ITE student's love for computer games evolved into ability to troubleshoot IT issues

This article was contributed by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Ong Jia Yuan
Higher Nitec in IT System & Networks @ ITE College West
Recipient of Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award

Programmed to Succeed

Ong Jia Yuan’s parents gave him his first laptop when he was five years old.

What started as an interest in playing computer games evolved into an ability to troubleshoot IT issues.

Since childhood, Jia Yuan became the go-to person for computer issues at home.

He also enjoyed Computer Applications in secondary school and performed well in that subject.

To sharpen his IT skills, Jia Yuan took up the Nitec in Networking & System Administration course before progressing to the Higher Nitec in IT System & Networks programme.

He actively participated in school life and achieved a perfect Grade Point Average score.

Jia Yuan was President of the ACE Club, Chairman of the Fabric of Life Club, a Class EXCO Leader, and a member of the Student Volunteer Corp Club.

On top of these, he took part in numerous community service activities and competitions.

Through his ITE journey, Jia Yuan built up his leadership skills and gained exposure to a myriad of experiences.

He hopes to further his studies in university and start his own IT firm in future.

Discovery and Growth

Jia Yuan shared: "I believe it is important to seize opportunities and be involved in different activities.

"This way, I can try new things and discover what I like, while learning new skills.

"I also believe that the people around me are crucial to me succeeding.

"I am fortunate that I have my family members and friends to encourage me in my journey."

Life after ITE

Jia Yuan has progressed to Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Diploma in Information Technology course.

Top Achievements

• As President of ITE College West’s ACE Club, Jia Yuan represented ITE in meeting Second Minister for Education, Dr Maliki Osman, at the inaugural Poly-ITE Staff Appreciation Day. He was a mentee under the US Embassy Mentoring Programme, and took part in numerous conferences including the Global Youth Leader’s Summit 2020, the Singapore Pre-Budget 2020 Dialogue and the Young Singaporeans Conference 2020.

• Jia Yuan vividly remembers one Community Service project. He initiated the Project SG Strong 2020 project, where he led his schoolmates in showing appreciation to frontline and behind-the-scene workers for their contributions in the fight against COVID-19. He values the opportunity to meet people from all ages and different occupations during this project.

• He has won many awards, including the “Best Solution to Problem Statement” Award at the 3D-Tronic Digital Making National Infocomm Challenge 2019; the Best CCA Performance Award for the Fabric of Life Club; two Director’s List Awards; the ITE Service Star Award (Diamond); the MOE Eagles Award; and the MOE EduSave Merit Bursary in Academic Achievement Award.