Military -> Engineering -> Finance -> AI&IOT

My journey from military intelligence to AI, engineering, and financial advisory—how discipline, strategy, and adaptability shaped my career across industries.

Careers don’t always follow a straight path. Mine has been a journey across seemingly different fields—military intelligence, AI-driven automation, engineering, and financial advisory. But at its core, the skills I’ve developed in each phase have shaped the next, creating a unique fusion of strategy, technology, and problem-solving.

This is the story of how I transitioned from an Army Intelligence Specialist to an AI & IoT Engineer and now a Financial Consultant—and what I learned along the way.


🎖 Chapter 1: Military Intelligence (2015 – 2021)

📌 Role: Staff Sergeant (SSG), Army Intelligence Specialist

The military was my first real experience in leadership, strategic thinking, and high-stakes decision-making. My role in Army Intelligence involved:

Leading Tactical Evaluations – Coordinated operations for 300+ personnel.
Intelligence Analysis – Provided critical insights on 20+ countries for mission strategy.
Training & Mentorship – Trained 3,000+ soldiers in reconnaissance and strategic operations.

💡 What I Learned:

  • Discipline & Precision – Every operation had to be planned down to the smallest detail.
  • High-Stakes Problem-Solving – Making split-second decisions under pressure.
  • Team Leadership – Managing, training, and strategizing with large teams.

🤖 Chapter 2: AI, IoT & Engineering at NTU (2021 – Present)

📌 Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering), NTU
📌 Minor: Film

Transitioning from the structured military environment to a fast-moving tech space was a challenge, but my military training gave me an edge—attention to detail, adaptability, and analytical thinking.

Key Projects & Innovations

Bionic Arm (CodeLimb) – AI-powered assistive technology integrating machine learning & IoT.
VisionMed – AI-driven computer vision system for pharmaceutical quality control.
Film Editing & Storytelling – Editor for Trace and Waiting Room, fusing logic with creativity.

💡 What I Learned:

  • The Power of AI & Automation – How intelligent systems can solve real-world problems.
  • Bridging Engineering & Storytelling – The creative side of technology and its impact on human experience.
  • Rapid Learning & Adaptability – Keeping up with emerging tech in AI, automation, and embedded systems.

📈 Chapter 3: Finance & Wealth Management (2023 – Present)

📌 Role: Insurance Agent, Prudential Singapore

At first glance, moving into financial advisory seems like a leap from AI & Engineering. But strategy, data analysis, and risk assessment are just as crucial in finance as they are in military intelligence and tech.

Key Responsibilities & Growth

Portfolio Management – Handling financial strategies for locals & expatriates.
Risk Analysis & Wealth Planning – Helping clients protect, grow, and manage their financial future.
Building Long-Term Client Relationships – Applying analytical skills to real-world financial decision-making.

💡 What I Learned:

  • People Matter as Much as Data – Finance, like tech, is about understanding people’s needs and tailoring solutions.
  • The Intersection of AI & Finance – Data-driven decisions are the future of financial advisory.
  • Strategic Thinking is Universal – The same logic applies whether analyzing mission intelligence, engineering problems, or financial risks.

🔗 Connecting the Dots: How Each Phase Built the Next

Looking back, each stage of my career built upon the previous one:

Military Intelligence → AI & Engineering

  • Strategic planning → Systems optimization
  • Tactical decision-making → AI-driven automation

AI & Engineering → Finance & Advisory

  • Data analytics → Investment risk assessment
  • Problem-solving → Financial planning & portfolio management

The underlying skills—analysis, leadership, risk management, and adaptability—remained constant. The industries changed, but the mindset stayed the same.


🚀 What’s Next?

As I continue bridging technology, business, and human impact, my goal is to:

Advance AI & IoT applications in finance and automation.
Leverage engineering expertise for smarter financial solutions.
Continue exploring cinematic storytelling as a creative passion.

No career path is linear—sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected transitions. If you’re navigating multiple career interests, my advice is:

🔹 Look for transferable skills – Leadership, analysis, and creativity apply everywhere.
🔹 Stay adaptable – The world is evolving, and learning never stops.
🔹 Embrace unique combinations – The best innovations happen when fields intersect.


📂 Explore More of My Work

📜 View My Resume & Portfolio 👉 [Resume Link]
👨‍💻 Explore My AI & Tech Projects 👉 [GitHub Link]
📺 Watch My Films on YouTube 👉 [YouTube Link]

🚀 Let’s connect and explore the future of AI, finance, and storytelling together.


Tommy Ang © 2025. All rights reserved.