Goh Jin Qiang, former President of SMU Ellipsis' 14th Management Committee, tells us how his obsession with video games ignited more than just a passion for technology, but also led him on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and brought him into contact with people who made a profound influence on his life.
Tell us more about what you do at URA.
I am a System Analyst, and my work involves developing digital planning tools for URA’s planners, architects, as well as policy officers, to gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions that meet Singapore’s long-term needs.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about utilising technology to empower and improve the quality of life for vulnerable segments of the population, particularly the elderly. With Singapore's ageing population, technology will play a key role in creating an eco-friendly, sustainable, and caring environment for our seniors as they age.
Has your life been shaped by any particular experiences or events that led you to where you are today?
As a teenager, instead of going straight home after classes, I spent my afternoons at LAN shops, fully engrossed in games like Maplestory and Dota. My passion for information technology (IT) was discovered as a result of those gaming experiences.
Determined to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of the field, I decided to attend ITE College East after completing secondary school. This choice turned out to be a turning point in my life. Not only did it allow me to excel in various IT-related subjects and competitions, but it also presented me with incredible opportunities, such as representing Singapore in the 8th ASEAN Skills competition in Bangkok in 2010.
I am deeply grateful for the guidance and mentorship of one of my lecturers, Mr. Martin Leong, who played a crucial role in helping me to develop my skills and passions from a casual gamer to a confident and accomplished programmer. His unwavering support and encouragement helped me discover my full potential, as well as influenced my continued pursuit of the IT field.
Other than Mr. Leong who helped me sharpen my IT skills, my mentors at SMU Professor Tan Hwee Pink and Professor Tan Hwee Xian, also left a lasting impact on me. My focus and passion for supporting Singapore’s ageing population were inspired by their research on developing sustainable technology-enabled innovations for ageing-in-place.
In 2020, you won the IT Youth Award for Project ShineSeniors, tell us more about the initiative and the impact it made.
I spearheaded Project ShineSeniors, an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting active ageing-in-place for elderly individuals living alone in Singapore. This was achieved by setting up customised smart home environments that collected and transmitted vital information about the living conditions and well-being of the elderly, without compromising their independence and standard of living.
Our efforts were validated when the data sensors and systems designed to monitor the living patterns and habits of the elderly detected abnormalities, leading to the rescue of two individuals. This close shave cemented my interest and passion in human-centered research, especially in developing innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups in society.
What aspect of the work you just shared brings you a sense of hope?
As we adopt new technologies to enhance our daily lives, it is crucial to remember that no segment of the population should be left behind. Achieving digital inclusion requires making technology accessible to all, including the elderly, low-income families, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
I believe that by co-designing and utilising technology in a responsible and effective manner, we can create a society that is equitable and inclusive for all.
What is next for you in your work; is there something that you are looking forward to?
I would be designing, evaluating, and building interactive systems that will not only replace our city planners' routine tasks but also provide them with the resources and tools that they need to make informed decisions.
Stay connected with Jin Qiang on LinkedIn