Singapore 42 SG students among fastest globally to finish coding programme’s core curriculum

SINGAPORE – Three students from the first intake of the Singapore University of Technology and Design’s (SUTD) 42 Singapore (42 SG) coding programme are among the fastest in the world to complete its common core curriculum.

In July 2024, Mr Jeffrey Goh, Ms Wendy Huang and Mr Sean O’Leary, who worked together on their last group project, completed the programme’s first nine levels, out of 21, taking 10 months to reach that stage.

They are among the top 50 students globally to accomplish this in less than a year.

The first nine levels make up the common core curriculum.

Students are not required to complete all nine, and can leave at any time.

Mr Koh Chye Soon, head of ecole at 42 SG, said the rest of the cohort of over 170 students are expected to complete the common core curriculum by the second half of 2025.

Launched in September 2023, 42 SG is modelled after Ecole 42 in Paris, a pioneering coding school that was founded in 2013. Both schools offer modules in the fields of coding, computer programming, cyber security, network infrastructure, data science and more.

42 SG is a full-time course that requires about 40 hours a week of commitment. Students undertake the core programme initially before they specialise, typically in a wide range of topics, in the next two years.

The programme, which is free and open to anyone above 18 years old, relies on peer learning and offers full hands-on, project-based learning in a gamified environment. There are neither teachers nor structured lessons, or academic prerequisites to enrol.

To be eligible, students first attempt a two-hour memory and logic test that does not require any coding knowledge.

If they pass that, the 26-day second test, called “The Piscine” (French for swimming pool), will test prospective students’ determination and desire. They do basic coding and learn collaboratively with other “Pisciners” by completing projects and evaluations.

Once they pass the second test, they can start on the programme.

Mr O’Leary, 30, worked part-time in automated trading as he studied at SUTD, while his project mates juggled full-time work and studies as they were completing the curriculum.

He has since returned home to Hawaii, and hopes to continue with the programme at 42 Bangkok when he moves to Thailand to be with his mother, who is from there.

There are 54 campuses in 31 countries conducting this programme.

Ms Huang, 49, who was working as a senior principal engineer at the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) while being a 42 SG student, said she is keen to apply the coding skills she honed during the programme, and is considering a move to a coding department within HTX.

Students will receive a 42 certificate when they decide to end their training. The certificate reflects the highest level they have attained, and provides an overview of their grades and competencies across subject areas.

A level 17 certificate is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, and level 21 is equivalent to a master’s degree.

Mr Goh, 34, who is determined to see the programme through to the end, was attracted to it because it is free, and he enjoys learning.

“The coding skills I learnt do not directly apply to my career, but what was more valuable was learning how to learn during the programme,” he said.

“Here, there are no teachers, you have to teach yourself how to learn and seek help. The self-discipline and self-learning are capabilities I gained in the 10 months which will help me most in my career,” he said, adding that he hopes to complete all 21 levels by 2026.

Mr Goh, who was working as a DevOps engineer at a private firm in Tanjong Pagar while completing the common core curriculum, is currently on a six-month internship with the Government Technology Agency of Singapore until the end of 2024 as part of 42 SG.

Close to 320 students are now enrolled in it, with their ages ranging from 18 years old to 60 years old, with a median age of 29.

The second intake, which began in May 2024, had about 1,500 applications – but only 126 students made the cut.

“Students from the first two cohorts are progressing well, with approximately 20 per cent advancing quickly and another 40 per cent making steady progress,” said Mr Koh.

Most 42 SG students have no coding experience or background in information technology. About 90 per cent of the first two batches are Singaporean, while the rest are international students.

While about half were working full-time, about 30 per cent were unemployed at the start of the programme. Another 20 per cent chose to study full-time.

Mr Koh said: “This diversity highlights the programme’s ability to create valuable new pathways for career growth and development.”