Find yourself tinkering with things? Have an unshakeable passion for technology and its findings?

Singtel’s Specialist Management Associate Programme (SMAP) presents you with a myriad of opportunities in technology - tried and tested by our very own Radio Network Quality Manager, Thung You Jun.

Before we go further, care to guess You Jun’s favourite mobile application?

It is none other than Net Monster; a network monitoring app that gathers information about mobile networks.

His enthusiasm in tech manifests in his personal hobbies like watching tech-related YouTube videos and keeping himself current on programming skills. You Jun was part of our 2018 Specialist Management Association Programme, where he engaged in these roles; Solution Architect in NCS Communications Engineering and Engineer in Singtel Radio Network Quality.

While it is one thing to learn the theory of things, it's completely another to apply them to real world scenarios. That’s one action on You Jun’s to-do list; to always challenge himself by testing new devices. #SingtelLife has been a dynamic and exciting journey for him given Singtel’s transition to a new generation of 5G mobile technologies with many opportunities available to explore.

He shared with us his achievements and takeaways from being part of the SMAP.

Q: What is your greatest achievement when working at Singtel?

A: Developing an IoT coverage measurement tool for internal use! Putting it in technical terms, we have a small number of test tool licences for cellular IoT devices which are primarily used for deep troubleshooting and analysis than to conduct physical coverage tests on the network.

As there is a demand for coverage measurements for such devices, I made the bold decision to develop our own. Using development kits available on the market that are relatively much cheaper, I programmed the device using open source Python libraries and interface with a Raspberry Pi to display the measurements from the device. This set up is also more convenient for engineers to bring along to the field, as they do not need a separate laptop.

Overall, it was a success story but one that did not come easily - what we do is more abstract rather than consumer focused. For example, if we want to do a Speed Test, there are lots of factors that interplay and it may not be in our area of expertise. This takes a whole lot of effort and we have to constantly find ways around devices.

Q: What is your favourite #SingtelLife moment?

A: I definitely have more than one! Firstly, I would say working with colleagues to conduct 5G device testing and to prepare for demos in the 5G Garage at Singapore Polytechnic! I carry endless memories of us executing the project and having lots of fun at the same time.

Other than that, there were some funny moments with my team while we worked on projects daily. And hence, story time!

We typically use laptops to test and connect the testing device to the laptop. Sometimes, the troubleshooting device does not work and we end up (unintentionally) using the WiFi! Then we just wonder why the speed is 10 times lower than it should be...it’s simple things like that we forget but end up making a joke out of it.

Q: Even Though Singtel is a tech company, what is the most human part about joining this organization?

A: I previously did an internship with Singtel and I had a very memorable experience, with an exceptionally encouraging mentor. My department is like a family to me and they have been around for quite a while. Carrying out quarterly birthday celebrations evokes some candid moments and our daily lunch conversations are not easy to forget either.

Q: Do you have any tips for our incoming batch of MAs?

A: Find your passion. You will be motivated to get up from your slumber every day without feeling the dread of travelling to a job that does not feed your curiosity and rigour. With the right career, remind yourself to never stop learning. Pick up new skills along the way and keep yourself on the move.

Wise words, You Jun! MAP is here to feed your curiosity and rigour. We are calling out to those who have a keen interest in tech to explore your passions with the space to be inquisitive and flexible. Apply here to mark your first step in the MAP journey.