In the bustling world of technology, where innovation soars higher than the clouds, Allstar Ann stands as a guiding force, steering her teams through the ever-changing skies of Software Engineering at AirAsia MOVE – Southeast Asia’s all-in-one travel and lifestyle service provider. She orchestrates a symphony of code and collaboration with finesse and quality.

1. Hey Ann, you know how we ‘move’, three fun facts about you, go!

• People often tell me that I’m a great talker, which always surprises me because I consider myself an introvert.

• I originally thought music would be my forte, but I found my way into Software Engineering. I’d like to think that they’re similar, both involve a ‘keyboard’.

• When I’m not at work, I’m also a fitness instructor! You have to keep that balance, you know?

2. What does a Senior Software Engineering Manager for AirAsia MOVE do?

Well, I manage two engineering teams: the Chat team based in RedStation, and a WeChat Mini Program team based in Guangzhou, China. On top of that, I’ve just picked up a new role, leading the recently formed QA Guild in AirAsia MOVE. You could say that things can get a little chaotic here and there.

There are two parts to my role. The first is ensuring that products are delivered on time – whether it’s during a sprint, each month, or each quarter. Essentially, it’s all about turning product roadmaps from Product Managers into reality, touching on the details to ensure that its functionality, stability, scalability, and security are not compromised.

Additionally, I establish quality engineering for all products under AirAsia MOVE to ensure they meet industry standards. It’s a role that I took up recently, and my 15 years in Software Engineering have given me the extra boost in knowledge and understanding of the job’s nature.

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3. What sparked your passion for Software Engineering?

Unlike many who discover their career through passion, I stumbled upon mine by diving in headfirst. It all started during my school days when I was given the chance to take up Computer Science, even though I had no idea if it was what I wanted to do.

To my surprise, I found the subject intriguing. Computer Science felt like an art form to me. There are many ways to go about solving a complex problem, so you can let your creativity flow through different approaches. I think it’s amusing that many modern problems can be solved with mathematics and science through programming.

4. Tell us about a challenging project that pushed your skills to the next level!

I recall a pivotal moment in my career back in 2011. I had applied for a role, and to my surprise, the manager not only gave an immediate approval for the role and salary I had asked for, but he also asked me to complete the interview test at home.

I single-handedly revamped their test automation framework from scratch, working alongside other developers. That experience took my career to another level. I think a valuable lesson I took from the experience is that while your skills can only take you far, you also need the drive and passion to succeed.

5. What’s your favourite part about what you do?

What keeps me hooked is the fact that there’s no one fixed way to accomplish things around here. The freedom to find unique solutions to complex problems gets my creative juices flowing and pushes my skills to the fullest. I get to apply the technical and soft skills that I possess, so there’s always an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

6. How do you stay updated with the latest trends to ensure you’re delivering the best product?

It’s no secret that today’s technology and trends are constantly evolving. Attending forums and workshops, and subscribing to groups have really helped me keep up with the latest developments. Social media is the origin of a massive chunk of trends, so being active on platforms like LinkedIn has kept me in the loop too!

7. If you could introduce a new feature to AirAsia MOVE, what would it be?

Oh, I’ve been thinking about this one for a while! I think it’d be nice to have an in-app chatbot that could guide me through any concerns I have. It’d be like a step-by-step guide, leading me to the exact place I need to go to get my questions answered.

8. What’s your go-to piece of advice for those seeking a job like yours?

It’s going to be a roller coaster ride – you'll have your highs and lows. The most important thing is to acknowledge that none of us are perfect. There’s always room for growth and learning wherever you are, so just embrace the unknowns and uncertainties. I guess when you look at them as opportunities for growth instead of obstacles, it really changes your mindset and keeps you going on the journey.

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Interested in joining us as a future Allstar? Make airasia your dream career destination today! Apply at https://mycareer.airasia.com/gb/en; or join our Talent Community for more updates and happenings: https://mycareer.airasia.com/gb/en/jointalentcommunity.