#DeveloperofMSAB – Wendy Wong

That’s the realization that Wendy, one of our exceptional software developers, had when she first joined the company. Almost two years into her time here, that still rings true, stronger than ever.

Wendy Wong is a developer in MSAB’s Devices team. The path that led her to this team and this company has spanned continents and traversed diverse software fields. At every step, her journey was fueled by an unyielding pursuit of knowledge.

And it all began with a deep-rooted love for science and mathematics, which, when combined with her fervor for tinkering with hardware, set the wheels in motion. Her passion for software development was born.

How did she get here?

Everyone has their unique path to find their calling.

“As a child, I was drawn to creativity and the joy of building. While my siblings enjoyed playing Street Fighter on the Super Nintendo game console, I was helping my dad construct arcade sticks for the ultimate gaming experience. I guess this early fascination with building and tinkering with hardware also laid the foundation for my future career,” recalled Wendy.

“I have also loved algebra and calculus throughout my academic journey. When I graduated high school and was considering my next steps, as I explored the various diploma course offerings, I found one program that piqued my interest – a blend of computer science and computer mathematics. I was immediately captivated. That’s how I started my journey as a software developer.”

That was back in Malaysia, her home country.

After finishing her Master’s degree, for a few years Wendy worked as a university lecturer. “Becoming a lecturer was engaging work. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with students and assisting in their preparation for the job market. But because of the nature of the role, I had limited time for hands-on coding. I sensed there was something missing, and that is when I started seeking out opportunities in the field of software development.”

A new chapter

It didn’t take Wendy long to land a job in the fintech industry in Kuala Lumpur. However, after dedicating two years to her work there, Wendy and her husband made the bold decision to uproot their lives and embark on a journey that would lead them to Sweden, a country brimming with professional opportunities for software developers like them.

Settling into life in Sweden, Wendy’s trajectory in software development took an exciting turn, ultimately leading her to the doors of MSAB.

MSAB: The next phase

When Wendy stumbled upon MSAB, a company she hadn’t heard of before, her response was exactly what you’d expect from a developer in pursuit of a role with a deeper meaning. Unbeknownst to her, one of the world’s foremost digital forensics companies came from and was headquartered in Stockholm. Her initial reaction said it all: “Wow! This is amazing! A software company like this exists in Sweden, and I can actually be a part of it!”

And join she did.

Prior to joining, she didn’t have any experience or background in the security field or mobile forensics.

“It was quite a learning curve. I often found myself in situations where I couldn’t grasp the technical jargon, like deciphering the acronyms FBE and FDE or understanding the mechanism of data extraction from devices. I had numerous questions and concepts that were unfamiliar. However, with time and dedication, I’ve learned and gained the ability to work autonomously.”

Despite having almost eight years of previous experience in software development, Wendy quickly realized that her learning days were far from over. This field is so niche, and it evolves so fast, one cannot stop learning if they want to keep up.

How MSAB stacked up compared to her other jobs

Once Wendy moved across the world, from Malaysia to Sweden, one of the first things that caught her attention was the contrasting working cultures.

“Here at MSAB, there’s a lot of trust and confidence in employees and the quality of their work. This allows us to pursue tasks that align with our interests and our opinion holds weight. Plus, all my colleagues are highly talented and engaged with their work. It’s a very unique work environment compared to other places.”

About growing in a niche industry

The road to expertise is filled with small victories and moments of frustration, but it’s in those early accomplishments that we find the motivation to tackle the ever-evolving complexities of our chosen path.

“When I first joined, creating a new dumper itself was a huge achievement in itself. But now it’s not as much of a milestone because I have learned through the process.” Every achievement seems grand when you first start in this field. And it should. But as you learn and adapt, the things that once appeared extraordinarily complex become second nature.

About working in mobile forensics software development field

“It’s interesting because there is always a new challenge,” Wendy points out. The field of digital forensics is anything but static; it thrives on the constant flux of technology and data. “We consistently find ourselves having to lead the charge in identifying cutting-edge security vulnerabilities and crafting innovative solutions for extracting invaluable digital evidence. This places us in a league of our own, distinctly separate from other software fields.”

And Wendy’s role in her team is what keeps her so engaged.

“My main responsibility involves developing a software tool for unlocking and extracting content from devices to support mobile forensic investigations. For that, I need to understand exploit mechanisms and I need to master software architecture to ensure a delivery of a robust, high-quality product. I very much enjoy the synergy between these two aspects.”

Learning, growing, bonding

“At MSAB, there is a constant willingness to share knowledge, and you’ll always have ongoing opportunities for learning.” It’s this supportive community that sets MSAB apart.

Wendy emphasizes the value of direct interactions. She mentions, “In our field, hardware plays a vital role, so periodic office visits are necessary. Fortunately, MSAB office is conveniently situated in a strategic location, offering a beautiful waterfront and numerous leisure and dining options during lunch breaks. We also make the most of the time in the office to facilitate productive discussions and meetings. This hybrid work approach creates a well-balanced and efficient work environment.”

Balancing parenthood and work

“The flexibility of life at MSAB truly shines when it comes to family.” As a working parent, Wendy knows the juggling act it often requires. “The flexibility in my job gives me the opportunity to embrace the joys of parenthood, which isn’t always possible in other places. With the freedom to manage my time, I can dedicate quality time to my child and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The trust and confidence of the management team are invaluable. That’s very important, especially when you are raisng a child.”

Wendy’s advice for professional fulfillment

At MSAB, Wendy has witnessed the allure of uninterrupted growth. “Some of my colleagues have been here for many years, and they continue to encounter new challenges every day. You could never get bored.” This industry thrives on change and innovation, making it an ideal playground for those who crave continuous growth.

“If you thrive on challenges and have a passion for continuous learning, MSAB is the perfect place for you,” reiterated Wendy once again.

We couldn’t agree more.