The journeys of Patrick Kang and Astor Tran at SIT showcase the power of transformative education. One excels in malware analysis and software development, while the other switches to a career in systems engineering.

Meet Patrick Kang (left) and Astor Tran (right) from Class of 2023. (SIT Photos: Keng Photography/Gwen Chew)

Patrick Kang Wei Sheng, BEng (Hons) in Information and Communications Technology (Information Security)

Many people have influenced Patrick Kang’s path to a cybersecurity career. One of them was his brother, a talented software engineer who has made strides in the industry.

“Witnessing his prowess and dedication, I was deeply inspired to embark on a similar path. His achievements have set a benchmark for me and motivated me to excel in my chosen field,” said Patrick.

The other pivotal influencer in his life was an anonymous hacker from the United Kingdom, whom Patrick had crossed paths with online as a teenager.

Patrick said, “Through him, I discovered that hacking is not a straightforward process. I learned a lot about the complexity of hacking, which captivated me. It became the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in the cybersecurity field.”

From Capstone Projects to Cybersecurity Innovation

 

Patrick (middle) and his batchmates Cleaven Goh Yu Jiat (left) and Jerome Tan Kian Wei (right). (SIT Photo: Keng Photography/Gwen Chew)

Patrick flourished in his chosen field. At SIT, he deepened his knowledge and honed his expertise in malware analysis and software development. Under the able guidance of his teachers – Associate Professor Goh Weihan and Senior Lecturer Woo Wing Keong, Patrick navigated the demanding challenges of a dynamic university curriculum to graduate amongst the top two per cent in his cohort.

Patrick (far left) with friends from his Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP). (Photo: Patrick Kang)

His time at SIT culminated in two crowning achievements. The first was his Capstone Project – an investigative effort into malware triggers and evasive techniques – which was subsequently implemented by an industry partner.

The second was Project Enigma, a user-friendly set of digital forensics tools he developed to help security analysts investigate and respond to cyber threats. Patrick and his coursemates presented Project Enigma at well-regarded cyber security conferences AusCERT '21 and BlackHat Asia Arsenal 2021. They were the only student speakers amongst seasoned professionals and CEOs from globally renowned companies, in what he described as “the most unforgettable experience” in his time at SIT.

Today, Patrick leads the Security Operations Centre (SOC) team at GovTech as a Cybersecurity Engineer, performing incident response.

“I will always remember my time at SIT fondly. My professors’ unwavering passion and commitment to education have made me appreciate the transformative power of education. I hope to return to SIT and engage with the student community in future,” he said.

 

Astor Tran Kei Chuen, BEng (Hons) in Telematics (Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineering)*

Astor with his wife and daughter at his Graduation Ceremony on 11 October 2023. (SIT Photo: Keng Photography/Gwen Chew)

At an age when most of his peers were contented to stay in a comfortable career, 40-year-old Astor Tran decided to take the road less travelled. He decided to leave his job of 16 years in the maritime engineering industry to pursue his passion for autonomous vehicles and fulfil his dream of getting a degree.

Astor chose SIT for its close ties with industry partners. He explained, “The university’s Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) provides students with an early foot-in-the-door advantage. We get to apply for work attachments at companies related to the industry and work on relevant projects. This gives us an edge when securing jobs after graduation.”

It was, however, no easy feat going back to school after a long pause. Likening it to “restarting a rusty old engine”, Astor nonetheless approached this new chapter with an open mind and a positive spirit. Remarkably, he blended well with his new-found community at SIT, making friends and participating in campus life through roles such as facilitating the university’s freshmen orientation.

From Robotics Simulations to Systems Engineering

One of the hands-on projects Astor was tasked to work on at SIT was a simulation programme for warehouse autonomous robots. The programme helps warehouse automation experts plan more efficient routes for the robotic systems to transport products swiftly within warehouses.

Team CAAN at Tech for Good 2021 comprised (clockwise from left) Mohammed Ibrahim Adam, Nicholas Goh Jie Wen, Chan Wei Han and Astor. (Photo: Astor Tran)

Another was a social innovation project he took on for Tech for Good, a competition to develop assistive technology ideas for older people and those with disabilities. Astor was part of the finalist team that designed a smart walker for elderly persons with walking difficulties and a high risk of falling.

For his IWSP at ATT Systems Group, Astor set up a complex server rack, ensuring it operated flawlessly before delivery to the customer's site. “It was a valuable lesson in practising the work of a network engineer that meets industry standards,” he said.

His performance at ATT impressed his employers. Upon graduation, he was offered a scholarship and a full-time position as a Systems Engineer. Not one to let knowledge go to waste, he intends to leverage his past work experience at his previous company and bring it into his new role.

Entering a new industry with a solid educational foundation and plenty of practical work experience, Astor has set his sights on growing his career and forging a new life for himself and his family.

When asked about his future, the father of one quipped, “Perhaps another child when my finances improve!”

* The programme is now known as Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Computer Engineering.