Dyson is a global technology company well known for its innovative products that solve real-world problems. The company started with the invention of the first bagless vacuum cleaner that revolutionized home cleaning. Since then, Dyson has continued to invent state-of-the-art products such as robot vacuums, advanced hair styling tools, and intelligent air purifiers, among others.
The company has rapidly expanded globally, with operations in Singapore, U.K., Malaysia, Mexico, China, and the Philippines. Locally, it established its headquarters at St James Power Station in 2022. Moreover, Dyson is not only dedicated to developing high-performing products, but also to nurturing engineers and scientists who share the same passion for innovation. In April 2021, Dyson announced it would hire 250 engineers and scientists in Singapore over the next five years as part of its global investment in future technology. This highlights the key role of Singapore in Dyson’s ambitious plans in the fields of software, electronics, robotics, machine learning, and more.
Currently, several DigiPen (Singapore) graduates are working as engineers at Dyson, including Chong Jin Kiat, Andrew Yong, Darren Poo, and Mak Sin Ting. All four of them joined Dyson in 2023 shortly after completing their studies.
Jin Kiat, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design graduate, got his start at Dyson as an intern cloud software engineer. He found the experience rewarding and successfully applied for the full-time equivalent when it became available. Jin Kiat helps to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes as he manages the backend architecture of Dyson’s services. His role also involves monitoring system performance, fixing issues, implementing new features as needed, and ensuring good user experience for customers. This is all part of Dyson’s continued investment in software, data science, and connectivity technology such as cloud communications and mobile applications. Their goal is to create intelligent and self-improving products that can identify and fix issues even before users are aware of them.
In Sin Ting’s case, she was drawn to the technology and efficiency of Dyson’s vacuum cleaners. As a Bachelor of Engineering in Systems Engineering (ElectroMechanical Systems) graduate, Sin Ting often dreamed of being part of an innovative company where she could contribute to the development of groundbreaking products. Sin Ting joined Dyson as a graduate design engineer, a role in which she supports the development of mechanical parts and assemblies. She also helps to analyze test results to ensure compliance with manufacturing requirements and standards.
As for Andrew and Darren, who are both Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation graduates, they were drawn to Dyson’s company culture. They applied after learning more about Dyson’s approach to innovation and dynamic working environment. “Seeing how closely Dyson’s values and approach align with my own as a programmer, it was a clear choice for me to make Dyson my top pick to kickstart my career in software engineering,” Andrew says. Similarly, as a self-described inquisitive person, Darren saw Dyson as the ideal place to hone his skills and broaden his knowledge.
Andrew and Darren joined Dyson as graduate software engineers. In their day-to-day work, they help to develop, troubleshoot, and fix bugs on the Dyson app. Andrew specializes as an iOS developer and implements app features for existing and upcoming Dyson products. Darren, meanwhile, is currently focused on an upcoming product launch. He develops new features for this product, works on change requests for existing features, and writes test scripts as part of his daily responsibilities.
Working in a fast-growing technology company can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. The graduates say they have had to familiarize themselves with new tools, systems, software, and technologies in order to bridge the knowledge gaps required for their jobs. In order to do so, all four of them proactively sought guidance from more experienced colleagues while doing their own learning and research outside of work.
Additionally, Jin Kiat and Darren shared how studying and developing projects at DigiPen (Singapore) was instrumental in preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of their current positions. “My education at DigiPen (Singapore) played a huge role in shaping my abilities as a software engineer. It provided me with a strong foundation in programming that I rely on daily in my current role,” Jin Kiat says. Darren agrees, adding that collaborating with peers on these projects fostered teamwork, communication, and leadership skills — all of which are essential for navigating the dynamic and collaborative environment of the workplace.
Dyson continues to invest in its employees by providing various training programs and resources to enhance their skills and expertise, all while fostering an environment where everyone can freely share their knowledge. “From the start, I’ve felt that my opinions and contributions are genuinely respected and valued. The team has consistently demonstrated inclusivity and openness, creating an atmosphere where I feel comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating with colleagues at all levels. This sense of equality and mutual respect has enabled me to fully immerse myself in the work,” Darren says.
Looking ahead, Jin Kiat, Sin Ting, Andrew, and Darren aspire to grow in their current roles at Dyson. They are keen to continue honing their skills while making meaningful and innovative contributions to the company. Their advice for those looking to enter similar fields? Be adaptable, develop strong technical knowledge, have an open mindset, and stay curious about emerging technologies.