Romulo (Je) Cortez-Alipio Jr.

"When I started to work in 2003, I saw Singapore as having very high potential in terms of development in the Gaming Industry. And the best thing is everything works here!" says Je Alipio, as he started talking about his journey and experiences here in Singapore. Je is a graduate from Manila's De La Salle University with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science specialising in Information Technology.

Asserting a charming personality and a vibrant sense of humour, he candidly shared how his career goals began to look up when he started to work for a Singapore company, Mikoishi (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Mikoishi is a premier developer of mobile games and the largest independent mobile games studio in South East Asia. It specialises in the design, development and operation of online multiplayer games and applications for mobile phones. Its use of Connected Multiplayer Games and its knowledge in this area, positions the company in an excellent league, according to Je.

And what exactly does he do?

He says his work involves participation in game conceptualization and planning, development, testing and preparation for release of the various mobile games Mikoishi produces. "I develop multiplayer mobile games. I am mainly in charge of development of the game engine. I also coordinate with other parties such as publishers and porters to ensure that the resources needed for the completion of these projects are provisioned on time. If assigned to, I also mentor and manage assigned junior developers or interns", says Je.

While it is clear he is enjoying his job tremendously, Je also went through the gamut of relocating woes, as do most people, when they have to start out in a new place, away from comfort zone, the reassurance and care of family and friends, and the familiarity of a place he has known all his life. While he had his share of coping with loneliness and homesickness, over time, he has adjusted and says, "I've been working for over a year now. I've not felt alienated, ever." His friendly manner must be one sure way he is keeping all those friends.

Among the things he misses are his favourite dish, Sinampalukan (Chicken Sinigang) and fond recollections of road trips and vacations to Palawan, Boracay, Baguio/Sagada, Vigan, Bicol and La Union, beautiful places in the Philippines.

So why Singapore?

It was a snap decision when he met the director of Mikoishi, at a conference in Phuket. He decided then he wanted to come to Singapore. "It is both a progressive and aggressive industry in terms of support for various media (like animation/games/web development) and in design arts", Je says, eagerly sharing some of the graphics accompanying the games he has developed.

He adds that Singaporeans are really lucky, as support at the 'national level' is visible. He says, "The fact that both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are offering courses in Game Development indicates the move towards long-term plans. In the past I could not see Singapore as a hub in the gaming industry. It was always Japan and Korea."

Je predicts that in the next three to five years, Singaporeans will see how gaming is taken seriously as international gaming companies, like Electronic Arts, Lucas Films, Atari and Vivendi Universal (Blizzard Games) are positioning their offices here.

It is Je’s passion for his work that is driving him and keeping him working hard here. He shares three things that continue to surprise and interest him in Singapore:

1. Enriching variety of things
   The food, experiences, places that one has access to, is beyond that experienced on a typical holiday. Je feels that even in the one year he’s been here; he hasn’t tasted all the different types of food available. The kind of places he keeps discovering and the new experiences they bring; open up new windows of learning opportunities every day.
2. Technology in action
   He is amazed by inventions like the Ez-link card (a stored value smartcard used on buses and trains) which many Singaporeans take for granted. “It is so convenient to users, enabling also as a cash card at certain food outlets. Also, the GIRO system which allows for direct transfer of monies for the payment of bills and the GPRS system in taxis in navigating through maps etc”, enthuses Je, adding: “You can really see how Singapore harnesses technology to enhance the lives of its people. It’s very futuristic.”
3. Harmony factor
   It is in the interest of everyone, locals or foreigners that racial harmony exists between the people. Je is especially touched by how things work here. "With so many races living in such a small place, one would think there's racism here, but I don't see it. The equality of the different people is transparent in everyday life." To the many young men out there, aspiring to land a job in Singapore, Je shares some tips in areas, he feels they should be prepared in. One of these, he stresses, is the work ethic: "You need to be well planned. It's not easy. You can't slack off here. You always have to be 110% alert and think on your feet. To be ready to do anything." While many may find this demanding, Je feels that back home, there are times when at work, people take things personally. Frankly speaking, he says, "I've learnt a lot here. You will have a problem if you take things personally. Be pragmatic and not sensitive. That's how it should be, really." #8221;

When he’s not working…

He's usually playing basketball, studying how to play drums or engaging in volunteer work with two organisations! Je not only has the energy for all this but manages his time to fit it all in. He volunteers with Filipino Overseas Workers (FOWS), teaching Computer Fundamentals to domestic workers and he is actively involved in Singles for Christ, a ministry of Couples for Christ, which is an affiliate of Family Life Society here in Singapore. He finds it immensely gratifying to bring joy and meaning to others.

Pursuing one’s dreams

Je recommends his fellow countrymen to come to Singapore to experience a different world. Besides the Creative industry growing by bounds, he feels an experience of living here is direct personal growth in action. "Pursue your dream. Find out what makes you happy. Have the will to choose to be happy and have the strength to endure it."