Future-ready skills, real-world impact: How young computer engineer broke into the tech industry

Growing up in a modest family of four, Chan Chung Loong never imagined that one day he would be managing over 100 server clusters for one of South-east Asia’s largest e-commerce platforms. At just 27 years old, Chan’s journey from a humble background to becoming a site reliability engineer at Shopee is a story of perseverance, curiosity and seizing opportunities.

For Chan, technology was never just about career ambitions – it was deeply personal. His fascination began when he was young. His parents had moved from Malaysia to Singapore before he was born. His mother, who grew up in a remote village in Johor, used to have difficulties using a smartphone. Teaching her how to navigate apps like WhatsApp opened his eyes to how technology could bridge distances and connect lives.

“I saw how technology allowed my mother to stay close to her siblings, even though they were miles apart,” Chan says. “That moment made me want to understand how it all worked – and how it could transform lives.”

This spark set him on a path that would take him from Singapore Polytechnic, where he graduated as the top student and valedictorian in Computer Engineering, to the National University of Singapore, where he earned a Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science. He became the first in his family to graduate from university – a milestone that remains a source of pride.

A chance encounter

While Chan excelled academically, it was a chance encounter during an alumni event at Singapore Polytechnic in 2022 that changed the trajectory of his life. There, the university undergraduate reconnected with a lecturer who introduced him to Fiona Lim, a talent development manager from Huawei. Lim spoke about the Huawei ICT Competition, a global platform for students to test their skills in areas such as cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity.

The competition is part of the broader Huawei ICT Academy programme – an international collaboration between Huawei and institutes of higher learning to bridge the gap between school and industry. The programme delivers cutting-edge training, encourages students to earn industry-recognised Huawei certifications and cultivates practical skills aligned with real-world information and communications technology (ICT) roles.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for something like this,” Chan admits. “But I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and grow.”

The competition, however, was no walk in the park. Chan struggled with vendor-specific terminology across different cloud platforms, which made some questions particularly tricky. 

But instead of being discouraged, he turned to resources provided by the Huawei ICT Academy – including hands-on labs, cloud credits and study guides. These tools not only helped him prepare but also inspired him to earn the HCIA (Huawei Certified ICT Associate) Cloud Service certification before the competition.

“The academy didn’t just teach me theory; it gave me practical experience,” Chan explains. “I could explore Huawei Cloud services firsthand, which made all the difference.”

His efforts paid off. Chan and his team clinched first prize in the Huawei ICT Competition 2022-2023 Global Finals (Cloud Track) and later won first prize in the 2023-2024 Asia-Pacific Finals (Computing Track). These victories were more than accolades – they opened doors to new opportunities.

From competitor to intern

Winning the competition led to an internship with Huawei Singapore as a cloud solutions engineer intern. Through the internship, Chan gained invaluable real-world experience – resolving customer queries, implementing technical solutions and visiting client sites to better understand business challenges.

“One of the most memorable parts of my internship was seeing how technology directly impacts businesses,” Chan says candidly. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for how these solutions solve real-world problems.”

During the internship, Chan also completed the HCIE (Huawei Certified ICT Expert) – Cloud Service Solutions Architect certification, further solidifying his technical expertise. This experience proved instrumental when he transitioned into his current role at Shopee, where he ensures system reliability and scalability for millions of users across the region.

“Huawei’s certifications validated my technical skills and gave me the confidence to tackle complex challenges,” he says. “They prepared me not just for a job, but for a career.”

Inspiring the next generation

For Chan, the academy was more than just a stepping stone; it was a launchpad. He is one of more than 2,000 students in Singapore who have benefited from Huawei’s ICT Academy training ecosystem – an initiative that supports young people with future-ready skills. In partnership with over 10 local institutions of higher learning, the programme is designed to close the ICT talent gap and provide practical, industry-aligned training.

“Through initiatives like the Huawei ICT Competition, we aim to empower the next generation of ICT professionals,” says Maxi Wang, chief executive officer of Huawei International. “Chan’s journey exemplifies how our programmes help individuals realise their potential while addressing Singapore’s tech talent gap.”

Globally, the Huawei ICT Academy has established over 340 partnerships with educational institutions and continues to expand across the Asia-Pacific region. The annual competition, now in its ninth year, plays a pivotal role in narrowing the digital divide while equipping young people with future-ready skills.

As the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025 concludes, stories like Chan’s continue to inspire new participants to push boundaries and embrace challenges. Reflecting on his journey, Chan offers simple yet powerful advice: “Stay curious, build connections and embrace challenges. The best learning experiences often come from stepping out of your comfort zone.”

As Chan continues to progress in his career, he remains deeply passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

“Technology has the power to transform lives,” he concludes. “And I hope my story inspires others to believe in themselves and seize the opportunities around them.”

Bridging ICT skills gap worldwide

Huawei plans to expand the ICT Academy programme to more countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific, offering free, high-quality training courses focused on the latest technological trends.

From IoT to AI, students from partner institutes of higher learning can choose from a directory of more than 250 online courses in English and Chinese, delivered through both virtual and in-person formats. These courses range from beginner to expert levels, supporting learners at every stage of skill development.

The initiative aims to narrow the digital divide, enhance digital literacy and improve employability for young talents.

The annual Huawei ICT Competition will remain a cornerstone of this effort, continuing to motivate aspiring professionals, build confidence through real-world challenges and cultivate a resilient, future-ready workforce for the global ICT industry.

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Learn more about the Huawei ICT Academy and how it empowers future tech talent.