The ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2021, an annual event since 2017, is geared towards practical digital skills required for a working environment of the future. With global emphasis on the digital economy, the competition exposes contestants to emerging technologies, data analytics, design, and the use of office application tools.
Jason Lui Yong Jian, a student from INTI International College Penang, earned his spot through the national round of the challenge to represent Malaysia in September, competing against participants from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Jason Lui Yong Jian bagged the silver medal for the Design Track under the Tertiary Level category in the Global Grand Final of the ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2021.
“It is an honour to bag the silver medal for the Design Track under the Tertiary Level category in the Global Grand Final. I’m also privileged to be recognised by INTI for my effort and hard work at this challenge,” said Jason who is currently pursuing his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
The ICDL Asia Digital Challenge was first held with over 3500 students from 106 schools across seven countries. This year’s competition, in its fourth edition, was held virtually following travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
Jason expressed his joy and attributed his achievement to encouragement from his lecturers.
“Preparation before the win wasn’t a bed of roses; it had its ups and downs as I had to learn about the Solid Edge software from scratch within a week prior to my participation in the national round. My lecturers, Ms. Hafizah and Mr. Phuah, guided me thoroughly throughout the journey and were my pillars of support,” admitted Jason.
He further added, “ICDL courses lay a good and internationally recognized foundation for students like me to build on our thinking and problem-solving skills. We need to equip ourselves with digital technology skills which are essential to addressing challenges in the current world.”
Jason also elaborated about the digital skills one may or may not need in the modern workplace.
“There is no hard and fast rule about which jobs you will need to use a software like Microsoft Excel and Solid Edge, or which jobs you will not. Digital literacy is a language; the more digital skills you have, the better you can speak it,” shared the 19-year-old student.
Besides being an experience of a lifetime, Jason acknowledges the challenge to be career relevant.
Jason Lui Yong Jian (seated, second from right) is currently pursuing his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at INTI International College Penang.
“The ICDL modules aim to equip learners to thrive in Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). ICDL should be applauded for its contribution to the national initiative by providing industry-relevant skills and knowledge to help boost the employability of learners. The Solid Edge software I learnt through this challenge will be a foundation towards my career as it is widely used within the industry I’m currently pursuing,” said Jason.
Despite the challenge being held virtually, he said he was able to improve his time management skills and learn about the importance of planning ahead, among other things.
“It is especially important when carrying out projects as it keeps me alert on the timeline and avoid delays on my end. I strongly encourage my peers to participate in challenges like this because the need for digital skills will only increase, so if one would like to gain skills fast, there’s no better time to get started than now,” he concluded.