quite a number of Private Education Institutions (PEIs) – initially online, then physically – to better understand what they can provide. Other than the reputation of the PEIs, he also took into consideration the specialty degrees they offer. His determination towards attaining a university degree with a distinguished education institution has led him to decide on Informatics Academy, which has more than 30 years of presence.
“I was already IT-trained with a diploma before I enrolled in Informatics Academy. But I have always felt that my training was too broad-based. While this has given me the breadth of knowledge that I need, it did not give me the depth of knowledge that I wanted. It prompted me to further my education in Network Computing.
“I had my mind set on Network Computing because it is the backbone behind computing technology. This area of computing seamlessly connects everything from firewall to security,” Wen Chang tells us. His degree in Network Computing is awarded by Informatics Academy’s leading university partner, Oxford Brookes University. Oxford Brookes University is ranked 39th in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2015.
Lifetime Learning
Wen Chang also stresses that it is important to keep oneself abreast of advancements in Technology, similar to what Mr Lim has done. “Current and future students must remember that learning does not stop even when school is over – it is simply a move to another phase in the learning journey.
“Discipline and determination are essential traits for those who wish to join the IT industry. While problem-solving is a key trait to possess in the IT field, the ability to identify errors is just as important – but not as straightforward. Apart from learning continuously, it is also important to understand key processes in all the projects you undertake,” Wen Chang concludes humbly.
