Ryan Kang Jee Hong and Natalie Loi Yoke Kei

Course: Master of Business Information Systems
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Co-Managing Director/ Head of Technology of UnBound

If you’re currently working, please tell us about your role in your organisation.

Natalie and Ryan are co-founders of UnBound, a Malaysian-based technology firm specialising in Experiential Education, Smart Retail, and 5G Autonomous Infrastructure Development. Natalie, a tech entrepreneur and recipient of the Jeffrey Cheah Scholarship, founded UnBound in 2017 to make education more engaging through an Augmented Reality game she developed. The system, first launched at her university, quickly gained traction, attracting over 5000 users and securing support from Celcom, Malaysia’s largest telecommunications company. Today, UnBound has expanded to 200,000 users and has collaborated with major multinational companies, including Cadbury, Celcom, FWD Takaful, and the Central Bank of Malaysia.

Ryan oversees the firm’s development of emerging technologies across ASEAN and Europe, ensuring seamless implementation and fostering collaborations with local partners and government agencies. Under their leadership, UnBound has received recognition from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, extending its reach internationally, including partnerships with the University of Edinburgh. Their commitment to innovation goes beyond business—both are passionate about education and mentorship. Natalie has been actively involved in social initiatives, teaching underprivileged children in Cambodia and mentoring students at UiTM, where she has helped launch three commercially viable ventures. Meanwhile, Ryan’s work focuses on developing technology-driven solutions that create sustainable ecosystems for future innovations.

Why did you choose to pursue your postgraduate studies at Monash Malaysia?

Both Natalie and Ryan were drawn to Monash Malaysia for its flexibility and interdisciplinary approach. For Natalie, Monash provided a unique opportunity to transition from a business background into technology. Despite having no formal IT education, the university’s bridging courses enabled her to pursue a Master’s in Technology through the MBIS program.

Ryan, a self-taught coder who built his career in tech through independent learning, saw Monash as the perfect place to deepen his expertise. After seven years in the industry, he wanted to formalise his knowledge and stay ahead in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Monash Malaysia’s postgraduate programs provided him with the structured learning and industry connections needed to enhance his career.

Please tell us about your study experience at Monash. Did it meet your expectations and do you think what you’re learning will help to open up more career opportunities?

For both Natalie and Ryan, Monash has been more than just an academic experience—it has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Natalie values the dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration and hands-on application. Through interactions with students, lecturers, and the Monash community, she has gained collaborative opportunities, guest lecturing engagements, and networking experiences that have contributed to both her business growth and career development.

Ryan shares a similar sentiment, emphasising that Monash has provided him with invaluable industry exposure. The university has connected him with leading researchers, policymakers, and partners, helping him understand how to move from conceptualisation to implementation. He particularly appreciates Monash’s strong focus on sustainability and social inclusion in technology, which has given him a deeper perspective on responsible innovation.

What type of opportunities did you participate in at Monash?

Due to professional commitments, neither Natalie nor Ryan actively participated in clubs and societies, but both have been deeply involved in guest lectures and conferences. Natalie has spoken at various events as a Women in Tech advocate, including TEDx Monash (January 2024), Meta Research on Sexual Violence Against Women in the Metaverse (6 March 2024), and a guest lecture on Governing the Metaverse (30 April 2024).

Ryan also had the honour of speaking at TEDx Monash University in 2023, where he shared his vision of making technology inclusive and meaningful across generations. He encouraged students to push technological boundaries and create innovations that remain relevant and accessible to all.

What do you both enjoy most about your student life at Monash?

For Natalie, the best part of studying at Monash is the diverse friendships she has formed. The cross-cultural environment allows her to engage with international students both virtually and in person, giving her a global perspective and opening doors for international business opportunities. She describes the experience as feeling like she is studying in Australia while being in Malaysia.

Ryan, on the other hand, values the supportive and inclusive community at Monash. His peers challenge him academically while also fostering genuine friendships. The multicultural environment has broadened his worldview, providing him with meaningful cross-cultural experiences that have shaped his personal and professional growth.

What are your biggest career goals, or what difference would you like to make?

Natalie and Ryan share a common goal of making a lasting impact through their work. Natalie is passionate about creating safe spaces and opportunities for women in STEM. She is also driven by a desire to put Malaysia on the global stage, showcasing its talent, diversity, and innovation.

Ryan’s vision is to build a legacy that extends beyond his lifetime. He wants to develop technology that prioritises community impact over personal gain, ensuring his innovations drive meaningful change. His ultimate goal is to create solutions that benefit society, leaving a positive imprint on future generations.