By Queenara Valerie Tan, Bachelor of Information Technology
In 2025, I will be 18 and graduating with a Bachelor of Information Technology from the University of Newcastle (UON). And this is all thanks to the fast-track progression at PSB Academy. In Indonesia, the traditional educational pathway to attain a degree usually takes a long time, so I am glad that PSB Academy has helped me reach my goal quickly.
Early Start to Higher Education
I completed my secondary school education at 15. By then, I was ready for higher education but didn’t want to spend another three years in high school to enter university. Through a study agent in Jakarta, I was introduced to two institutions in Singapore. I decided to study at PSB Academy because the minimum age requirement for the certificate course is 15. Additionally, the Information Technology (IT) courses are quite advanced, and the academy has a strong reputation.
From Certificate to Diploma to Degree
After moving to Singapore, I enrolled in the Certificate in Infocomm Technology programme at PSB Academy in October 2022, a six-month course designed to provide foundational IT knowledge. By April 2023, I advanced to the Diploma in Infocomm Technology. And by January 2024, I progressed to the Bachelor of Information Technology programme with UON through PSB Academy.
This seamless pathway in Singapore has allowed me to build my knowledge and skills steadily and quickly, enabling me to bypass these lengthy steps and jump straight into higher education, saving me several years and allowing me to focus on my career goals much sooner. Had I chosen to continue my studies in Indonesia, I would have spent three years in high school followed by another four years in a public university.
Experiencing a Different Educational Approach
The educational approach in Singapore is quite distinct from what I experienced in my home country. In Indonesia, secondary and high school education covers a broad range of subjects, with specialisation options available only at the university level. In contrast, Singapore’s education system enables earlier specialisation, allowing me to focus on my strengths right after secondary school by pursuing IT at PSB Academy.
Practical Skills and Campus Life
The projects and quizzes in my degree course are definitely tougher than those in my diploma course, which has pushed me to manage my time better. I’ve learned to prioritise which modules need more attention and which tasks to tackle first. I love that my IT course includes business modules—they keep things interesting and prevent boredom. Group projects have helped me make friends while we figure things out together.
Additionally, I am involved in the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) as a vice-president, and I have also joined MAPIA, an Indonesian student club at PSB Academy, as a member. These activities have made my university experience even more awesome with lots of networking, organising workshops, and attending fun events.
Overcoming Stigmas and Preparing for the Future
I’ve heard the stigmas about studying at a private education institution, but I firmly believe that my success in career and life is determined by my dedication and work ethic, not the name of the school I attend. I am confident that by studying hard and making the effort to understand my lessons, I will find a job that suits me. Additionally, I am assured that the advanced education at PSB Academy and UON will prepare me well for my career aspirations in IT.
Pathway to Success
My journey through PSB Academy’s fast-track programme has been nothing short of incredible. I look forward to graduating with a Bachelor of IT degree, thus achieving a significant milestone by the age of 18. This pathway has not only accelerated my academic progress but also prepared me well for my future career. For anyone considering an alternative to the traditional educational route, PSB Academy provides a swift and seamless path to achieving education goals.
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