Jotham Hoe, alumnus of Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Award, Dell Technologies Gold Medal and OCBC Prize in May 2024.

• Lee Kuan Yew Award
• Dell Technologies Gold Medal
• OCBC Prize

As a young boy, Jotham Hoe has always had a passion for computer engineering, nurtured through hours of computer tinkering and inspired by his sister who was pursuing a degree in software engineering. However, his confidence was shaken after being placed in the N-Level stream in secondary school.

Jotham's journey epitomised resilience and determination as he defied early academic setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for personal growth. Enrolling in SP through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, emerging as one of the top students in his cohort. With an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.982 and placement on the Director’s Honour Roll for three consecutive years, he was also a SP Engineering Scholar and recipient of the A*STAR Science Award.

During his internship at the Institute for Infocomm Research, Jotham demonstrated strong proficiency in technical knowledge and research, and exceptional self-initiative in advancing both team and organisational goals. Tasked with designing a robust backend structure for secure cloud database usage, he adeptly navigated challenges and conducted comprehensive research on cutting-edge cybersecurity methodologies. His resourcefulness and troubleshooting skills were pivotal in swiftly addressing issues and implementing innovative solutions. His analytical prowess was evident in his critical evaluation of solutions that enhanced the project quality. Additionally, Jotham's contributions extended beyond his primary responsibilities, providing valuable documentation and research spanning numerous projects, enriching the team's collective knowledge, and advancing organisational objectives. Jotham's adaptability, ingenuity, and adeptness in navigating complex scenarios garnered commendation from his supervisors. His outstanding performance during his internship was a testament to his technical expertise, research skills, and strong work ethics.

Within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Jotham stood out as an enthusiastic and dedicated leader. He spearheaded various key events such as the SP Open House as Vice-chairman and orchestrated the EEE Annual Awards Ceremony, in addition to other roles such as the EEE Student Ambassador (SA). Jotham's leadership style, characterised by setting high standards and leading by example, fostered open and direct communication within the organising committee. His versatility as a problem solver allowed him to embrace challenges, improvising and preparing for contingencies. He ensured meticulous arrangement and smooth execution of all aspects, from logistics to attendee welfare, enhancing the overall experience for participants. This never-give-up mindset extended beyond the academic realm to guide him as a leader, inspiring others with his unwavering determination and commitment to success and motivating them to strive for their best despite any obstacles they may face.

Jotham consistently demonstrated a willingness to step out of his comfort zone to engage with others, as showcased during the 2023 Parent Communication session. Not only did he excel in organising the event, he also took on the roles of emcee and student sharer, showcasing his diverse talents. Addressing an audience of over 100 parents and students, he shared his unique journey as a student of SP, leaving a lasting impact with his insightful perspectives and engaging delivery. Jotham’s ability to thrive under pressure and effectively connect with diverse audiences highlighted his exceptional leadership skills and charisma. His dedication to going above and beyond in his role as a student ambassador not only contributed to the success of school events but also fostered a sense of unity and pride within the community.

Jotham embodies a deeply caring demeanour and possesses a remarkable ability to empathise with others. Since his second year at SP, he had been actively involved in Peer Tutoring, dedicating himself to guiding academically underachieving students and sharing his experiences with new peer tutors. With a genuine passion for community service and a commitment to giving back to society, he was instrumental in leading various community service initiatives such as the Youth Expedition Programme - Goes online, ItsRainingRaincoat Dormitory donation drive, and SP CARES food donation drive. Jotham's efforts have been duly recognised, as evidenced by his clinching the YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteer Awards, a testament to his outstanding dedication and contributions to the community.

Despite his numerous commitments, Jotham remains humble and dedicates his time to give back to his secondary school, Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, to support his former CCA where he volunteers as a Cadet Officer. Through this role, he selflessly shares his knowledge and experiences with junior cadets, empowering them to unlock their full potential as emerging leaders. Jotham's dedication and contributions were duly recognised by the National Cadet Corps Headquarters, as he was promoted to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant. True to his character, he continues to inspire his juniors through school talks, offering valuable advice on navigating the challenges of the "N" level examination and pursuing pathways such as the Polytechnic foundation programme.

The humble leader intends to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Nanyang Technological University and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in cybersecurity. Jotham envisions to leverage his passion for R&D in innovative technology to make meaningful and significant impact on Singapore’s cybersecurity landscape.