I began my journey in technology by pursuing a major in Information Engineering, which is technically part of Electronic Engineering but has a strong overlap with Computer Science. Throughout my studies, I built a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals, including programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, and networking. This academic background provided me with the essential skills and knowledge that have been pivotal in my career as a software developer, shaping the way I approach problem-solving and software design.
While still a student, I took on a part-time role as a Mobile App Developer at the City University of Hong Kong to gain firsthand experience in a professional setting. During this time, I contributed to the university’s mobile app, CityU Mobile, and helped revamp it using React Native. This experience provided me with valuable insights into how software is built in the real world, and it further ignited my passion for creating impactful, user-centric applications.
My first professional experience was at Shergon Publishing, a small startup where I had the opportunity to take full responsibility and ownership of my work. This role marked my first exposure to web development, and I found great joy in building meaningful solutions. Leading projects such as developing an administrative system and a website generator, I learned the value of delivering impactful results in a fast-paced environment. This experience laid the foundation for my passion for frontend development and instilled in me a deep sense of accountability.
Soon after gaining hands-on experience in frontend development, I realized the importance of understanding the full scope of a system. This led me to join Dash Living, where I could immerse myself in full-stack development and get a holistic view of how everything works together. At this well-structured startup, I worked closely with a highly skilled IT, Product, and Design team, using cutting-edge technology. I contributed to building essential features like a new booking system for Dashare and an automated email notification system for the Dash Living admin panel. The mentorship and collaboration at Dash Living broadened my technical expertise, giving me a deeper understanding of how entire systems are developed and maintained.
In the middle of 2019, an unfortunate layoff occurred at Dash Living due to challenging market conditions. This pushed me to reflect on my career path, and I decided to pursue my long-time interest in the finance sector. I joined Currenxie to explore the unique demands of financial systems, particularly their emphasis on stability and security. I transformed their client-facing web system into a React Native mobile app using ReactXP, while also contributing to the ongoing development of both the web system and the admin panel, providing me with invaluable insights into building reliable and performance-driven systems in the finance industry.
In 2020, after developing a personal interest in stock trading, I joined Datalouder, a stock analytics SaaS company, which allowed me to dive into a domain I was genuinely passionate about. This role was particularly exciting as I returned to full-stack development and worked with large data systems for the first time. Leading a team of junior developers, I had the opportunity to mentor others while also contributing to critical platform enhancements. My work not only improved the reliability of the stock analytics platform but also introduced new features that directly impacted the company’s revenue. This experience deepened my expertise in building scalable and data-intensive systems, making it a significant milestone in my career.
After my exciting experience at Datalouder, where I gained deep insights into building data-driven systems, I decided to challenge myself further by stepping into in large corporate environment. In 2022, I joined UBS through Luxoft, a dream opportunity for many in Hong Kong, a prestigious role that allowed me to see how structured and rigorous systems need to be to meet the high demands of such a large institution. This experience opened my eyes to the complexities of working within a highly regulated environment where stability, security, and precision are paramount. It also reinforced my ability to deliver impactful solutions under pressure, while collaborating with a team of experts to innovate within strict corporate frameworks.
While working at the bank, I realized that advancing to higher levels as a software engineer also requires strong management skills. This motivated me to expand my skill set beyond technical expertise. My wife and I also saw Canada as an ideal place for new opportunities, particularly with the Hong Kong Stream allowing us to apply for permanent residency after just one year of post-graduate studies. Therefore, I decided to pursue further studies in Canada, enrolling in the Project Management Post Graduate Certificate program at Centennial College. This move was not only a career-driven decision but also a chance to embrace a new environment.
While studying in Canada, I was eager to keep up with my technical skills and found an exciting remote opportunity as a Senior Frontend Developer at Dayta AI. In this role, I led the development of a new admin panel and contributed to the frontend of their AI platform. After graduation, I continued working with them, focusing on data visualization and performance enhancements. I am thankful for this opportunity, allowing me to stay technically engaged while balancing my academic pursuits and beyond.