From K‑Pop Names to Code Mastery
Just like “Javascript, Python, and SQL” might sound like the next hit pranks from a K‑Pop group, they’re actually the cool tools that let you talk to computers.
Rocket Academy: Singapore’s Coding Rocket Ship
Founded back in 2019 by the vibrant 31‑year‑old Neo Kai Yuan, Rocket Academy is a digital bootcamp right here in our charming Little Red Dot. Their mission? To turn everyday people into well‑paid software engineers. And the bragging right is that every single graduate has landed a job – a 100% hiring rate that would make anyone’s dream feel real.
It’s Not About Degrees
Worried you lack a fancy degree or a tech background? “Mai tu liao” (forget it) – anyone can dive into coding. It’s all about attitude and a willingness to learn. That’s the core message from the founder herself.
The Spark behind the Startup
We sat down with Neo Kai Yuan, a Stanford alumnus who’s turned her passion for tech into a thriving learning platform. She shares her blueprint on how to start coding, how to thrive in a bootcamp environment, and why everybody can become a coder – no prior experience needed.
Ready to Join the Coding Revolution?
So, if you’re ready to swap playlists for playlists of code, hit up Rocket Academy and turn that dream into a tangible, paycheck‑worthy skill set. Your future self will thank you!
You studied at Stanford, then did stints at Facebook and Alibaba, among other tech giants. Waseh, what an impressive resume! Was studying Computer Science and working at such big companies your goal?
From Mechanical Dreams to Tech Realities
When I first wandered into Stanford, I was all guns‑and‑gloves, ready to dive into Mechanical Engineering. My (not‑yet‑official) mission? Build gadgets that people actually love. I had no notion that I’d soon find myself tangled in circuit boards and coding.
The Unexpected Quantum Leap
- One bright CS class – a single, electric lecture that lit a spark in my brain.
- Career fairs – the scene where recruiters were only shouting “Software Engineer!” like they’d just nailed the perfect treasure hunt.
- My brain said, “Hold on, maybe I can mix engineering and something that runs inside a machine.”
That eureka moment nudged me to switch majors. I traded nineteenth‑century blueprints for twenty‑first‑century code.
What It Means for Future Students
Whatever you’re chasing – data science, robotics, marketing, the arts – remember that software will be the invisible hand shaping every field. So don’t think you need a CS diploma to be a part of the next big wave.
Instead, pursue what truly feeds your curiosity. When you’re passionate about a field, combine that love with a dash of coding knowledge, and you’re already halfway to making that revolution happen.
And yes: Software + [your field] = Awesome
A 100 per cent success hiring rate for your bootcamp graduates so far — that’s sibei impressive! What are some of your academy’s biggest success stories?
Rocket Bootcamp: 100% Success – No One Left Behind
Imagine flipping from a delivery rider to a software engineer in just two weeks. That’s what Rocket’s Bootcamp did for its entire first cohort – 16. Every single one of them landed gigs as engineers at top tech firms in Singapore within three months of graduation. And guess what? All were career switchers. New career, same unstoppable enthusiasm.
Who’s Joining the Rocket Roster?
- Effy – Started out with no university degree, worked as a delivery rider, personal trainer, and climbing instructor. Went from “no degree” to “code wizard” in barely two weeks.
- Michelle – From horse trainer to a thriving software engineer working at Rocket. Proof that you can switch lanes anytime.
- Perry – A chef by day, now a coder at Glints. Who knew that flipping a spatula would translate to flipping lines of code?
Where Are They Now?
Rocket alumni are now freeloading at top tech companies such as Grab, Ninja Van, 99.co, Xfers, Glints, GovTech and more. They walked into interviews wearing denim jackets and walking away with contracts in hand.
The Ripple Effect
Each success story fuels a tidal wave of confidence in the community. We’re proud of every Rocket grad and thrilled to keep championing them throughout their careers. Because once you’ve tasted success, you’re never just a “former rider” or “former chef” – you’re a Rocketeer.
Let’s keep the momentum going, and remember: with Rocket Bootcamp, your past is just a warm-up for the future.
How far have you grown and taken the start-up in two years?
Rocket’s Coding Journey: Numbers, Team & the Mission
What We’ve Achieved
- 700+ bright minds have signed up for our free Coding Basics course.
- We’re proud to have 60+ students in our paid Software Engineering Bootcamp—and a 40‑plus cohort is already on board.
- In 2021, a whopping 90 % of the students we enrolled completed the program.
Team Growth Over the Years
- From just two full‑time founders (Akira & me) in 2020‑21, we’ve now got 10 full‑time folks and about 20 part‑timers or contractors on deck.
- The expansion reflects how the course demand and alumni success have skyrocketed.
Investors & Funding Milestone
- We’re backed by 50 angel & VC investors who poured in US$1.1 million (roughly S$1.5 million) back in August 2021.
- These partners bring not just cash, but also expertise, mentorship and a richer network for our students.
The Bigger Picture – Our Mission
We’re still in the early chapters of training the next wave of software engineers. I’m buzzing with excitement to watch Rocket alumni thrive, launch products, and redefine what it means to be a coder.
Getting Started in Coding? Let’s Debunk Some Myths & Share Handy Tips
Tips
- Practice, Practice, Practice – There’s no shortcut. Write code daily; the larger the body of code you’ve written, the more fluent you’ll feel.
- Think of coding as learning a new language—you need to immerse yourself, read, write, and converse (debug) often.
- All coders hit roadblocks. When you’re stuck, keep calm, lean on logic, and Google is your best buddy.
Common Myths (and the Truths)
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“Coding is only for straight‑A students.”
Our recent grad, Effy, had just finished secondary school before landing a role at an EV‑charging firm in just two weeks. Persistence, clear thinking, and strong communication are the real win‑chips.
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“I need a math wizard to code.”
Code is more like drafting a good essay than crushing equations. It’s vital that your code does what it says, but it’s equally important that others—your teammates—understand what you’ve built.
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“No CS degree means I’m out of the game.”
Many top engineers were not CS majors. Continuous learning matters, yes, but the tech world is hungry for talent, and companies are willing to hire brilliant people, no matter where they came from.
Take a moment to thumb through our recent Instagram highlights (they’re a great visual walk through what we’ve built)—but the real story is in the people who join us. Start your coding adventure now—every line of code takes you one step closer to your own success story.
Happy coding, and cheers to your next sprint!
Apart from intentions to expand overseas, what are some other exciting plans for Rocket?
Rocket Gets a Total Make‑over!
Chief Product Officer Akira has set the course (literally) for Rocket’s first big upgrade—making the entire syllabus super‑simple for newbies and hyper‑effective for building solid fundamentals. Good news for everyone!
Education Team in Action
- All lessons are being refined to keep skeptics from feeling lost.
- Every module now starts with a “you can do this” vibe.
- Funny pop‑ups and real‑world examples keep the brain wired.
I’m practically buzzing—Rocket’s students will get the best way to learn without ever feeling like a “student who’s stuck in a maze.”
Platform Team: Launching the Progress Tracker
Also under Akira’s wing, our Platform dream‑team (yes, we’re hiring) is creating a slick dashboard for students & staff to see exactly how far they’ve come. You’ll spot progress instantly and celebrate those wins.
- Marking milestones like the final boss in a game.
- Real‑time feedback so no one feels left out.
- Easy to share; just click, brag, repeat.
COO Steph’s Big Plans
On the calendar: Team Rocket’s first company retreat slated for early December. Steph wants everyone—bosses, newbies, coffee‑junkies—to converge, recharge, and sync on Rocket’s mission, vision, and values. Team bonding = better learning.
- Fun activities to bond beyond Zoom.
- Workshops clarifying goals.
- Time for laughs, board games, and maybe a pizza‑tasting tournament.
Stay tuned for unforgettable stories from the retreat—like the time we tried to build a rocket out of cardboard (spoiler: we nearly succeeded).
You mentioned that the pandemic was actually an ideal time to take the business further since there was a shortage of skilled software engineers. How so?
Software Engineers: The New Gold Rush in the Digital Age
Why the Demand is Sky‑High
- Online boom – Covid pushed everyday life into the digital realm, and every new app or service screams for coders.
- Tech over tradition – Pandemic‑induced decline in legacy industries pushed a wave of talent into growth sectors, making software gigs even hotter.
- No more red‑tape – Recruiters are hunting talent like street‑food vendors after a sudden spike in customer traffic—no boundaries, any background accepted.
How the pandemic reshaped learning
With most meetings, classes, and even job interviews moving online, many people discovered a sweet spot: learning on the go, without leaving the couch. Platforms like Rocket Academy are now the go‑to for those who want to jump into coding without the hassle of commuter time.
Key Takeaway
Whether you’re an aspiring coder or a seasoned developer, the window of opportunity has never been wider. Grab it, sprinkle a pinch of humor in your work, and turn the tech tide into your personal wave.
Mentally, it’s been draining for many people. Despite how well things have gone professionally, how have you dealt with Covid-19 personally?
Thank You, Singapore! My Heroes and the Great Park Walks
From the moment the first Covid spike hit, the city-state rolled out a rigorous and efficient response. We saw very few deaths, and the stories of hospitals closing their doors to patients were nothing more than distant myths. Yet, behind that calm front was a team of frontline workers who carried the invisible shield of safety.
Why My Heart Leaps for Their Efforts
- Warm Handoffs – Every doctor, nurse, and volunteer gave a careful hand‑shake, a sympathetic nod, and a reassuring smile.
- Rolled‑Up Towels of Support – They served not just medicine, but also comfort and reassurance to anyone who stepped through their doors.
- Never‑Giving Up Attitude – Even when the nights stretched long, they kept the lights glowing and the hope alive.
The Circuit Breaker: A Journey Through Singapore’s Green Heart
During the lockdown, I turned my garden chair into a passport to every corner of Singapore’s lush parks. Here’s what the strolls taught me:
- Stare at a fern and feel the breeze that whispers, “Nothing can stop us.”
- Check the minor ripples on a pond—just like the careful ripple of guidelines echoing through our communities.
- Catch the sunset that paints the sky – a reminder that every ending yields a brand‑new dawn.
My New, Health‑Friendly Lifestyle
- Morning workouts that make my heart beat “anything goes” at the gym.
- Nutrients that keep the body powered and the brain sharp.
- Quality time with family that stitches the fabric of strong bonds—because “home” is the sweetest therapy.
So here’s to Singapore for keeping us safe and to the brave souls fronting away the danger. And to those walks that remind us to keep moving, keep laughing, and keep living life, full‑of‑joy. Cheers!
NS seemed to have had a life-changing impact on you, especially since you did not grow up in Singapore. What are some lasting takeaways, fellow Singaporean Son?
From the Army to the Classroom – My Journey Back Home
When I finished Officer Cadet School (OCS), I was thrust into the rigorous life of a platoon commander in the HQ 2SIB RSTA Company. Little did I know that those months would change the way I talked about myself for the rest of my life.
Singapore – My New Identity
Growing up with parents who worked in Hong Kong and the U.S., I didn’t consider myself truly from anywhere until my National Service (NS). Straightaway, I found myself saying “I’m from Singapore” to anyone who would listen. It was a big turnaround that the army’s cohesion and the city’s mix of cultures had helped cement.
Stanford, Singapore, Rocket Academy – The Unexpected Route
After NS, I headed to Stanford University to chase my academic dreams. But there was always a tug pulling me back to Singapore to work, to stay close to the people who had become my second family during those formative years.
- Best friends forged in the trenches – they’re still my go-to squad for whatever life throws at me.
- Several of those comrades even rallied their hard-earned funds to support the Rocket Academy’s fundraising in August.
Why Survival Training Matters
Living as an infantry recce officer taught me the essentials: comfort, safety, and access to basic needs. That blueprint became the bedrock of my career choices. Since graduating from Stanford, I’ve worked in healthcare and education companies, all aimed at making those vital necessities accessible to everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Find your identity in the places that shape you.
- Friends from the front lines become lifelong allies.
- One’s military training can be the secret sauce for a meaningful civilian career.
Originally shared on Wonderwall.sg, this story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected journeys are the ones that bring us home.
