A tool to build, a means to express myself
As a kid, Javian Ng had never imagined setting foot into the world of computing. However, the young boy has always loved building things – whether it be Lego sets or even creating games on Scratch – a free online coding app for kids.
“Back then, it was about imagination - I built what I saw in my mind. But today, the excitement of building comes from the value of what I have created – solving problems, and creating products and solutions that add value to people and their lives,” the NUS School of Computing (SoC) student who majors in Business Analytics (BZA) recounts.
The full-stack web developer with a robust focus on Machine Learning and Data Science shares that choosing BZA in NUS is the most logical choice for him to be equipped to create, analyse, and solve problems by coding solutions.
“Coding is like a tool that helps you express yourself. Having an unsolved bug will keep me wide awake thinking of a solution. All computing students can attest to this!” he laughs. Additionally, Machine Learning and Data Science can help uncover patterns in data, leading to greater productivity and more robust decision-making, aligning with his core belief in pursuing growth and improvement in all things.
Campus survival 101
When asked what he considers the toughest challenge on campus, Javian admits that it was taking a compulsory course that he was not particularly drawn towards. He groans: “Just imagine the feeling of dragging yourself to class, and mustering the discipline to not leave a lecture after taking attendance or skipping it entirely!”
The Year 3 Business Analytics major shares his secret to overcoming the inertia – attending courses with friends who make studying together so much more fun. “My favourite course is BT3103: Application Systems Development for Business Analytics as I can build my websites and web applications in it. Together with my teammates Sourick, Anders, Sidney and Anushka, we built a productivity dashboard called Twenify to help students better track their time and gamify the productivity cycle to reward users for staying on task,” he shares.
Though Javian has not attended a single camp in the Computing Faculty, he found himself overseeing the organisation of many during his term as President of the NUS Students' Computing Club - a position he held up to September 2024. As a staunch champion for a vibrant student life, Javian appreciates the importance of social support and friendships on campus.
Javian (center), President of the NUS Students' Computing Club, with his executive committee members.
“You need friends to weather school life and courses you find less stimulating. I have been fortunate enough to make my friends through my tutorial classes but I also observe that many Computing students are less socially connected, and can do with a stronger peer network. This is where I hope to contribute through the Computing Club,” he shares.
Outside my comfort zone
Outside of Computing courses, the pragmatic 23-year-old who stoutly believes that hobbies are beneficial for self-improvement, reveals that he also took many Coursera courses that are free for NUS students. Among his practical favourites are Public Speaking and Prompt Engineering courses, as they help develop broader skillsets.
“I was never comfortable with public speaking but recognised its value for networking purposes. These courses challenge me to become a better speaker, overcome my fears, and put myself out there to practise,” he reveals. Javian came to realise the value of this approach, as his efforts paid off – landing him an internship during an NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) networking event.
To unwind and de-stress, Javian plays golf in his free time, and is also a shutterbug who trains his lens on cars and nature. Professing a love for Japanese sports cars, Javian gushes, “I love the Nissan GTR R35; the feel and dynamics of the car is such a thrill!”
Javian (first from left) enjoying a round of golf with friends Jin Peng and Jolynn at Marina Bay Golf course.
Computing the possibilities of choices
While SoC is known to be highly competitive, Javian urges students to move beyond the behaviour of 'analysis paralysis', and embrace the Nike spirit to ‘Just Do It’ instead. “There really isn’t a single best path in life, so don’t get stuck in the planning but simply start somewhere. You will discover and refine your preferences along the way as you grow,” he reasons. On that note, Javian also advises prospective Computing students to craft their curriculum by picking the courses that most appeal to them, or would help build their competencies for the future careers they seek.
“I think it pays to remember that while coding skills are vital, other skill sets are just as important: knowing how to present oneself, talking to people, bringing about ideas and change, finding solutions to problems, and maximising one’s productivity and output. Coding is part of a wider toolbox of skills and competencies,” cautions Javian, who advocates that one should not get caught up in the rat race but should instead take time to discover one’s true passions.
Diversity for clarity
Taking on a variety of opportunities to develop clearer insights into his own passions and interests, Javian has worked as a full-stack developer in Vietnam as part of the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) Ho Chi Minh City programme, took a management position in the Computing Club, and a website developer lead role in the ASEAN Business Youth Association. To stretch himself further, he then ventured into a hitherto unexplored area: analysing T-Cell Receptors (TCR) repertoires for cancer vaccines as a research intern at Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR.
Javian (second row, second from right) with his team at SIgN, A*STAR.
“I see it as a personal challenge to apply my coding skill set to a more niche field such as cancer research. Data analytics enters the picture as a means for us to find the clearest pictures of the T-cells – like a printer scan, to use an analogy,” he smiles.
NOC: From Vietnam to Paris
For Javian, the NOC programme has been a transformational gateway to self-discovery and expanding perspectives. In particular, he has been able to bring both his business skills and knowledge, along with coding expertise, to bear on challenges and opportunities. He found that he particularly enjoyed immersing himself fully in a start-up environment, spending time in both Southeast Asian and European start-up environments through the NOC Ho Chi Minh City and NOC Paris programmes. Javian first cut his teeth at LFG, a travel tech firm, as a full-stack software developer intern in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2023, before embarking on his second and current NOC Paris stint in France – as a machine learning and software engineering intern at PARAMETRIKS, an insur-tech firm.
It was in Vietnam that Javian had a life-changing experience. On a quest for self-discovery, he connected with like-minded peers who were equally driven to grow. He reflects: “It was the trip where I met many young people who were driven and eager to push boundaries. I took on a full stack development role with only one year's worth of experience, and ventured out of my comfort zone to network with people.”
On the culture and vibe of Vietnam, Javian observes: “The pace of life is fast, like in Singapore, and the locals have high-risk appetites. The DIY entrepreneurial spirit is very strong there, and it is not uncommon to run your own business out of your own home.”
Javian (second from right) with his team at Biztech Hackathon, organised by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) Summer Camp 2023, that he took on while on NOC Ho Chi Minh City.
In Paris, Javian found the cultural differences of Europeans – in terms of their work ethics, productivity and emphasis on work-life balance – an eye-opener. He opines: “I realised that exposure to, and understanding new cultures allows me to enrich my understanding through self-reflection. I learnt to take in the perspective of Europeans, who value a different approach to living and working.”
Javian (far left) with his friends from different European countries at Munich during Oktoberfest during his NOC Paris.
Bridging gaps, solving problems
Today, Javian’s main focus is leveraging the powerful tools at his disposal to bridge gaps and solve problems, ultimately prioritising what matters most to him – people. To that end, he is inspired to build products to simplify life. With his teammates Isaac Chin and Justin Cheah, his latest project for his NOC course TR3202: Start-up Internship Programme attests to that drive: creating LeMenu – a simple multi-language menu app for French restaurants to aid the ordering and payment system.
He elaborates: “We are still in the process of ideation and market research to understand the real needs of the restaurant scene in order to resolve these chokepoints through the functions of the LeMenu app. Meanwhile, we have been pitching our startup idea at networking events across Paris.”
The people and purpose in my life
Considering both people and purpose to be the most important matters in his life, Javian is a strong advocate for figuring out one’s life purpose instead of just chasing the dollar. “I think what makes life worth living are the relationships we make and build, even those that are sometimes transitory. These bonds and connections are what makes us human. My family especially, is the backbone and support that enables me to go beyond my comfort zone and to have the courage to take on new roles and challenges in life,” he shares.
Still highly enthused about his continuing journey of self-discovery, and the many possible pathways ahead, Javian continues: “While I like to keep my options open by exploring different knowledge domains and fields, one thing is sure: my passion and purpose in solving problems will never change.”