First Batch of Free Coding Programme Students Complete Core Curriculum, Three Achieve Fastest Completion Globally

Lianhe Zaobao, 6 Aug 2024, 首批免费编程课学生陆续完成核心课程 其中三人完成速度全球最快​
Last September, the first batch of students enrolled in Singapore University of Technology and Design's (SUTD) "42" programme. In the coming months, several students will complete the ninth level of the core curriculum and begin internships at various local institutions. Among them, three students have achieved the fastest completion of the core curriculum globally.
The three students are Jeffrey Goh (34 years old), Sean O'Leary (30 years old), and Wendy Huang (49 years old). They completed the 12-month core curriculum in about 10 months. This remarkable progress ranks them among the top 1% of all "42" students worldwide. The free "42" programming course operates in 54 schools globally, with 21,000 enrolled students. Since its establishment in 2013, only about 50 students have completed the core curriculum so quickly.
The 42 Singapore programme started recruiting students in September last year and has since enrolled two batches of students, totalling 230 individuals aged between 18 and 59. Koh Chye Soon, director of Ecole 42 at SUTD, mentioned that among the current students, about 20% are progressing rapidly, while 40% are progressing steadily.
Koh Chye Soon expects that by mid-next year, at least 30 students will complete the core curriculum. Students who complete the core curriculum generally have opportunities for internships.
Fastest Completing Students Secure Internship
Jeffrey Goh, one of the fastest students to complete the programme, has secured an internship opportunity at Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and started his internship training on 1 July this year.
Jeffrey, who previously studied mechatronics engineering in university, switched to the tech industry six years ago. Over the years, he self-taught programming and decided to enroll in the 42 Singapore programme when he learned about it last year. He was attracted by the tuition-free model and the flexible learning pace. Jeffrey values the in-depth content and continuous learning opportunities provided by the course, including future free advanced courses. He believes this flexible learning approach is crucial in the ever-evolving tech field.
Jeffrey attributes his fast completion to perseverance. After four months of classes, he decided to leave his job at the beginning of this year to focus fully on the 42 programme. He often attends classes during busy hours to discuss and collaborate with peers. He appreciates the teacher-less model of the 42 programme, which allows students to seek help from classmates and experienced students from other 42 schools worldwide, broadening his perspectives.
From Psychology to Coding: Broader Career Options
Avery Gan, 27, has a few projects left and expects to complete the core curriculum in a few months, earning an internship opportunity as a software engineer. She chose to study full-time, dedicating at least 40 hours per week.
Before the 42 programme was introduced in Singapore, Avery was aware of the 42 programmes in Paris and Silicon Valley and considered applying to these locations. Upon learning that Singapore would offer the course, she applied immediately and quit her job upon acceptance.
Avery graduated from Singapore Management University with a degree in psychology. While working part-time at an Apple store during university, she discovered her passion for technology and shifted to the tech industry after graduation, working in technical support for two tech companies.
The unique learning method of 42 immediately attracted her. She aims to combine her psychology background with computer science for broader opportunities in the tech industry.
The free 42 programme was founded by a French entrepreneur to address high unemployment rates in France and has since expanded to many countries. The school specialises in technology training courses, hoping to provide everyone the opportunity to find a job in the technology industry through retraining. To maximise accessibility, all branches must adhere to Ecole 42's rules: admissions are based on merit without considering background, nationality, or educational level, and there is no age limit.
Koh Chye Soon noted that the next two bootcamps for 42 Singapore will start on September 30 and November 4 this year. The third batch of selected students is expected to begin in January next year.