The Power of a Second Chance
16 May 2025
For many, early setbacks in life can be hard to recover from. But for Jeremiah, they became defining moments that shaped his path forward with perseverance, purpose, and pride.
Now a software engineer at NCS SG, a subsidiary of Singtel Group, and pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology at the SIM-University of Wollongong (SIM-UOW) at SIM Global Education, Jeremiah's journey did not begin on a high note. Despite entering the express stream in secondary school, he struggled with discipline and skipped classes, which led to disappointing 'O' level results. "Going to ITE despite being in the express stream really shattered my confidence," he reflects. "Instead of striving to do better, I felt doomed to fail."
But that turning point was also the beginning of something new. During National Service (NS), Jeremiah was surrounded by peers who were preparing for university and were ambitious about their futures. "Those late-night heart to heart talks with friends, along with some personal self-reflection, made me realise I did not want to fall further behind," he says. He started spending weekends studying, making up for lost time and reclaiming a sense of control over his future.
Raised by his mother who worked tirelessly to support him, Jeremiah always felt a strong sense of responsibility. Her strength and sacrifices became his anchor. "Watching my mum work tirelessly to give me a privileged life despite her limited education really shaped my mindset as I got older." Her sacrifices were much more evident when she retired and Jeremiah decided to step up. “The sense of responsibility to give back to both my parents really pushed me to take ownership of my life and education.”
His big break came after NS when he was accepted into the IMDA Fusion Programme. Sponsored by NCS SG, the programme allowed him to pursue his degree part-time while gaining real-world experience and lightening the financial burden. Choosing the SIM-UOW programme has also proven to be pivotal. "SIM-UOW has given me a solid technical foundation required for my job as a software engineer," he shares.
The structure and flexibility of the SIM-UOW programme allowed him to balance rigorous work commitments with academic growth. He credits the curriculum for equipping him with practical skills in software development, communication, and teamwork that directly enhanced his on-the-job performance. The supportive environment at SIM also helped him build confidence and take ownership of his learning journey.
Today, Jeremiah is thriving. At SIM-UOW, he maintains an impressive average grade of 81.16, a far cry from his earlier academic struggles. In recognition of Jeremiah’s determination, he was recently awarded the Chairman's Award for Resilience. Looking ahead, he hopes to take on leadership roles and one-day mentor younger professionals facing similar struggles. "I plan to continue building my foundation as a software engineer" he says. "I intend to keep learning, taking on new challenges and gradually taking on more leadership responsibilities as I progress in my career."
Jeremiah's story is a reminder of how the proper support, mindset, and opportunity, like those found at SIM, can empower individuals to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.