It was a celebratory occasion as the 58th and 59th cohorts of the Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA) gathered for their Graduation Ceremony at the NUS-ISS Inspire Theatre on 6 September 2025.
Guest-of-Honour Mr Ng Kuo Pin, Chief Executive Officer of NCS, encouraged graduates to stay true to their values, take on challenges with courage, and surround themselves with good company.
“Your values are like your inner compass, and you will need them when navigating through the uncertainties of life and career,” he shared, urging the new graduates to embrace change with resilience and purpose.
Guest-of-Honour Mr Ng Kuo Pin addressing the cohorts
Valedictorians Mr Xia Tian (GDipSA 58) and Mr Melvin Ng (GDipSA 59) reflected on their transformative journey, from late-night debugging sessions and group projects to realising that software engineering is not just about building systems, but about creating possibilities together.
Valedictorian Mr Xia Tian (GDipSA58).
Xia Tian, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Design and Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, entered the programme with no prior IT background. His early career was in engineering at United Microelectronics Corporation.
Valedictorian Mr Melvin Ng (GDipSA59).
Melvin, a registered pharmacist with the Ministry of Health, also transitioned from a non-IT background, having graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).
Extending a warm welcome to the newest members of the GDipSA alumni family was Mr George Heng, GDipSA alumnus from 1991 and Chief Executive Officer of SenzeHub. George shared how the programme transformed his career, equipping him with critical thinking, problem-solving and systems-analysis skills that enabled him to move from mechanical engineering into regional leadership roles at global firms such as Accenture, Visa International, Citibank, Oracle, and Citrix.
NUS-ISS alumnus Mr George Heng (GDipSA10).
Reflecting on his journey, George highlighted how the programme instilled lifelong habits of breaking down complex challenges and developing real-world solutions, a mindset that continues to guide his work today as he builds health-tech solutions for ageing populations and community care.
“The training I received at NUS-ISS gave me more than technical expertise; it shaped the way I analyse, adapt, and act,” he said.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, George encouraged them to leverage their new skills to drive meaningful change and to stay connected with the NUS-ISS alumni community, sharing ideas, collaborating on initiatives, and giving back to society.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
To transition into digital professionals within a year, GDipSA graduates mastered five programming languages over seven months and developed IT solutions using Web, Mobile, and Machine Learning technologies. They undertook a rigorous month-long project encompassing product ideation, problem-solving, user experience design, system analysis and design, coding, testing, and implementation. This was followed by a five-month internship, where they applied their newly acquired knowledge to deliver real-world digital solutions for clients.
The ceremony hall was filled with proud parents, loved ones, and friends, creating an atmosphere of pride and celebration.
To all our graduates, congratulations once again! Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this remarkable milestone. The future holds endless possibilities, and we look forward to the many ways you will make an impact.
Own your transformation journey now. For more information on NUS-ISS' Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Programme, visit here. To view pictures from the GDipSA SA58 and SA59 ceremony, click here.