Artificial intelligence (AI) has not taken over the world yet, but former engineer Zack Wong is preparing himself for this brave new future.<\/p>\n
Mr Wong, 43, recently did a tech immersion course at Republic Polytechnic to pick up AI skills. He has also learnt programming and coding.<\/p>\n
This is a far cry from how he started his career - working as an engineer dealing with the repair development of aircraft engine components.<\/p>\n
He then switched to supply chain operations within the same industry and oversaw the coordination of material supply between the operations, inventory and purchasing departments.<\/p>\n
Mr Wong left that behind to branch out into photography at a boutique creative agency. He produced images that were used in editorials, commercials and advertisements.<\/p>\n
But both the creative industry and his old aviation sector were hit by the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
\"The Covid-19 situation has... forced many to look for other jobs to sustain (themselves). I was just one of the many. I was looking to return to the aerospace industry but it was also going down due to the cut in flights and lockdowns,\" Mr Wong told The Straits Times.<\/p>\n
\"I wanted to upgrade and reskill myself with new knowledge in the growing industry of AI. With the downscaling of my company and the loss of projects, I found myself at a crossroads - whether to continue to be a resident photographer or upgrade with new skills, especially in this digital era of cloud and AI.\"<\/p>\n
Mr Wong hopes that these skills will help him fulfil his long-term plan of working in the digital field, particularly in relation to computer vision and imaging, although he acknowledged there will be challenges.<\/p>\n
\"It is especially difficult for mid-career switchers like me, especially when we have only less than three months of experience and knowledge, and companies are reluctant to give us opportunities,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I have attended quite a few courses and webinars as well in order to keep myself updated on the current job market requirements.\"<\/p>\n
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Engineer-turned-photographer eyes switch to digital field with AI skills - The Straits Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Artificial intelligence (AI) has not taken over the world yet, but former engineer Zack Wong is preparing himself for this brave new future. Mr Wong, 43, recently did a tech immersion course at Republic Polytechnic to pick up AI skills. He has also learnt programming and coding. Continue reading