Through its rigorous and foundational curriculum, the Department of Computer Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has cultivated countless talents for Taiwan over the years, with its alumni shining brightly across various industries. Among them, Ryan Lee, founder of Wonderpet, and Kee Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Synnex Technology International Corporation, stand out as two highly representative and distinguished alumni. Although they embarked on vastly different career paths, both leveraged the logical thinking, innovative capabilities, and international perspectives forged by their NYCU computer science training to achieve brilliant milestones in their respective fields.

Ryan Lee is an alumnus of the Class of 1990 (79th year of the Republic) from the Department of Computer Science and earned his Master's degree from the Institute of Computer Science in 1993. Today, he is the founder and CEO of Wonderpet, successfully building "Pet Park," the largest chain pet supply brand in Taiwan and a household name for many pet owners. However, what makes his journey truly fascinating is not just his corporate leadership, but his astonishing career that spans multiple diverse industries.

Known as the "most slashie and rebellious alumnus," Lee was a well-known musician in the 1990s, releasing solo albums and serving as the music director for Linfair Records. In the 2000s, he transitioned into the internet technology sector, participating in the management of Wretch and KKBOX, and serving as the general manager of PIXNET, witnessing firsthand the evolution of Taiwan’s online communities and digital content industry. Later, he ventured into the pet industry by founding Wonderpet, pioneering an entirely new business territory. Reflecting on his journey from music and technology to retail distribution, Lee noted that what computer science at NYCU gave him was not just the ability to write code, but a mindset to rapidly understand, dissect, and navigate problems when facing the unknown. It is precisely because of this that he remains fearless when entering entirely unfamiliar territories. He encourages younger students not to overly confine their life choices, reminding them that their future does not necessarily have to be limited to being an engineer, and that what truly matters is maintaining a passion for learning and the capacity to adapt to change.

Another deeply impressive alumnus is Kee Ong, a member of the Class of 1989 from the Department of Computer Science, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Synnex Technology International Corporation. Synnex is a pivotal information technology and semiconductor distribution group in the Asia-Pacific region, and Ong has been a key driver behind the company’s global expansion. For over twenty-five years, he deeply cultivated the Australian market, leading his team to aggressively expand distribution networks and establish innovative business models. This dedication secured Synnex’s leading position in the Australian and New Zealand markets and propelled the company into the top 120 corporations in Australia, demonstrating his exceptional leadership while proving that Taiwanese enterprises possess the caliber to stand on the global stage. Since stepping up as the group's CEO in 2023, he has continued to steer the company toward steady growth, consolidating Synnex's critical position in the Asia-Pacific market.

In his acceptance speech, Ong shared that he joined Synnex immediately after graduation and devoted many years to overseas markets. Having worked in Australia for over a quarter of a century, he led his team in expanding local market frontiers, step by step establishing Synnex's vital presence in Australia and New Zealand. He admitted that he faced numerous cultural and market differences when he first arrived abroad, but the rational and analytical abilities cultivated by his computer science background enabled him to adapt quickly to unfamiliar environments and find breakthroughs amid challenges.

While Kee Ong and Ryan Lee took distinct routes—one deeply dedicating himself to international corporate management and the other showcasing a spirit of cross-disciplinary entrepreneurship—both of their separate paths reflect the precision and meticulousness characteristic of NYCU computer science talents. A background in computer science brings far more than programming skills; it provides a problem-solving paradigm that empowers individuals to continuously adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing era.

Through the stories of these two outstanding alumni, we witness the diverse possibilities open to NYCU graduates and feel the profound depth of the university's talent cultivation. With their own life experiences, they demonstrate to younger students that the future does not need to be limited by the name of one's major. As long as one has the courage to embrace challenges and continuously self-improve, they can find their own place on the global stage and achieve extraordinary success.