An avid sports photographer, competitive runner and a doting father to three daughters, Senior Lecturer & Consultant, Digital Strategy & Leadership Practice, Mr Ng Kok Leong, is also a two time recipient of the NUS-ISS Teaching Excellence Award.
1. Please tell us about your professional background.I have been working in the IT industry for over 25 years, both in the user and vendor environment. Looking back at my career, it was a pleasant opportunity to work on the CashCard project during my first job with NETS, which involved application of cryptography - one of the least understood topic in the cybersecurity field. This newly developed interest of mine has led me to pursue a Master of Science in NUS.
2. Could you share more about the modules/courses which you teach at NUS-ISS? I teach cybersecurity courses such as Information Systems security (CISSP), Cloud security (CCSP), IoT security and Security Architecture and have been busy with the preparation of launching the (ISC)2 SSCP – systems security course in NUS-ISS as its latest offering in its suite of cybersecurity courses.
3. Why did you choose to teach at NUS-ISS?
Providing training to working professionals resonates well with me. With more than 25 years working in the industry, I am able to comprehend the issues faced in their working environment and direct my training to meet their needs. As a practice based training provider, I also get to work with adjuncts from industry and keep up-to-date on latest innovations.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Constantly finding and discovering better ways to explain the topic; and having a class show their appreciation. I also particularly enjoy the research work leading towards developing a new course.
5. How do you keep up with the industry?
Being in communication with industry practitioners allows me to do so as much as reading does. I subscribe to e-books and educational video programmes pertinent to my field to immerse myself in my area of interest.
6. What are your favorite activities when you are not working?
Running. Running is a way for me to keep fit and I run competitively. I am a runner with the NUS Staff Runners team. Our team represents NUS staffs in competitions such as STAR GAMES and Inter-Tertiary Institutes Staff (ITIS) Games. I am also a volunteer photographer for sports events and use a Nikon D850. For NUS related events, I have photographed moments for RunNUS, NUS Biz Charity Run, SUniG road race and Ultimate Frisbee and the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic Track and Field Championships. I post them on Facebook and Instagram with the handle: SGRunningPictures. Have a browse!
When I am not in a shirt and tie, you will find me in my running gear:
Front row, centre: At the Civil Service Club (CSC) Run by the Bay 2019
7. Tell us something about yourself that very few people know.
I have 3 kids, all girls. My oldest girl is in university year 2, middle one is JC1 and youngest daughter is in secondary 1. I used to have to ‘study’ with them when they were in primary schools. I am the ministry of education at home. (haha). As they cross PSLE, I am seeing my time gradually being freed up. Serving as vice-captain of NUS Staff Runners team and volunteering in photography are my ways of giving back.