Yang Lijia, Associate Software Engineer, Product Design & Development Division, GovTech, Singapore
By Medha Basu
Women in GovTech Special Report 2017
Developing the Apex (API Exchange) platform with my awesome team! APEX is the platform that enables government agencies to share data more quickly and conveniently through the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
What technology particularly interests you for 2018?
Internet of Things. With more connected devices, there will be huge amounts of data that can potentially be collected, analysed and moulded into solutions for daily problems faced by citizens.
If you were to share one piece of advice that you learned in 2017, what would it be?
2017 has been an exciting year for me - working in a new environment and going live with the APEX platform. One thing that I have embraced close to heart is to be always optimistic in the face of difficulty, because when you are positive, good things happen!
What was the greatest challenge that you overcame in 2017?
Previously, I was developing applications using a different technology stack. Developing the APEX platform introduced me to various new technologies. I am glad that I work in an inclusive team that provides me with constant encouragement and support to continuously develop myself in a challenging environment and contribute to the development of APEX.
What book did you read in 2017 that most interested or inspired you?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I believe the most important component of worklife is the interaction between colleagues. If a person has a good relationship with their colleagues, going to office will not be a routine but something that one looks forward to everyday. I am thankful I have colleagues who are talented and also fun to work with.
Who inspired you in 2017, and why?
My grandmother! She is 81 this year but despite her age, she attends classes to pick up different skills such as painting. Her attitude towards learning is something that inspires me to continuously acquire new skills.