An exciting trend is sweeping the world of tech startups where programmers are now able to deliver complete end-to-end solutions in software development. Technopreneur Joseph Lum tells INNOVATE@ISS how the NUS-ISS Full Stack Foundation programme has equipped him for this new digital reality.
You’re a mechanical engineer by training. How did you end up in software development?
I was working in project management and have always been keen in IT. I wanted to be more “hands on” and so, together with two buddies, we set up AUK Industries to develop smart, cloud-based mobile solutions to help SMEs improve productivity and operational efficiency.
You are also in the pioneer batch of NUS-ISS’ Full Stack Foundation programme. What led you to sign up for the course?
Mobile technologies, cloud-based solutions and the Internet of Things (IoT) disrupting entire industries in recent years. Companies are now changing the way they think about technology and learning to embrace the benefits IT promises. I signed up for the Full Stack Foundation Programme to be part of this technology shift. My company customises software solutions that empower businesses to take decisive action based on operational data collected through connected sensors and devices. Core to this is a strong competency with IoT solutions, cloud hosting and web technologies.
As a business owner, can you tell us more about the technology challenges Singapore businesses are facing today?
Many local SMEs are facing difficulties juggling costs with production throughput. As industries and economies transform, companies must also be prepared to change the way they think, work and manage their operations. But they need capable change agents – people with domain knowledge to transform and digitise work processes. Here’s where I see a growing demand for a comprehensive course that would equip business owners with the basic tools to build their own solutions, and to understand how different components come together to make an intelligent system.
How has the Full Stack Foundation programme benefitted you?
I would say that besides the obvious programming knowledge that I have picked up, it would be the immersive learning environment and the interaction with my lecturers and mentors that include Vincent Lau, Lee Chuk Munn and Nathaniel Currier. They are accomplished technopreneurs and CTOs who not only impart technical knowledge; they generously share their valuable experience from real-world challenges. They’ve truly inspired me.
The course also gave me a good grasp of what I can do and how I can go about helping companies. I used to think that creating an integrated platform was a mammoth task requiring a huge team. It’s empowering to know that it is possible to do it speedily with a small team. And because we’re required to deliver a project as part of the coursework, there’s strong ownership over the learning process – we have to understand the nuts and bolts, and that greatly enhanced the learning experience. It certainly bolstered my confidence in building better solutions and processes for demanding customers with very different operational scenarios.
Can you cite an example of how you’ve put your knowledge into practice?
CONTXT is an application we developed to optimise project management in the labour-intensive construction industry. It’s a web-based mobile solution that utilises front and back-end programmes, as well as a database on which analytics can be performed to draw accurate diagnosis of bottlenecks and defects for tighter project management.
By digitising the building inspection process, the app enables construction companies to monitor the activities carried out by their subcontractors more effectively, receive automated notifications for improved response time, eliminate voluminous paperwork, and lower their labour and project costs. In fact, we’re looking at potential savings of 50% in man effort or more than 10,000 man-hours for a typical residential project.
Do you think this course would be relevant for other technopreneurs and SMEs?
Absolutely! A tech startup might think it’s easy to outsource software development or manage external vendors. But nothing beats the satisfaction of understanding and being able to put things together on your own. Full Stack Foundation provides that basic knowledge and skills to bring our ideas to market.
The Full Stack Foundation programme comprises four 10-day modules, and is designed to evolve those with basic coding skills into confident front and backend app developers. Get an edge over your competition. Connect with NUS-ISS StackUp at stackup.sg to develop your digital capabilities today.