Penangite Yeoh Lay Kim has been interested in programming and computer language since completing secondary school. “I find it challenging and fun to learn more about software development. I am very fresh in the industry and have a lot to learn but I am happy that I am gaining knowledge every day,” she says.

Lay Kim is currently part of the FasTrack programme and is attached to Agilent. At the company, she works on software testing – specifically on the compliance of applications. “What I do is to ensure the quality of application that is developed and if I find any bugs, I will submit a report to keep track of the process,” explains Lay Kim about her role. Once the developer solves the issue, she is also responsible for re-testing until the bug is resolved. Catching technical bugs is hard work but fortunately for Lay Kim, Agilent has a sports complex that provides all sorts of facilities for her to chill out, hang out or de-stress.

“Every Monday, I play badminton with my colleagues after work,” she shares. “And on Wednesdays, we have our Movie Day because we can get cheaper tickets. Life is wonderful at Agilent, which makes working here a lot more fun.”

Achieving a harmonious work-life balance is but just one benefit she’s gained since joining FasTrack. She says, “The FasTrack programme, organised by PSDC, has given me lots of training. The training is useful and helps me adapt to my working environment.” She also likes socialising with other FasTrack apprentices who have been willing to share their knowledge.

A loyal Penang girl, Lay Kim says Penang is a great place to build her E&E career because there are a lot of resources available. Furthermore, the support of local and foreign MNCs and SMEs based in Penang is crucial to her career development. She hopes to be a software development expert in the future. “Of course, I hope to own a house and a car by then but most importantly, become a valuable asset to my department or company.”

Nasibah Dzulkifly is a Mechatronics Engineering graduate who is currently completing her apprenticeship at Motorola Solutions as part of the FasTrack programme. She is part of the company’s Research and Development department and works on testing the optimization of communication devices like walkie-talkies used in very fragile and sometimes explosive environments, like in an oil refinery. “At Motorola Solutions, our solutions protect both the users and devices from hazards so they can focus on doing their jobs without worrying about their safety.”

Sounds serious, doesn’t it? Even for Nasibah herself, joining FasTrack and Motorola has been a reality check! “FasTrack helped me to experience life and think like an engineer in a safe environment,” Nasibah says. “The training gives me a better understanding of the engineering industry so I can better perform when I join Motorola Solutions.” Since she is at one of the only two Motorola global manufacturing centres that produces two-way radio products, you can bet that Nasibah is learning from the best.

Nasibah finds the working environment in Motorola nurturing and especially for someone as green as her, the senior staff are always ready to guide and mentor her. “I am amazed at how much trust my seniors have in me to do the tasks even though I lack the experience,” Nasibah says.

Nasibah deals with the latest in technology every day, and she loves it! “I love everything and anything electrical and electronics! My mentor (who is an expert in one type of sub-system, specifically transmission) totally inspires me. He has only been in Motorola for 3 years but does cool work.”