Technology is transforming lives and shaping the future at an unprecedented pace. Behind Singapore’s digital progress are individuals driven by a passion to make a difference. The Smart Nation Scholarship, jointly offered by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), empowers these individuals to utilise their tech expertise for the public good.

Among them are Tang Boxuan, Winston Liu Chang, and Chu Wei Hao—scholars whose journeys began with curiosity and a passion for solving real-world problems. Today, they play key roles in advancing Singapore’s digital landscape: Boxuan is a Cybersecurity Engineer at CSA, Winston is a Specialised Systems Engineer at GovTech, and Wei Hao is an Assistant Manager seconded to XORA Innovation at IMDA.

They share what first sparked their interest in technology, how the scholarship shaped their development, and the impact they hope to make through their work.

What inspired your journey into tech?

Boxuan: My father, a software engineer, introduced me to the world of programming when I was young. Although I didn’t fully grasp what I was doing at the time, I was fascinated by how a few lines of code could make my computer perform simple tasks—like displaying messages or doing basic calculations. As I explored more, I realised I could piece together increasingly complex lines of code. Over time, I saw the incredible potential of technology to shape and enhance many aspects of our lives, and I knew I wanted to be part of that journey.

Winston: I’ve been fascinated by programming since young, and my curiosity led me to teach myself how to code in primary school. What began as a hobby soon grew into a deeper passion, one that I continued to pursue throughout my school years and eventually inspired me to study Computer Science at university. With technology woven into my learning experiences from the start, pursuing a career in tech felt like a natural next step.

Wei Hao: I’ve always enjoyed dabbling in tech and picking up new skills to the point where I became the go-to tech support in my family. The pivotal moment for me came during National Service—conversations with army mates studying Information Systems really piqued my curiosity in the industry. Once I started diving deeper into the field and saw the potential impact I could make, there was no turning back.

Wei Hao, what made the Smart Nation Scholarship the right fit for your aspirations?

What drew me in was the scholarship’s objective; it went beyond just developing technical excellence. The programme’s emphasis on nurturing leaders driven to serve the nation by shaping Singapore’s digital future resonated strongly with me. Being a part of the Smart Nation Scholarship gave me a unique opportunity to work on meaningful, nationwide projects that actually matter, while connecting with an amazing community of tech enthusiasts and like-minded individuals.

What forms of support has the scholarship provided you, Winston?

The scholarship gave me the opportunity to study overseas, which broadened my horizons and helped me forge meaningful connections I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Living independently in a completely new environment was both refreshing and transformative. At Oxford University, I interacted with peers from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, which enriched my perspectives and strengthened my ability to empathise and connect with people from all walks of life.

The internship opportunities provided through the scholarship offered me firsthand insight into the unique dynamics of both the public and private sectors. Collaborating with teams of diverse expertise sharpened my teamwork and communication skills, which have become essential assets in my current role.

Boxuan, you’ve also completed a number of internships through the scholarship. What were your key takeaways from those experiences?

I took on several software engineering internships overseas at companies such as Google, Jane Street and Palantir. While the role title was the same, the scope of work varied significantly across these companies. These experiences broadened my understanding of the diverse functions within software engineering and exposed me to industry best practices. I gained deeper insights into how products are built by top companies around the world.

Can you walk us through your current role and responsibilities?

Boxuan: As a Cybersecurity Engineer, I mainly provide cybersecurity consulting to other government agencies that are developing their IT systems or seeking deviation from government guidelines. I conduct risk assessments to identify cybersecurity threats and recommend mitigating controls to reduce these risks. Additionally, I am involved in drafting cybersecurity policies that will impact the Whole of Government.

Winston: My role as a Specialised Systems Engineer focuses on integrating various systems into a unified digital twin platform. This innovative platform allows entire buildings or districts to be monitored and managed through a smart application known as a ‘digital twin’. It receives data from systems and controls different elements within these districts, such as lifts, lights, fire alarms, and more. Since these systems are produced by different manufacturers and communicate in different ‘languages’, my job is to develop a ‘translator’ that converts these languages into a unified language the digital twin can understand.

Wei Hao: In a nutshell, I help make Singapore’s digital systems safer and smarter! Diving deeper, a big part of my role as an Assistant Manager at IMDA is figuring out how emerging technologies like 5G can be securely implemented and how to identify risks before they become problems. My days involve everything from building prototypes to running cybersecurity simulations (yes, including hacking attempts!), and translating complex tech trends into actionable insights. Ultimately, I aim to make complex technologies work in simple, meaningful ways for the public good.

Wei Hao, what’s one project you’ve worked on that stands out to you, and what made it so memorable?

I co-developed a simulated 5G network attack scenario for the Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX), which aims to strengthen capabilities to defend against potential cyber security threats on critical digital infrastructure. I collaborated with the Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) team and gained hands-on experience in penetration testing. It was both technically challenging and deeply meaningful, as it reinforced the importance of securing Singapore’s critical infrastructure. I also contributed to strategic assessments for DISG (Digital Industry Singapore), where we studied tech trends and sector vulnerabilities to guide investment decisions in SME digitalisation.

What do you find most fulfilling about the work that you do, Winston?

Working in the public sector means that many of the projects we undertake are aimed at benefiting citizens, rather than being driven by profit. This makes the work at GovTech especially rewarding. The technology solutions we develop meaningfully impact the Government, organisations and the public. Knowing that our work positively influences people’s lives serves as a powerful motivator and a constant reminder of the value we bring to society.

Tell us about the exciting opportunities for growth and development you’ve experienced so far.

Boxuan: In addition to the Cybersecurity Development Programme, which offers three months of specialised training at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), I am also able to utilise my division’s training budget to attend various technical courses and certifications. There are also opportunities to attend both local and overseas conferences that provide insights into the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

Winston: GovTech has taught me valuable collaboration skills, not just in writing code but also in effectively communicating with teams. I am also empowered to continually develop critical skills in my tech domain with certification courses. Being part of the Technology Associate Programme (TAP) has given me leadership opportunities and a chance to contribute to projects beyond my core technical role. For instance, I had the chance to be part of the organising committee for a GovTech-wide Hackathon!

Wei Hao: IMDA has given me the freedom to explore new technologies, take ownership of projects, and collaborate with external partners. I’ve also been mentored by experienced colleagues who’ve guided me through technical deep dives and policy design alike, bridging the gap between engineering and governance.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering the Smart Nation Scholarship?

Wei Hao: Be clear about your “why.” The scholarship is more than just a means to fund your studies—it’s a commitment to serving the public through tech. Stay curious, be open to learning across disciplines, and always consider how your skills can contribute to the greater good. If you’re passionate about using tech to make a real difference in people’s lives, this could be your calling.