My Experience as Keynote Speaker at SMU x BuildingBloCS Nationwide Tech Conference 2025 🤯

Dec 28, 2025

Hi everyone – Melvin here 👋

In December 2025, I had the privilege of supporting SMU × BuildingBloCS, one of the largest youth-led nationwide tech conferences in Singapore, culminating in my closing keynote.

A festive Christmas atmosphere in Singapore during the conference week

Over a full week, 300+ students (100+ in-person & 200+ virtual) from 50+ schools and 50+ IT clubs, joined workshops, sponsor sessions, a hackathon, networking sessions, and a closing keynote address at the Singapore Management University (SMU) physically and virtually.

SMU x BuildingBloCS Nationwide Tech Conference 2025 (100+ in-person attendees, 200+ virtual attendees)

Drafting the Keynote: Work done in a Capsule Hotel

Interestingly, I drafted much of my closing keynote from a capsule hotel, armed with my laptop and some late-night focus. I stayed at a capsule hotel near Arab Street.

Those quiet, focused hours reminded me that preparation and inspiration often happen in unexpected places. Let me share some snapshots from that experience:

Beautiful Mosque view from Capsule Hotel near Arab Street, Singapore

Capsule Hotel near Arab Street, Singapore

Night view of Mosque from Capsule Hotel near Arab Street

Workstation setup to draft keynote at Capsule Hotel near Arab Street, Singapore. I really appreciated the quiet environment in this hotel that allowed me to focus deeply.

Rest before the Big Day at SMU

After finishing the keynote slides, I rested for the night, and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, and looking forward to the hotel breakfast.

Waking up refreshed at Capsule Hotel near Arab Street, Singapore

Cooking my own eggs at Capsule Hotel near Arab Street, Singapore

Decent spread of breakfast options considering its price point

Yummy breakfast

The big day of the conference was still 1-2 days away, so I took the opportunity to relax and recharge by cycling around the town area.

One thing I love about being a Developer Advocate is the flexibility to work from different locations due to the nature of the role, and this time, I chose to work and stay at two comfortable hotels near SMU.

Nice Korea styled lunch located in China Town, Singapore, very affordable too at $5.90 to $6.90

From Capsule to Business Hotel - Preparing for SMU Conference

After my stay at the capsule hotel, I moved to a more spacious business hotel near SMU to prepare and practice for the conference.

Business Hotel near SMU, Singapore

Hotel Room Setup for Practice Sessions near SMU, Singapore

Clean and cosy hotel room with a nice view near SMU, Singapore

Clean and nice bathroom facilities in the business hotel

Good Pool View at Business Hotel near SMU, Singapore

I made sure to have a good rest before the big day at SMU. The next day, I woke up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel cafe, fueling up for the exciting day ahead.

Scrumptious eggs on toast to start the day right

Decent breakfast spread at the business hotel near SMU, Singapore

Assisting me for the conference was Mr. Ian Pang, a Data Analytics professional at UBS Investment Banking, who took annual leave to join me in inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

Thank you Mr. Ian Pang for your contributions at SMU x BuildingBloCS 2025

Photos of Singapore Management University (SMU) Campus, pictured here is Mr. Ian Pang, UBS Investment Banking Data Professional

The keynote, titled: “A Cross-Disciplinary Educational Journey in Asia’s Top University: From NUS Pharmacy → NUS Medicine → NUS Systems Science” covered: 📌

1. How my academic journey shaped analytical, systematic, and problem-solving skills

2. Leveraging GitHub Copilot, AI/ML tools, and the GitHub Student Developer Pack for practical projects

3. Career-ready advice for software engineering and data analytics pathways

Title of Keynote Address - From Medicine to Technology: A Journey of Purpose, Impact & Innovation

Commencement of the Keynote Address at SMU x BuildingBloCS Nationwide Tech Conference 2025, Keynote Speaker: Mr. Melvin Ng, RPh

Spotlight on Mr. Ian Pang

I was honored to invite Mr. Ian Pang, Data Analytics professional at UBS Investment Banking, who generously took annual leave to share his insights with 300+ high-achieving students nationwide.

Special Invited Guest - Mr. Ian Pang, UBS Investment Banking

Welcome Mr. Pang, Special Guest to SMU Conference Stage

Mr. Pang’s talk bridged theory and real-world experience, inspiring students to consider data analytics, career planning, and applying tech in finance. His presence complemented the keynote, sparking thoughtful Q&A sessions during networking.

Beyond the Keynote

As a Developer Advocate, my contributions extended to:

1. Engaging students at the GitHub booth—the busiest among all sponsors

2. Delivering a Career-Ready SWE & Data Analytics Resume Masterclass

3. Presenting awards to top hackathon winners

4. Educating participants on AI/ML problem-solving frameworks with interactive quizzes

5. Sharing personal experiences with the GitHub Student Developer Pack

Students from Raffles Institution, Hwa Chong, NUS High, and polytechnics actively engaged, asking questions about open source, productivity, and career planning.

Many expressed that seeing my journey across NUS Pharmacy, NUS Medicine, and NUS Systems Science was very inspiring and broadened their perspective on possible pathways.

We even had AI/ML and Chemistry quizzes where we awarded GitHub Swag to participants who answered correctly!

GitHub Swag for Quiz Participants at SMU x BuildingBloCS 2025

Snacks for all participants at SMU x BuildingBloCS 2025

Reflections & Takeaways

Supporting this nationwide tech conference reinforced three truths for me:

1️⃣ Students learn best when they see real people, not just slides

2️⃣ Hybrid formats (in-person & virtual attendance) dramatically increase accessibility

3️⃣ A Developer Advocate mindset – aka “serve and enable”, matters more than formal titles

Maintaining energy for a full week was challenging, but the students’ curiosity, diversity, and enthusiasm made it worthwhile.

Had dinner with Mr. Pang to commemorate the successful conclusion of SMU x BuildingBloCS 2025 event

Mr. Pang treated me to supper after the event, thank you!

Thank you Mr. Pang for the supper treat!

Closing Thoughts

This was the largest tech conference I’ve supported, and it reminded me that community is built by those who show up and create space for others.

Standing in a room filled with Singapore’s brightest young minds, Olympiad-track students, high-achieving STEM learners, and curious beginners alike reminded me of my own journey. I saw my younger self in many of them: ambitious, hungry to learn, eager to build, and looking for someone who could show that unconventional paths are possible.

It was meaningful to look back, not only at what I have accomplished, but also at who I once was. Now, to be in a position to support, uplift, and inspire the next generation is something I do not take lightly.

My hope is that these students will become the leaders, innovators, and builders who carry Singapore forward, strengthen STEM education, and create solutions that leave a global impact.

Community work takes time. Watching the next wave step forward makes every hour worth it.

Inspirational Quote from Keynote - Mr. Melvin Ng, RPh, 黄成伟东奕 (Developer Advocate, GitHub Universe Scholar, NUS Systems Science Valedictorian)

More details of the keynote and conference can be found in the full article, co-published together with a Senior Community Manager at GitHub, on the GitHub Community Discussions platform (15M+ annual views): SMU x BuildingBloCS Nationwide Tech Conference 2025

Signing out,

Melvin Ng, RPh (GitHub Developer Advocate, Singapore)

Singapore’s First GitHub Universe Scholar 🇸🇬, Community-Driven Tech Education, and TECHnologist (Technology, Education, Community, Healthcare)

@melvincwng