Powered by Curiosity: Desmond’s Journey Towards a Future in Tech
From turning his curiosity into a passion for technology to empowering fellow students through leadership, SIM-University of London Computer Science student and SIM Award recipient Desmond shares how taking the first step shaped his journey. Learn how his passion for learning, leadership and giving back is preparing him for a future in artificial intelligence while inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations.
"I often say that growth begins with taking small steps because, in my experience, the first step is always the hardest. Once you have taken it, every step after becomes a little less intimidating."
What began as curiosity during the pandemic has since grown into a passion for technology, leadership and creating opportunities for others. Today, as a SIM-University of London (SIM-UOL) Computer Science student, he continues to challenge himself through student leadership, hackathons and hands-on projects, always believing that growth comes from taking the first step, even in the face of uncertainty.
It is this combination of academic excellence, leadership and a desire to give back that earned Desmond the SIM Award, which recognises outstanding local and international students who have demonstrated excellence both in and outside the classroom. Supported by the SIM Impact Fund, the award empowers Desmond to pursue industry-relevant skills, gain practical experience and build a strong foundation for a future career in technology.
For Desmond, however, the award represents far more than academic recognition. "It feels like a validation of the effort I have invested over the years, whether through leadership in the SIM CCAs, participating in hackathons, organising student initiatives, or continuously challenging myself to learn beyond the classroom."
Discovering a Passion for Technology
Unlike many aspiring software developers, Desmond's journey into technology did not begin with programming. Instead, it started with Microsoft Excel.
During the online schooling period in 2020, his parents encouraged him to spend his free time learning Excel. As he explored formulas, keyboard shortcuts and macros, he discovered something that fascinated him even more than the software itself: the ability to solve real-world problems.
"I ended up creating a simple accounting system for my dad's business, covering everything from journal entries to profit and loss statements," he recalls. "It was the first time I experienced the satisfaction of building something genuinely useful."
That curiosity naturally evolved into web development. He began teaching himself HTML and CSS, building websites simply because he wanted to understand how they worked. One of those early projects, a light-hearted website dedicated to his favourite meme dog, would unexpectedly change the course of his life.
After one of his teachers discovered the project, Desmond was encouraged to participate in a website development competition. His team went on to win first place, along with awards for Best Presentation and Best Video. Desmond has since participated in more than 20 hackathons not because he expects to win every competition, but because each experience presents another opportunity to learn, grow and stretch his limits.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Having discovered his passion through building real-world projects, Desmond knew he wanted a university programme that reflected the same hands-on approach to learning. The SIM-UOL's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) programme stood out for its Machine Learning and AI specialisation and strong emphasis on project-based learning. Instead of relying solely on examinations, the programme encourages students to apply their knowledge by solving practical problems, an approach that perfectly aligned with Desmond's learning style.
Alongside the project-based curriculum, he was able to immerse himself in a vibrant technology ecosystem while actively participating in student life. Through hackathons, industry events and the SIM IT Club, he found a community that challenged him to keep learning while allowing him to contribute to others' learning journeys.
As Technical Director of the SIM IT Club, Desmond led the creation of ITCamp: Frontendamentals, a three-month web development bootcamp designed to equip students with practical technical skills and build confidence.
Working alongside his team, he helped bring the bootcamp to life through a curriculum that combined hands-on technical learning with collaborative workshops, team projects, project pitching sessions and friendly competitions designed to make learning practical, engaging and enjoyable.
More importantly, Desmond wanted the SIM IT Club to be a place where students felt comfortable exploring technology, learning alongside like-minded peers and, one day, giving back to future students themselves. "For me, success wasn't measured by how much content we covered. It was seeing students become more confident than they were when they first walked into the room."
Sharing what he learns has also become an important part of Desmond's journey. He believes that explaining complex ideas simply not only helps others learn, but deepens his own understanding.
Leadership Through Trust
Leading ITCamp also reshaped Desmond's understanding of what effective leadership truly means. "The most valuable lesson I learnt is that trust is the foundation of effective leadership. It's not just about having your team trust you, but also trusting your team to take ownership and contribute their best."
Receiving the award has also brought reassurance to Desmond and his family. "When I told my family that I had received the SIM Award, seeing how relieved and happy they were was one of the most meaningful moments for me. Knowing that I could ease some of their financial burden, even before graduating and entering the workforce, gave me a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility."
Beyond providing financial support, the scholarship has strengthened his determination to continue making the most of every opportunity and one day give back to those communities who have supported him throughout his journey.
Looking ahead, Desmond hopes to specialise in Web3 and Artificial Intelligence, inspired by the rapid evolution of both fields and the possibilities they hold for solving real-world problems. Beyond developing his own technical expertise, he also hopes to make emerging technologies more accessible through workshops, mentoring and educational content on his platform, @DesmondInTech.
His advice to students who may be hesitant to step outside their comfort zones reflects the philosophy that has shaped every stage of his own journey. "Don't wait until you feel completely ready, because that moment may never come. Take the first step anyway. You might be surprised where it may lead to." Today, Desmond continues to learn, lead and give back, hoping to encourage more students to take that first step to pursue their dreams.
About the SIM Award
The SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, recognises outstanding local and international students for academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions beyond the classroom. The SIM Impact Fund is a $60M, 10-year transformative initiative that creates pathways and boosts the employability of learners.