With a reserved personality, Daeng Muhamed Hodriedza bin Osman exemplifies a quieter form of success, one shaped by discipline, hands-on learning and deliberate choices.
Despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight, there was no hint of stage fright when Daeng Muhamed Hodriedza bin Osman stepped onto the stage to receive his Certificate of Achievement at the HomeTeamNS Children’s Education Awards (CEA) on 7 December 2025, held at the Active Garden in Gardens by the Bay.
Daeng, aged 19, is a student enrolled in Higher Nitec in Automotive Engineering at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) West Campus and one of the 46 recipients of the HomeTeamNS CEA 2025. He exudes the impression of a thoughtful individual, a young man who prefers to observe, think, and wait before making his next move. Yet, he remains clear about his goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
Launched in 2004, the HomeTeamNS Children’s Education Awards empower HomeTeamNS Ordinary Members by giving their school‑going children a boost. With bursaries of up to $1,100 in cash and vouchers for students from primary to tertiary levels, the award helps families access essential learning resources. To date, over $1.78 million has been proudly awarded to deserving recipients.
“I’ve always liked cars,” Daeng shares, which sparked off a conversation on his fascination and interest in cars. On weekends, he attends car events, meets other enthusiasts, and learns by observing — how machines are modified, how systems interact, how form follows function.
One such event is the Retro Havoc, which he attended with his friends last year. The event, billed as “the wildest car show in Malaysia”, drew car enthusiasts not only from Southeast Asia but also from all over the world. Daeng says he enjoys meeting fellow car enthusiasts at these events, taking in the cars on display, and marvelling at the creativity behind their modifications and customisations.
Looking back, Daeng recalls his fascination with cars began with an elective module he signed up for while studying in Bukit Merah Secondary School. This hands-on, applied learning module about cars taught him about how cars work and what makes them tick. “They brought us go-karting,” he remembers. What was described in the classroom became real for him instantly as he made his way around the circuit in a go-kart. This piqued his interest in cars, which eventually led to his current course of study.
“I prefer hands-on and practical work to theory,” Daeng admits candidly. To him, textbooks can describe concepts, but seeing an engine up close and understanding how its parts fit and work together brings those concepts to life and reinforces his learning.
In this sense, he found that ITE’s workshop-based, applied learning approach suited him perfectly. “I took modules on engine systems, automotive electrical systems, and most recently, a new module on Electric Vehicles (EV),” he says.
He prefers Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars for their intricate systems — engine, transmission, cooling, and more — which he finds far more engaging and complex. “EVs have no engines. They’re all about batteries. And I am much more interested in engines.” There is clearly nothing like the roar and rumble of an engine at full throttle for Daeng.
Still, a hands-on, applied learning approach requires working on concepts and theory. One figure who stands out in his time at ITE is Mr Darren, his Course Advisor. Daeng finds him to be calm and patient. “He understands what works with us, and he knows our challenges. He teaches patiently and ensures we understand, often asking questions to check in. If we still don’t get it, he doesn’t scold us. He simply goes through everything again.” Another Course Advisor who left a strong impression on Daeng is Mr Seah, who believed in every student in the class and emphasised the importance of discipline. His faith in his students motivated Daeng to stay consistent and focused, reinforcing the values needed to succeed both in school and beyond. Darren’s steady presence, alongside Mr Seah’s belief and discipline, made a difference, and Daeng sees them as people who made his achievement possible.
There is a certain doggedness about him in overcoming his difficulties with electrical theory. He often studied late into the night, when it was quiet, and when he had fewer distractions and interruptions. He would go over his notes, try to pick apart and understand concepts, and, if he met a roadblock, he would use AI tools like ChatGPT as a study aid, as many in his generation do. At times, he would also consult his second brother for advice.
Daeng lives with his parents, and two elder brothers. Home is a supportive and affirming environment that provides him with stability and predictability. Daeng recalls that when his father received the email notification informing him that he was awarded the HomeTeamNS CEA, he told him, “Keep doing your best.” Simple affirming words, but they meant the world to Daeng.
Even though he is on an internship, Daeng works part-time in a retail position at Toys “R” Us after work. Oftentimes, his day does not end until 11 pm. For him, part-time work instils discipline and time management, teaching him how to balance responsibilities while staying focused on his goals.
Despite the many demands on his time, Daeng insists on balance. He cycles long distances, sometimes riding from home to Changi and back, a journey that can take up to six hours. He also enjoys fishing and practises photography with a mirrorless camera, a hobby developed during his time in his secondary school’s Infocomm Media Club, where he documented events and activities.
His advice to young people is practical and straightforward: “Don’t stress yourself too much and balance your life. Don’t just keep thinking about studies, it’s good to have hobbies in your free time. Go out with friends, and when the time comes, focus on studying again,” he says.
When asked how he felt about receiving the Certificate of Achievement at the HomeTeamNS CEA 2025, he says, “Honestly, I am quite proud of how far I have come,” he adds, “but I feel like I can do better.” For Daeng, the award acknowledges his achievement and affirms his effort, but it also reminds him of how much more he wants to do.
When asked about the future, Daeng does not speak in vague aspirations. His goals are specific, and he has a clear roadmap. He wants to go to polytechnic to build his knowledge base further — in particular, he aspires to know more about business management. “And then I want to open my own workshop,” he says with a smile. He is keenly aware that this will take much effort, but his mental model, honed by his engineering studies, is already primed for this.
Success is often celebrated when it marks a significant change or transformation. Daeng’s story shows an alternative. His success is evident in being present, persistent, staying focused and working quietly towards a goal. So, when he stepped on that stage to receive his award, Daeng knew that he had achieved something significant. But for him, this is not the finish line. It’s just the beginning, with much more he hopes to accomplish.
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