Contact Us
Studying abroad is more than just lectures and textbooks, it’s a journey of personal growth, cultural adaptation, and finding your own rhythm in a new environment. For one of our University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) alumni, Ryan Khoo, this experience was nothing short of unforgettable.
“It was a truly fantastic experience I wouldn't trade for anything,” he shared. “It was certainly a balance between studying and everything else, but it’s the ‘everything else’ that you remember.”
Through a mix of supportive friendships, international exposure, and strong connections back home, he found a sense of belonging, proving that growth flourishes when you're grounded yet open to new possibilities.
Today, he’s channeling that same spirit of balance and innovation in his role at ST Engineering, where he’s part of the mechanical R&D team working on next-generation train platform screen doors, the vital safety barriers that keep commuters safe on the tracks. His typical day involves CAD design work, conceptualising and refining mechanical components. But it’s not all desk work, he’s also had the chance to contribute to marketing efforts and industry conventions.
“It’s a welcomed break from the more monotonous day-to-day,” he noted.
Describing the workplace culture, he reflected on the dependable work ethic prevalent in Asia: “There’s certainly a culture of ‘if it needs to get done, it will get done.’” Beyond that, he appreciates the team’s willingness to teach and connect—with regular bonding events like bowling nights bringing the office closer together.
His passion for mechanical design and hands-on creation was ignited early on, especially through a personal hobby that shaped his career path, 3D printing.
“Not only did I get more hands-on with carefully engineered devices, but it also helped me foster a true appreciation for making,” he said. “It’s helped me in my university projects, work, and even home improvement.”
This passion laid the groundwork for a career focused on solving real-world problems. And as sustainability becomes an industry-wide imperative, he’s proud to be part of a company that takes action, organising beach cleanups, volunteer initiatives, and investing in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects that genuinely benefit communities and the environment.
Looking ahead, he sees generative AI as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for the engineering sector.
“Adopting and integrating it in meaningful ways remains a challenge, but if done well, it could set any company apart,” he observed.
ST Engineering is already exploring ways to apply AI both internally and externally, to boost productivity and enhance its offerings, ensuring the company stays at the cutting edge of innovation.
Reflecting on his time at UoSM, he describes the university with one word: Balance.
“The dual-campus experience really allows students to walk the line between a local and UK university experience. I had friends who fully embraced UK life and others who focused more on academic results, both valid and enriching choices.”
His degree from the University of Southampton has opened many doors, but more importantly, it’s the experience and connections he made that continue to shape his career path.
“They’ll follow me much further into my career and will no doubt play a pivotal part in my life direction in future,” he said.
“UoSM taught me the balance between academic excellence and real-world exploration. From 3D printing as a hobby to designing safety innovations at ST Engineering, it's the connections, experiences, and passion for creating that continue to shape my journey.”