Resilience Redefined Against All Odds
3 September 2024
Brian's journey from a Software Engineer to a Cybersecurity Engineer showcases his resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. At 35, he is now a Cybersecurity Engineer at the Defence Science Technology Agency (DSTA), having navigated numerous obstacles, including cultural barriers, job loss, and the complexities of transitioning from software engineering to cybersecurity.
In 2014, Brian took a bold step away from a traditional university path to enrolling in an undergraduate programme in Computer Science at 42 Paris, known for its unique peer-to-peer learning model that excludes teachers, lectures and tutorials. He was among the 1% of prospective students accepted globally. The challenge intensified as project materials and team interactions were entirely in French, which Brian had only studied for his O-Levels. Despite encountering significant obstacles, including failing his projects 15 times across three years, Brian's persistence paid off. He completed the rigorous programme in 2018 at Level 21, the final milestone. As of writing, only 1.9% of 42 students globally have reached Level 21. His exceptional achievement as the first Singaporean to graduate from 42 earned him recognition when 42 Singapore was launched in 2023.
After returning to Singapore, Brian faced new challenges. Although he secured engineering roles, he realised that his software engineering skills needed to evolve. With a growing interest in cybersecurity sparked by his experiences at 42 Paris and a recognition of emerging trends in the field, Brian applied to SIM-University of Warwick's MSc in Cybersecurity and Management programme. However, the journey was far from smooth. In September 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian lost his job. Over the next two years, he faced numerous rejections but persisted, supplementing his income with freelance software development work while diligently working on his master's thesis.
Despite personal challenges, Brian's determination remained unwavering. To aid in his career transition, he sat for his CISSP certification exam in October 2022 and passed on his first attempt, even though he only had time for one month of study. In the midst of personal loss, he remained committed and completed his thesis with guidance from his mentors and supervisor. His persistence paid off, and he graduated with Merit from his MSc in Cybersecurity and Management in December 2023.
Reflecting on his experiences, Brian highlights several pivotal moments in his journey. His time at 42 Paris was transformative regarding technical skills, group dynamics, street smarts and rapport building. Transitioning from software engineering to cybersecurity during the pandemic was another significant challenge. He realised that his software engineering skills alone were insufficient, and that cybersecurity required a broader understanding. Through continuous learning and strategic job applications, Brian eventually secured a cybersecurity role in 2022, marking the beginning of his new career path.
Looking forward, Brian hopes to continue serving in the public service as it puts both his coding skills and knowledge of cybersecurity to good use in defending Singapore. His long-term ambition is to move beyond technical work and help shape information security strategies. In giving back, he is helping to counsel students at 42 Singapore about their projects.
Winning the Chairman's Award for Resilience, Brian’s journey resonates deeply with those facing major career shifts or daunting obstacles. This experience, along with others, shaped his resilience and determination. His story is one that embraces challenges by aligning with market needs, pursuing what truly matters, and nurturing meaningful connections. He remembers a French phrase as a lesson he still keeps to heart: "Pour quelqu'un qui veut grandir, il faut apprendre à gérer sa frustration." - For one who wants to grow, he must learn to manage his frustrations.