Darius Teo graduated from Temasek InfoTech School in 2001. He subsequently won a scholarship to study Engineering at Queensland University. While there he obtained top honours and received the Dean’s Commendation for high achievement. This is what Darius had to say about what he is doing now:

I am a Systems Engineer with Netrust Pte Ltd, a local digital certificate authority. My responsibilities are data centre maintenance, product documentation, testing and demonstration, in-house technical support, external customer product support, server installation, configuration and troubleshooting, SSL certificate support and other Public Key Infrastructure administration and support.

Netrust Pte Ltd is Singapore's first and only Licensed Certificate Authority. The company deals mainly with using digital certificates to ensure electronic information security.

I like the exposure I receive in this job.I was sent by my company to Bangkokon three occasionsto conduct PKI system setups.  I worked closely with the locals there.Backhome, I am challenged to learn new things in a shorter time for project implementation. That keeps my mind working.  My job is hardly desk bound!

Training and studies in TP were very rigorous, challenging and up-to-date.  The subjects provided an all-rounded education for me in the field of IT.  I enjoyed programming, hardware networking and multimedia.

One of the subjects I have grown to appreciate more since leaving is Communication Skills.  Presentations and written documentation are very crucial to my job.  Project skills are also extremely critical.  Frequently I need to communicate my ideas clearly to others and put them down in an organised, concise and well-written format.  

What advise do I have for current students? Well, I believe it is important to understand what the lecturersare imparting - even more so is to learn how to learn. Keep learning through self-study.  One needs to upgrade through getting certifications or a degree. There are many IT professionals out there.  What sets one professional apart from another is having current skills. What you learn in TP does not last forever.  You must have the correct mindset.   A TP lecturer once said: "Your attitude determines your altitude". This has been so true, for me.

The existing problem-based learning approach is a strong teaching and learning method.  TP should continue to capitalise on this to develop quality graduates. Students should always be challenged to innovate to set up businesses with support from the School. Perhaps running a small organisation is a good way of sharpening skills like team work, writing proposals and giving presentations.  It is also fun.  Successful business plans can be developed while failed ones can be used as good examples of what to avoid.

My own plans for the future are to gain more experience in Systems or Information Security.  I would like to put my skills to work as aSecurity Consultant in drafting and enforcing security policies.I am also looking into the area of project management.  I would like to manage a team of professionals to meetgoals and deadlines.

TP provided me with a solid foundation in my IT exploration.  TP has also given me a chance to meet many wonderful friends.  Being at TP was truly a memorable experience.