For Xia Tian and Melvin Ng, walking into NUS-ISS marked the start of a brand-new chapter. They may be from different cohorts of the Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA) Programme, yet their journeys share a striking similarity. Both left behind the comfort of their familiar careers. Both chose to dive into something entirely new. And both emerged with the skills and confidence to make their mark in the digital world. Xia Tian, from the GDipSA58 batch, was trained as a mechanical engineer and spent four years in the semiconductor industry. While leading automation projects, he became fascinated by how software could improve efficiency. However, he lacked the technical foundation.
“My growth was impeded as I lacked the technical foundation in programming to pursue such roles further,” he recalls. That realisation prompted him to set a personal goal - to enrol in the GDipSA programme, gain hands-on skills, and prepare for a full career transition into Tech before turning 30.
On the other hand, Melvin, from the GDipSA59 batch, began his career as a clinical pharmacist. After several years in hospitals and pharmacies, he transitioned into software engineering, spending three years building e-commerce platforms and teaching coding. But he too, realised something was missing.
“I could write code, but I struggled to fully connect business needs with technical solutions,” he reflects. “I wanted to strengthen my foundations and build systems that could scale.” That was when he knew the only way forward was to pursue formal education in Tech.
For him, GDipSA programme stood out because it combined technical rigour with strong industry focused training. “It wasn’t just about theoretical learning. It was about learning to apply what have been learnt to real-world projects,” he says.
For both Xia Tian and Melvin, the programme became more than just an academic course. It was a year of self-discovery, peer collaboration and transformation. Melvin valued the mentorship of lecturers and the camaraderie of classmates. He recalled long hours of group projects that tested not only technical skills, but also leadership, teamwork, and the resilience to withstand pressure.
For Xia Tian, the experience was much pretty the same. He remembered staying up past 1 am for project, with classmates who shared the same struggles and determination. What stood out most was the camaraderie that bound them together - the group chats, the quiet encouragement and the surprise midnight check-ins. “Even in the quietest, most stressful hours, we were never really alone. It was about building trust, leaning on one another, and learning what truly matters when everything else feels uncertain,” says Xia Tian.
Today, Xia Tian and Melvin stand on the other side of that journey, equipped not just with right skillsets, but with the confidence to excel in their career. In fact, Xia Tian’s journey came full circle when he was offered a permanent role as the Software Engineer at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore where he interned, a testament to how the programme opens real opportunities.
For those considering taking a leap of faith into the GDipSA programme, both valedictorians from the GDipSA 58 and 59 batches have simple and heartfelt advice. “Embrace the intensity and trust the process. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll gain,” says Melvin, who plans to further his studies in Software Engineering and AI/ML overseas. Xia Tian adds that the journey is not just about mastering technical content. “Building strong relationships with your classmates is just as important. Lean on your peers, share your struggles, and grow together. The journey is tough, but you won’t walk alone.”
Ready to advance your career or transition into tech? The NUS-ISS Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis is your pathway to turning your dream into reality. Visit our website to learn more.