About
Am I Shaun? Nope, I’m Sean! I graduated from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in 2024 with a B.Eng in Computer Science and Design. I have a keen interest in developing robust digital frameworks and enjoy designing backend services and middleware. I am also well-versed in the applications of artificial intelligence, including natural language processing and computer vision.
Experience
Bifrost AI | AI Intern (Feb 2023 - May 2023)
Gained experience in various stages of Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), including data collection, model training, and deployment. During my internship, I achieved the following:
- Developed an internal tool for exploratory data analysis on image datasets that was integrated into the company’s production pipeline within 5 weeks of development.
- Designed a performant model evaluation suite for object detection models that helped to quickly identify prominent failure cases of a model on multiple occasions. Additionally, outlined a roadmap towards a production-ready version of the project.
- Refined a Python module for modular and scalable static report generation, allowing for rapid iteration and implementation of other features within biweekly sprints.
SUTD | Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (Multiple semesters)
I assisted faculty across multiple courses by facilitating cohort-based discussions, and addressing questions and concerns during lessons. Where required, I also contributed to the setting and grading of assignments and provided constructive feedback to students to enable effective learning.
Notable courses:
Education
SUTD (Sep 2020 - May 2024)
- B.Eng Computer Science and Design, Minor in Artificial Intelligence
- Aalto University | Global Exchange Programme (Aug 2022 - Dec 2022)
Projects
Retreeve (Sep 2023 - Apr 2024)
In collaboration with Chen Wa Landscape, within a team of 6, I developed a modular green wall system that is safer and easier to use and adopt in various site conditions.
- I defined the networking protocols to link subsystems such as a robotic module, remote control, and backend server, ensuring seamless communication and data transfer between components to maintain system reliability and efficiency.
- I also integrated multiple hardware and software components, including sensors, actuators, and control systems, to create a cohesive and functional system. Focused on maintaining modularity to facilitate easy upgrades and maintenance.
Uncapper (Sept 2023)
A retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model for verifying claims related to Singapore’s local affairs.
- I designed and implemented the pipeline used for the model, incorporating steps such as document retrieval, summarization, and claim validation by using Vicuna. The process was tuned for accuracy and efficiency, and evaluated at each stage.
- Comparing end-to-end performances, the pipeline improved verification accuracy by 20%, as compared to simple LLM prompting without RAG.
Jaguard (Sept 2023)
Leading a team of 5, I recreated Apache ZooKeeper in Go, with a focus on providing the same read and write guarantees, scalability, and fault tolerance offered by the official service.
- I implemented the ZooKeeper Atomic Broadcast protocol and the Fast Leader Election algorithm, and rigorously tested and fixed issues relating to fault tolerance within the server cluster, ensuring that the project closely replicated the key design principles of ZooKeeper.
InnSight (Jul 2022)
My team partnered with Ascenda Loyalty to develop a web-based hotel booking application, with an emphasis on speed, robustness, and data security.
- I developed the backend functionality such as search query handling, request redirection, and managing the secure storage and retrieval of user data.
- In addition to designing the application layout and routing framework, I collaborated closely with team members, providing support to implement and integrate their assigned features into our codebase.
Teachers' Space (Apr 2022)
In a team of 4, I developed an Android application that facilitates communication between teachers, parents, and students, with a focus on privacy and ease of communication. The main features of the app include messaging, calling, and appointment booking.
- I implemented a search feature that enables users to quickly find relevant chats, and assisted my team in developing the rendering of messages.
BitOp! (Apr 2022)
A recreation of the game Bop It! on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), developed by me along with 5 other team members. In addition to the classic game mechanics, BitOp! introduces users to binary encoding and bit manipulations through a unqiue scoring system.
- I developed the internal logic for the ALU used in the game, and implemented a comprehensive testing infrastructure to ensure the correctness of computations.
- I was also closely involved in designing the design of the game logic, including the scoring system, as well as the implementation of the game’s audio and visual feedback.
MOMOBot (Mar 2022)
I helped to integrate a social-distancing module built on OpenPose into a ROS-based robot, allowing it to identify groups of people from a moving camera. The robot was also equipped with a speaker to communicate with them. Additionally, I also developed the website for the project using Gatsby to showcase the project and its progress during the 2022 SUTD Open House.
Vertuso (Apr 2021)
In a team of 5, I consolidated the results from user testing and surveys to identify chronic occupational hazards experienced by hawker stall owners. I then assisted in the design of a vertical storage system that provides stall owners with an adaptable workspace that accommodates various functions throughout the day.
Personal
I enjoy learning new languages, natural and constructed alike. Fluent in English and Mandarin, I am currently learning Japanese, Esperanto, and Rust. I also enjoy various forms of sports, including badminton, bouldering, and swimming.