When I applied to Nanyang Polytechnic's Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics through the Early Admissions Exercise, I wasn’t sure where the journey would take me, but I knew my interest was in cybersecurity. The field felt dynamic, challenging, but also meaningful.

NYP stood out for its academic rigour and industry partnerships, and I was drawn to the School of IT’s reputation in technology and positive stories I’d heard from alumni. Looking back now, I’m glad I took that step because the past three years shaped not just my skills, but also how I see myself and the impact I want to make.

One of the most defining moments was co-founding Virage, an AI-powered phishing and vishing simulation platform designed to combat social engineering threats. What started as a classroom idea for my Final Year Project successfully turned into a fully functioning startup, one that’s now working with government agencies and local communities to raise scam awareness. Presenting our work at AI Asia Festival and securing our first commercial contract, and most recently, presenting to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a grassroots event were milestone moments for me.

Virage is now a Digital For Life partner with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), working with them to reach out to vulnerable groups like the elderly to educate them about trends and developments in AI and scams, ensuring they are aware of the digital landscape and how they can stay safe.

Outside of Virage, I served as Co-Founder and Vice President of the NYP Technopreneurship Club. Together with a passionate team, we built a thriving community from scratch, connecting more than 1,000 students with mentorship and startup incubation. Within a year, we nurtured four startups and raised almost S$40,000 in funding.

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and receiving the Ngee Ann Kongsi Award for All-Round Achievement and the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science were incredible honours, but beyond the accolades and achievements, what mattered most were the moments of giving back – mentoring my peers in cybersecurity, educating the elderly about scam prevention, and seeing firsthand how technology can empower and protect.

NYP gave me the space to explore different paths and along the way, I’ve learnt what it means to take initiative, work with purpose, and stay adaptable. I aspire to take my entrepreneurial experience and skills to the public service, driving innovation and change to build a better and safer Singapore. Wherever I go, I know I’ll carry the lessons and values shaped during my time at NYP.