An insight into the life and role of Sarah Yan, Design Engineer
What was your career background before joining Loop?
In 2002, as an international student, I travelled across the ocean and arrived in this beautiful country. I graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours majoring in Electronics. After a three-month work placement at Telecom, I took an opportunity to work at Loop Technologies in 2006. I’ve been here ever since.
What made you want to get into the technology industry?
I read a sentence from a book: “You have read the script of life when you were in heaven, but you still choose to come to this world, which means that it must have something you think is worthwhile.” I would describe my journey to working in the technology industry with one word – destiny.
In the early 1980s, there was a popular saying in China: “Learn mathematics, physics and chemistry, walk all over the world not afraid.” Under this educational philosophy, my parents guided and encouraged me to develop in these areas when I was a child. It seemed destined that I would enter the technology industry. Life is sometimes so unpredictable. Since I have chosen it, I am determined to move forward and face every step of my life with a happy attitude. I followed their advice, and I enjoy my work very much. I love working with technology.
What does your role at Loop involve?
I started my journey at Loop as a Technician, focusing primarily on the repair of Sky decoders. It was a great starting point that allowed me to understand the practical aspects of our products. Gradually, I transitioned to the Transmission Team, which expanded my experience across a variety of technologies. I then moved into the Technical Solutions Team as a Design Engineer where I’m responsible for schematic and PCB design, prototyping, and problem-solving daily.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The thrill for me is in the constant innovation and the challenges that come with it. Every day presents a new opportunity for learning and growth. The pace at which technology changes ensures that my job is never the same; it keeps me on my toes and excited about the future and the next problem to solve.
What are the values that drive you?
Craftmanship, dedication and innovation. I feel these values describe how I approach my work and life. When I face a challenge, I will do my best to provide the best solution for my customers with patience, determination, pragmatism and rigor.
What would you say about working at Loop?
Loop is not just a company I work for, it’s more like a family to me. Everyone who works here is friendly and are always helping each other out. We have a great relationship with each other. Loop has also provided many opportunities for me to develop professionally. Since joining in 2006, I’ve achieved Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) and Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certificates in IPC-A-610 and Certified Interconnection Designer (CID) certificate in PCB Design. I even had the amazing opportunity to travel to Las Vegas and participate in a prestigious world hand soldering competition, winning third place.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like hands-on activities such as cooking, Chinese stitching, and practising calligraphy. I also have a great passion for culture and history, I love visiting museums to connect with the heritage and artistry of civilisations past. Earlier this year I went back to China and visited Sanxingdui Museum, located in, southwest of China. There was a previously unknown civilization from the ancient Shu that has been sleeping underground for thousands of years, which has ignited peoples imaginations because of its mystical features. It was amazing.