Unlike many who have had to struggle with what to do and where to go after the ‘O’ Levels, Valerie Tan had it easy. The decision was plain and simple. She was going to study in Temasek Polytechnic as it was near her home, and she was going to enroll in the Info Tech School because of her keen interest in IT and the IT courses offered at the school. She held the strong belief that they would take her far.

She could not have been more right.

Valerie Tan, graduate of Temasek Info Tech School, Diploma in Information Technology, Year 2000, was recently awarded the Gold Medal by the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) for graduating with a First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems (University of London) and being the top student of her cohort.

Valerie decided to pursue her degree as she desired to attain a higher level of knowledge and competency in computing and information technology. The fact that she had to do it on a part-time basis while holding a job did not put her off, and is a real testament to the young lady’s fierce determination to further her interest in IT and do well. And excel she did.   

Besides the Gold Medal, Valerie also clinched the Best Project Award for her work on using genetic algorithm to optimise data distribution.  After conducting literature review on genetic algorithm, she applied her research to a company data distribution system to facilitate the optimal distribution of files or data to the servers. According to Valerie, “the aim is to improve the company’s productivity by reducing data distribution problems.”  It is no surprise that Valerie counts Computing Mathematics and Java Programming as her favorite subjects during her poly days.

She remembers TP to be a “conducive study environment with lecturers who were always there for us when we encountered problems in our assignments or projects.” She also fondly remembers the fun-loving friends she met at TP. “We study hard and we play hard too. I’ve learnt the importance of teamwork as we worked together to resolve problems encountered in our projects.” In fact, the team bonding has resisted the wear of time till today. The picture of Valerie was taken while on a trip to Hong Kong with her group of TP friends!

What’s the secret of her success? Valerie cites matter-of-factly that self-discipline and good time management is needed to balance work and studies effectively. “The factors that contributed to my success are self-discipline, perseverance, and guidance from lecturers as well as support from family, friends and colleagues. ….Passion and interest also play a part in inspiring me to put in my best effort.”

There is no doubt that Valerie will put her “strong fundamental knowledge and skills learnt from her polytechnic education” as well as the experience of her degree course, to good use in her role as an IT Specialist. Her current job scope includes “providing regional support for business areas such as department usage and inventory, user testing, and user training, as well as implementing system upgrades”.  Indeed her keen interest in IT and business has led her to this career path. Her willingness to work hard is evident when she says “I would like to gain in-depth experience and knowledge in both IT and business, and continue providing regional support to the business by being involved in various projects.  I hope to receive recognition in my work and move towards an advisory role.”

We certainly wish her the very best and look forward to seeing more of her developments and contributions in the field of IT!