As a schoolboy, he enjoyed working out equations in mathematics, his favourite subject.
That curiosity has blossomed into a love for coding – a way of solving problems by writing instructions for computers – for the 26-year-old.
It is also a key part of his role as a software engineer.
“I love it when a problem gets more complex because there are many ways to solve it. Every challenge is a new learning opportunity that fuels my motivation to improve,” he said.
With artificial intelligence (AI) embedded in everyday life, Ong sees it as an opportunity to work alongside technology rather than fearing it.
“You can’t be one of those ‘anti-AI’ people; instead, you should focus on it as a learning tool to enhance your skills,” he said.
What does a typical workday really look like?
Ong: My day is quite routine since I work from home. Each day begins with a daily sync-up with the team to discuss what was completed yesterday, what needs to be done today, and any issues that require attention. After that, I focus on the tasks assigned to me.
Once a week, we meet in the office. This is especially important because we work closely with software architects in Hong Kong, and face-to-face collaboration helps keep projects on track.
What skills or mindset matter more than grades?
Ong: Time management is crucial. Software engineers often work under strict deadlines set by clients. Since the development of a project can take a long time, completing tasks efficiently helps prevent delays.
Another important quality is strong problem-solving skills. We are always looking for better solutions, which means setting high standards while staying humble enough to keep improving.
Finally, the ability to learn quickly is essential. Technology and tools are constantly evolving, so we need to adapt quickly to meet clients’ expectations.
What is one common misconception about this job?
Ong: Many people think software engineers just code and that we are all super-smart introverts, but that is far from the truth.
Our work also involves testing, problem-solving, cloud computing and more. There is always something new to learn, which excites me most about this field.
And when it comes to personalities, they vary widely. Not every software engineer fits the introvert stereotype.
What is the most challenging and most rewarding part of the work?
Ong: One of the biggest challenges is the impact on my health. Constantly staring at a screen can strain the eyes and cause dryness, so I make sure to take short breaks throughout the day.
Working from home also has its downsides when it comes to time management. In the office, it is easier to know when to clock out. At home, however, it is tempting to keep working because there is no clear “end of the day”, which can affect both my routine and overall well-being.
In contrast, the most rewarding part is completing a project. Seeing it through from start to finish and receiving feedback from clients gives me a strong sense of achievement. I also enjoy seeing how many users are using the product and how well it performs.
What advice would you give to students considering this path?
Ong: Be willing to get your hands dirty. You will have to learn a lot, so be proactive.
Everyone figures things out a bit differently, so take things at your own pace. Stay open to change and let the learning process excite you rather than stress you out.
With technology and AI evolving rapidly, it is normal to feel uncertain about where jobs are heading. But those changes also create new roles and opportunities for people who are willing to adapt.
This field will continue to evolve, and most likely for the better. Be patient, stay curious, and trust that your willingness to grow will carry you forward.
*Individuals are featured in their personal capacity. Views expressed do not represent any organisation.
Evangelene, 18, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. This feature is part of a series highlighting young working adults who share insights into their jobs and offer practical tips on thriving in the workplace. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 List five things you learnt about software engineering from the article. When you’re done, swap your list with a partner and see whether similar or different points stand out for both of you.
2 Would you be interested in a career in software engineering? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with your friends.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
