Curtin University last night hosted the third annual Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) Awards, which recognise the extraordinary talents and application of young people on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n
Twenty students, from high school, TAFE and university, received awards across three categories at a ceremony attended by Curtin University Faculty of Health Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Archie Clements, members of the Perth business community and award winners\u2019 family and friends.<\/p>\n
AASQA Founder and Director Professor Tele Tan, from the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin, said the awards acknowledged students for their efforts and accomplishments over the last 12 months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese students have shown remarkable determination, focus and ability to complete challenging tasks in the Information Technology field over the past year and are poised to continue making significant contributions to science and engineering in the future,\u201d Professor Tan said.<\/p>\n
Four students were recognised for passing an international exam for software testers, offered through the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The students spent months studying for the foundation level exam and verification via an e-learning platform donated by industry partner and software quality assurance leader Planit. The examination fees were donated by BHP.<\/p>\n
Professor Tan said that being certified for passing this complex, globally-accredited exam would boost the students\u2019 confidence and belief in themselves as software testers and even as software developers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis qualification is highly regarded in the industry and in the longer term, this international exam will also help them be competitive in the job market,\u201d Professor Tan said.<\/p>\n
Among the award recipients was former Willetton Senior High School student Liam Picen, 20, of South Lake who in 2017 became one of the youngest people ever to pass the ISTQB exam before going on to become a software testing intern with Hexagon Mining.<\/p>\n