From Scam Victim to Cybersecurity Advocate: Monica’s Journey at SIM Global Education

She was 19 years old and alone in Singapore when Monica, a student from Myanmar, faced a frightening ordeal that would change the course of her life. 

Having just started her foundational programme at SIM Global Education (SIMGE), Monica received an alarming phone call from someone claiming to be from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The caller informed her that her identity had been misused in a scam operation in Shanghai. 

“Scam calls weren’t common in Myanmar, and I hadn’t yet learned about them,” she explained. “I was caught off guard.” 

The scammers didn’t stop at just a call. They video-called her in uniform, directed her to a seemingly official website, and insisted she record a statement.  

“It felt terrifyingly real,” Monica recalled. “For two hours, I was paralysed with fear, convinced I was in serious trouble.” 

She only realised it was a scam when she reached out to her aunt in China. 

This experience shook Monica. It revealed how vulnerable individuals could be to digital threats and underscored the importance of cybersecurity. Driven by a desire to help others avoid similar distress, Monica decided to pursue a degree with SIM-University of Wollongong’s Bachelor in Computer Science (Big Data and Cybersecurity). 

TURNING EXPERIENCE INTO PURPOSE

Monica’s goal is clear: to understand cyber threat patterns, develop effective detection methods, and create solutions that prevent cybercrimes before they happen. With cyber threats evolving in complexity, she aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fight against cybercrime. 

“Technology is clearly shaping the future, and I didn’t want to just be an observer but be a part of this change.” 

Her commitment to cybersecurity was further strengthened when she encountered another scam earlier this year—small unauthorised deductions from her bank account. Fortunately, she managed to recover the funds, but the incident only solidified her resolve. 



Through her studies, Monica hopes to build a solid technical foundation to design AI models trained on extensive cybersecurity datasets. These models could identify sophisticated threats that traditional systems might miss, providing stronger protection for an increasingly digital world. 

Her passion goes beyond her formal curriculum. 

In her personal time, Monica has completed Harvard's CS50 course and Andrew Ng’s machine learning courses. She shares her knowledge in workshops and discussion groups, aiming to bridge the gap between students new to AI and those eager to deepen their understanding. 

Monica also participated in AI-driven hackathons, applying her expertise to real-world problems. “My experiences reinforce my belief that cybersecurity and AI can work hand in hand to create safer digital environments,” she shared. 

For Monica, this degree represents more than just an academic pursuit; it is a path to transform a moment of personal vulnerability into a meaningful career dedicated to security solutions. 

LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Monica’s ambitions extend beyond her studies. She is deeply involved in the SIM community, aspiring to foster leadership, mentorship, and innovation among her peers. 



As a Student Ambassador, Monica has actively welcomed new students, assisted at major events, and led bonding activities. She hopes to take on greater leadership roles, organising large-scale events, supporting new ambassadors, and improving the onboarding experience. 

Her involvement in the Peer Mentors programme has equipped her with skills in youth support and social emotional learning, enabling her to support her peers both academically and personally. “I want to help create a stronger support system within SIM,” she said. 

Currently, she is serving as the Head of Content and Education in SIM’s Innovations and Networking Society (IONS) where she has more opportunities to share knowledge through workshops and discussion groups. 



“More than anything, I hope to be a part of building a student community where everyone feels like they belong and can thrive,” Monica shared. “I'm excited to contribute meaningfully to SIM through leadership, peer mentoring, or even leveraging technology.” 

SIM AWARD 

With her academic dedication, leadership involvement, and commitment to personal growth, Monica was one of the SIM Award recipients this year. 



The SIM Award is part of the SIM Impact Fund which sets aside an annual fund of $6 million for scholarships and grants for the next decade. Through this initiative, SIM hopes to provide opportunities to students who deserve it. 

“Coming from a background where education has been regarded as the most important inheritance, receiving this award reaffirmed that I am on the right path,” Monica said. “It represents validation of the hard work, resilience, and commitment I’ve put into my academics, leadership, and personal growth.” 

“This award has also given me the motivation to aim higher and contribute more actively to the SIM community, and push myself to create real impact in the field of technology.” 

She also encourages juniors that resilience and consistency matter more than immediate results. 

“Opportunities will come, but only if you are prepared to seize them.”