For Tan Jia Hong, the decision to pursue the Bachelor in Software Engineering (Honours) (Application Development) (BDSE) at Wawasan Open University (WOU) marked a deliberate step forward — one that allowed him to build on his vocational IT foundation while embracing new career opportunities in software engineering.
After completing secondary school, he earned a Malaysian Skills Certificate in Computer Operation System and a Malaysian Skills Diploma in Computer System Administration.
His early career spanned hardware support and technical troubleshooting, with roles as an Information Technology (IT) technician, a Quality Control specialist, and a Software Engineering intern.
Tan, 26, shares that these experiences, combined with his vocational IT training, enabled him to develop practical expertise in system maintenance, hardware diagnostics and product testing.
Building on this foundation, Tan now works as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at a digital agriculture software solutions provider.
Combining Theory and Apprenticeship for Real-World Results
Hailing from Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Tan’s professional growth was shaped by the integrated study–apprenticeship structure embedded in the BDSE programme. Delivered by WOU’s School of Digital Technology (DiGiT), the degree is intentionally designed to develop competence progressively.
The first year focuses on building strong software engineering fundamentals through intensive, hands-on projects and close mentoring by industry practitioners. From the second year onwards, students transition into paid apprenticeships with companies arranged by the University, applying what they learn in real workplace environments while continuing their academic studies.
This integration of study and industry exposure ensures that learning is not theoretical or delayed — it is immediate, applied, and cumulative. For Tan, this structure enabled him to sharpen his technical capabilities while positioning himself for long-term career progression.
The Penangite acknowledges that transitioning from full-time study back into employment while pursuing his degree required a high level of discipline.
“Balancing my work commitments with my studies was initially difficult because both require deep analytical focus. However, the flexible Open Distance Learning (ODL) model allowed me to integrate my learning schedule with my professional life.
“I treated my study schedule like a technical project, setting strict milestones for assignments just as I would for software testing cycles.
“Although the workload was intense, seeing the immediate relevance of my Software Engineering studies in a real-world workplace made the effort rewarding and aligned with my goal of becoming a specialised engineer.”
Bridging the Vocational Gap
With this pursuit, Tan could now translate his learning into practical software engineering challenges. He shares that the academic experience bridged the gap between his vocational background and the broader discipline of software engineering.
“I have experienced a significant career transition that aligns perfectly with my long-term professional goals of evolving from a technical practitioner into a specialised software professional.
“Transitioning into this specialisation allowed me to finally understand the ‘logic’ behind the systems I used to support.”
A notable example of applying his learning came during a database verification project for a plantation management system.
“I applied the advanced Database Design and MsSQL techniques I studied to write complex queries that validated data integrity across multiple tables. Thanks to the programme, I can now analyse the underlying database architecture to identify the root cause of data discrepancies, rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms,” he explains.
Tan also applied his knowledge of Application Development to design more robust test cases that detected logic flaws before deployment to field workers. This integration of classroom theory into his professional responsibilities significantly improved the reliability of digital tools used in the plantation sector.
Engineering the Future
As he prepares to graduate this year, Tan views his degree not just as a qualification, but a stepping stone to greater professional responsibilities.
“Obtaining this degree will ensure I am not just a participant in the digital transformation of the agricultural industry, but contributing as a qualified engineer capable of designing and maintaining high-quality software solutions that will shape the industry’s future,” says Tan, who also has a deep passion for PC building and customisation, specialising in assembling and optimising high-performance hardware.
From a vocationally-trained IT practitioner to a specialised software professional, Tan’s journey is proof that with the right mix of skills, determination, and a willingness to keep learning, careers can be built step by step.