By Day, She Defends Against Hackers—By Night, She Races into the World of Cars
Under the dim glow of streetlights at East Coast Park, Carmen Lim leans back in her foldable chair, absorbing the stillness of the night. The distant hum of engines fills the air—a signal that another car meet is underway. For the 29-year-old cybersecurity consultant, this is her escape from the high-stakes world of digital defence.
By day, Carmen battles cyber threats, working tirelessly to secure sensitive data and thwart hackers. The job is anything but predictable. Cyberattacks can strike at any moment, demanding swift responses and decisive action. Contrary to Hollywood’s portrayal of hooded figures coding in dark rooms, Carmen describes cybersecurity as a collaborative field, involving sales teams, engineers, developers, and technical specialists. “It’s not just about hacking or fighting viruses,” she explains.
The intensity of her work leaves little room for downtime. Securing networks, investigating breaches, and implementing countermeasures mean long hours and constant vigilance. Yet, rather than letting the stress consume her, Carmen embraces it—channelling her energy into another passion: cars.
A Roadmap to Cybersecurity
Carmen’s interest in technology began in secondary school, where she immersed herself in IT-related activities. At home, her fascination with crime and forensic investigation shows only deepened her curiosity about cybersecurity. After earning a Diploma in InfoComm Technology at PSB Academy, she wasted no time joining the workforce, landing a role as a support engineer in 2017.
Her hunger for knowledge, however, pushed her further. In 2018, she returned to PSB Academy for a part-time degree in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, offered by Coventry University. “I wanted to truly understand cyberspace and contribute to protecting people, including my family,” she shares. The modules on cryptography and computer forensics solidified her path.
Over the years, Carmen climbed the ranks, progressing from a Level 1 troubleshooting engineer to a security specialist handling high-profile clients. Now, as an associate consultant at an international firm, she plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses against cyber threats. Despite cybersecurity’s reputation as a high-paying field, she cautions newcomers against expecting instant success. “It’s not just about being good with computers—you need dedication and continuous learning,” she advises.
Shifting Gears
Away from the pressures of cybersecurity, Carmen finds solace in the car scene. What started as casual meetups with friends in 2020 evolved into a deep passion. As a member of the Singapore Convertible Club, she proudly drives her purple Mazda Miata MX-5 NC to gatherings where fellow enthusiasts discuss modifications, engine performance, and upcoming races.
“For me, car meets are a way to disconnect,” she says. “It’s refreshing to be in a space where no one sees me as just a cybersecurity expert.” Occasionally, she even encounters industry peers, proving that tech professionals have diverse interests beyond their screens.
Balancing the Fast Lane
Managing a high-intensity job while maintaining an active personal life isn’t easy. Carmen admits that cybersecurity’s unpredictable hours—sometimes stretching past midnight—can be exhausting. But she refuses to let it define her. “Your job isn’t your entire identity,” she insists. “It’s important to have something outside of work that brings you joy.”
As a woman in STEM, Carmen has faced her share of challenges. She acknowledges that the tech industry remains male-dominated, with only two women on her seven-person engineering team. However, she’s determined to break stereotypes, proving that skill and performance—not gender—determine success.
Beyond her career, Carmen remains committed to upskilling, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. She credits PSB Academy and Coventry University for equipping her with the technical expertise that propelled her forward. “The hands-on learning, case studies, and mentorship were invaluable,” she reflects.
A Message to Aspiring Professionals
For those considering cybersecurity, Carmen offers simple but crucial advice: “Stay curious, keep learning, and be prepared for challenges.” While the field is demanding, the sense of accomplishment that comes from protecting businesses and individuals makes it worthwhile.
And when the work gets overwhelming? There’s always the open road, the scent of burning rubber, and the hum of an engine ready to take her anywhere but the digital battlefield.
