“I didn’t even know something like ‘Best Graduate’ existed. I wasn’t chasing titles – I just kept aiming to do better than before.” – Jaden Choo (left), who was awarded “Best Graduate in Bachelor of Computer Science” at the 2024 Appreciation and Awards Dinner. Pictured with his mother.
From humble beginnings to earning the title of “Best Graduate in Bachelor of Computer Science” in his cohort and now contributing meaningfully to Swinburne Sarawak, Jaden Choo’s story is one of quiet dedication, unassuming consistency, and belief in a simple yet powerful cycle: learn, adapt, reflect.
A Swinburne Sarawak graduate with a degree in Computer Science, majoring in Software Development, Jaden now works as a Software Developer at his alma mater – a full-circle moment that reflects both his unwavering drive and the opportunities Swinburne provided to help him thrive.
Starting from the ground up
Raised by a single mother in a modest household, Jaden began his academic journey without the privileges many others had – be it tuition classes, standout achievements, or a private secondary education.
“I couldn’t afford tuition like many others, and I didn’t come from a background of academic excellence. I wasn’t born a top student, but I had the will to learn and adapt,” he reflects.
What changed for Jaden was that he started asking the right questions – how to learn effectively, what truly mattered, what worked for him and what didn’t – and he kept going.
It was in Form 4 that Jaden began consciously applying the learn-adapt-reflect mindset. He studied from textbooks, made sense of lessons at his own pace, and focused on small, consistent improvements. Every exam became a checkpoint, not for comparison with others, but to track his own progress.
“If I got 40 marks, I’d aim to beat 40 next time. If I got 50, that became my new baseline. Every small improvement became a personal victory. And slowly, my mindset shifted from ‘just passing’ to ‘how far can I go?’”
A practical choice that opened unexpected doors
Jaden’s decision to enrol at Swinburne Sarawak was a thoughtful, practical one made together with his family.
“The degree is internationally recognised and the campus is close to home. It might not have been my dream choice, but it was a practical option – and looking back, I have no regrets,” he shares.
What began as a pragmatic decision transformed into a defining chapter in his personal and academic growth.
“This path gave me opportunities I never expected, and I’m genuinely thankful I ended up here. Sometimes, the right place finds you.”
Jaden (second from left) on graduation day with his FYP team members.
Though initially drawn to cognitive psychology, Jaden eventually ended up pursuing a degree in Computer Science after careful thought and discussions with his family. But rather than abandoning his curiosity, he adapted.
“The advancements in technology have always fascinated me – the way it constantly evolves and reshapes how we live and think. Over time, I found meaningful links between both fields. That connection helped me make the course my own.”
Beyond being just a place to earn a degree, Swinburne Sarawak provided the ideal environment for Jaden to apply his learn-adapt-reflect mindset and experience the results of steady, intentional growth.
Gratitude that fuelled growth
Jaden is also a Yayasan Sarawak scholar – a recognition that changed the course of his studies.
Given his financial circumstances, Swinburne wasn’t among the universities he first thought to pursue.
“However, a Swinburne recruitment agent I met early on encouraged me to apply for a scholarship. When I got it, I couldn’t put into words how happy and grateful I felt.”
That belief pushed him to work even harder: “Someone out there believed in my potential, and I wanted to prove to them that they made the right choice.”
To Jaden, the scholarship meant more than just financial support; it was an achievement of a lifetime that allowed him to pursue tertiary education without burdening his family.
Shaped by his Swinburne experience
Despite a rather quiet start to his university journey, Jaden found his footing by staying focused and building strong relationships with his lecturers, many of whom would later become his colleagues.
“I started university without knowing anyone; it felt like a new beginning. I went to class, focused on my work, and left when I was done.
“The people I talked to the most were my lecturers. They were really kind, and each had their own way of teaching. It made learning more interesting and easier to follow,” he recalls.
Jaden also expressed gratitude for the invaluable industry-learning experience he gained at Swinburne Sarawak, which played a significant part in his personal and professional growth, especially in honing his interpersonal skills.
From student to Swinburne staff
After graduation, Jaden transitioned seamlessly from student to staff, joining Swinburne Sarawak’s IT team as a Software Developer.
Jaden (second row, fourth from left) with his fellow IT colleagues.
“I’m the youngest in my department, which means I get to learn a lot from the experienced people around me. Our team is small and fairly new, almost like a mini startup. This has given me the chance to be involved in all stages of development, from system architecture to implementation.”
For Jaden, working at Swinburne is more than just a job – it’s personal. “Working here feels like a way to give back to the university and the lecturers who supported me.”
To this day, whether at work or in life, Jaden continues to rely on the same approach that carried him through his toughest academic moments: learning, adapting, and reflecting.
“It’s not complicated, but it’s been reliable,” he says. “You don’t need perfect conditions to move forward – just the right mindset and consistency.”
His guiding philosophy? “If you can’t change the tides, adjust the sails.”