This two-time Swift Student Challenge winner created an iOS app during NS
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This two-time Swift Student Challenge winner created an iOS app during NS
In the realm of software development, Don Chia has found his niche. His journey, shaped by an early introduction to developer tools and further honed during the Covid-19 circuit breaker, showcases a testament to perseverance and a passion for technology.
Don's introduction to Swift in JC1 was a pivotal moment, sparked during a short internship programme where he worked on an iOS project. "Being given access to developer tools in school was immensely beneficial to my software engineering career," he says.
Encouraged by a forward-thinking teacher who urged students to extend their explorations beyond the H2 Computing curriculum, Don navigated through different areas of computing. This exploration period proved beneficial when the pandemic disrupted the usual order of life.
Despite the unsettling circumstances brought about by the pandemic, Don used the time to deepen his understanding of his craft. He took to the internet to find new opportunities, collaborate on open-source projects, and develop his personal project, NOSSAFLEX.
NOSSAFLEX, an app co-created with Diego Bustamante and Josh Chia, is designed to enhance the workflow for analog photographers by allowing users to log shot settings. This modern approach to photography, Don believes, is an invaluable tool to improve and learn from past shots.
Don's dedication to his craft goes beyond creating apps for the photography community. His excitement for the upcoming WWDC 23 at Cupertino speaks volumes about his commitment to his profession. An attendee by virtue of the new lottery system, Don is eager to explore Apple Park, meet his fellow iOS developers, and learn about the latest OS updates.
"Attending the WWDC in person is a dream come true for any iOS developer, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have secured a ticket through the new lottery system."
Challenges, as they say, are stepping stones to success. Don's experience in the Singapore Armed Forces while serving his National Service tested his resolve. Despite being a stay-in personnel with limited access to his MacBook, Don didn't let these obstacles deter him. He used pen and paper to sketch out the UI and write pseudocode for his submission, eventually winning the WWDC SSC '22.
His Swift Playground submissions were another highlight of his journey, combining his experiences with HTML/CSS and a fascination for early 20th-century art movements. These projects reflect Don's creativity, his passion for both art and technology, and his ability to think out-of-the-box.
Don's journey thus far is a story of determination, resourcefulness, and a love for coding that transcends boundaries. As he continues his pursuit of software development, his journey serves as a source of inspiration for budding developers.
