Welcome, dear friend!

Nice to meet you.

Welcome to my blog. I'm Norhamizan, just a 29 years old average tech lead. I have always been passionate about building my skill as a developer and helping others do the same. I'm currently working with an organization that focuses on building great products and enabling people to grow their skills in tech. I also run a Youtube channel called Kenyalang Coders within a group of young software engineers where we discuss topics in tech.

I'd like to believe that this journey was pre-planned years ago but that's just dumb. I actually have no idea of what I'm doing.

I was always the Family Tech Support™ in the family. I was the one my parents would call when their computer wasn't working or they needed help with their email. I was the one who set up the Wi-Fi network and made sure all the devices were connected and I was the one who would always find the latest and greatest gadgets and apps.

But it never occurred to me to take up programming seriously until 2011, when someone from UTM gave a talk about the wonders of computer science. I was mesmerized by the possibilities of what could be created with code. During those time the mobile industry was booming with innovations and competition between each phone maker and app makers. I saw an opportunity to become a part of the community of makers.

So when the time comes to apply to universities, I applied from top to bottom - Software Engineering. I did full research on what academic qualifications would help me achieve my goal and what I need to do to get there. Even before university's acceptance, I started teaching myself to code from whatever resource that can be found but I was particularly focused on finishing Harvard's CS50. It was hard at first, but I was determined to learn. And within a few weeks, I had laid down the foundation of my programming skill. Along the way, I even made a choose your adventure game. It was a simple game, but it was interesting making my own game that tells a story and yet gives players choices on what to do. And I was hooked.

It took me four years to complete my degree. I studied hard and learned a lot, but nothing I learned in class prepared me for the real world. After I graduated, I got a job in the tech industry and I've been working for the past few years. Working in the tech industry has allowed me to grow in ways I didn't imagine. I've learned how to communicate effectively, how to be creative in problem solving, and how to lead a team. All of these skills have grown as a whole and made me who I am. Today, I'm a full-time tech lead and I love it. I get to be creative and solve problems and build things that people use every day. And I get to do it all from the comfort of my own home.

Who knew that the Family Tech Support™ would end up becoming a programmer? Certainly not me. But I'm glad I took the leap and followed my passion. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I did not get here by myself or am I a self made man. Along my journey I was lucky to get a good exposure to the industry, made friends and even had mentors guiding me. For all the people in the tech industry (or wanting to join the tech industry), I'm writing this blog to share my guides, experiences and stories in hope to help you grow.  I hope to see you around.

Cheers.