I would describe my journey into technology as a combination of unexpected opportunities, persistent effort, and the blessings Allah has given me along the way.
My background is quite unconventional for someone working in software development. I did not graduate in Computer Science or Information Technology. I began my higher education with Foundation Studies in Islamic Studies and later completed a Bachelor's degree in Usuluddin, specialising in Quran and Hadith Studies.
Although my academic and professional paths may appear unrelated, my interest in technology had been with me for many years.
My curiosity about computers started during secondary school. Around Form 2, I became fascinated by how computers worked and how people could create things using code. By Form 4, I had already started experimenting with BASIC programming and building simple HTML pages using Macromedia Dreamweaver.
At that time, learning programming was very different from today. There were fewer online tutorials, interactive courses, and developer communities available. Much of my learning came from experimenting on my own and reading books. I remember reading several books about C++ even though many of the concepts were difficult for me to understand at that age.
I also explored tools such as WordPress, FTP hosting, and FileZilla. I enjoyed uploading websites, modifying templates, and seeing something I created become accessible through a browser. I did not yet understand how these interests could become a career, but the curiosity was already there.
As I continued my studies in Islamic Studies, programming gradually became more of a distant passion. However, during the final semester of my Bachelor's degree, I felt strongly drawn back to technology. I began thinking seriously about whether I could turn my old interest into a real profession.
To begin that journey, I contacted several old school friends who were already working in the technology industry. I asked them for advice about programming, career opportunities, and what I needed to learn.
Armed with a gaming laptop gifted to me by my brother, I started learning programming seriously. I invested both time and money into learning resources. One of the first resources I purchased was Kitab Fullstack by Omar Mokhtar. I also enrolled in several Udemy courses and spent countless hours practising, building small projects, making mistakes, and trying again.
For around seven to eight months, I studied independently. I learned the fundamentals of web development, backend programming, databases, and software development. Since I did not have a formal computing background, I knew I needed to prove myself through practical skills.
Once I felt somewhat prepared, I started applying for jobs in technology companies. Most of the positions I applied for were IT Support roles because they seemed like the most realistic entry point into the industry.
Unfortunately, the initial job search was unsuccessful.
After facing several rejections, I considered taking professional IT certifications to strengthen my qualifications. However, many of these certifications cost more than RM3,000, which was difficult for me to afford at the time.
Then, an important opportunity appeared.
I discovered the PENJANA KPT Career Advancement Programme, which provided practical technology training and simulated the experience of working in a professional environment. The programme helped bridge the gap between self-study and actual industry expectations.
More importantly, it connected me with other people who shared the same interest in technology. Many of the participants were IT and Computer Science graduates. Being surrounded by them allowed me to learn from their experiences, understand the industry better, and become more confident in my abilities.
One of the participants encouraged me to apply for Maybank’s Graduate Trainee programme.
Initially, I was uncertain. I was competing against candidates with formal IT qualifications, while my own academic background was in Islamic Studies. Still, I decided to apply.
Through Allah’s grace, I passed the different stages of the recruitment process, including the interviews, take-home assignment, and face-to-face assessment.
That opportunity became the turning point in my career.
I joined Maybank as a Backend Developer working primarily with Node.js. I remained there for one year and four months, gaining professional software development experience and learning how real-world systems are designed, developed, tested, and maintained.
During that period, my career underwent several transformative changes. I was no longer simply someone learning programming from books and online courses. I had become a professional software developer contributing to real systems alongside experienced engineers.
Looking back, there is immense satisfaction in seeing how every ringgit, every late night, and every minute invested in learning eventually paid off.
My journey taught me that career paths do not always need to be linear. A person’s educational background does not necessarily determine where they will end up. Skills can be learned, opportunities can appear unexpectedly, and persistence can open doors that initially seem impossible.
Faith and effort must go together. We place our trust in Allah, but we must also continue taking action, improving ourselves, and pursuing opportunities.
My message to anyone considering a career transition is simple: do not be afraid to try.
You may feel underqualified. You may face rejection. You may compare yourself with people who started earlier or followed a more traditional path. However, strong determination, consistent effort, and the willingness to keep learning can take you much further than you expect.
Key Lessons from My Journey
A non-traditional background can be an advantage.
Different academic and life experiences can bring unique perspectives to problem-solving and teamwork.
Self-learning requires consistency.
Buying courses is not enough. Progress comes from practising, building projects, making mistakes, and continuing despite frustration.
Investing in yourself is worthwhile.
Every ringgit and every hour spent learning contributed to creating new career opportunities.
Networking and community matter.
A single conversation or recommendation can introduce opportunities that you may never discover alone.
Training programmes can bridge important gaps.
Structured programmes can help self-taught learners understand professional workflows and industry expectations.
Rejection is part of the journey.
An unsuccessful application does not mean the journey has failed. Sometimes it simply redirects you toward a better opportunity.
Faith and effort go hand in hand.
We trust Allah’s plan while continuing to work, learn, and pursue meaningful opportunities.
The technology industry values capability.
Formal qualifications can be helpful, but practical skills, curiosity, discipline, and the ability to solve problems are equally important.
My journey from Quran and Hadith Studies to software development may seem unusual, but every stage played a role in shaping who I am today.
It is a journey built on childhood curiosity, self-learning, community support, persistence, opportunity, and faith. It reminds me that with sincere effort, determination, and Allah’s permission, even an unconventional path can lead somewhere meaningful.