SGNSpotlight 🌟Koh You Liang 🌟
A cybersecurity professional and Tokyo-based DJ, Koh You Liang has been building a life in Japan since 2014 while pursuing his passion for music on a global stage. What began as a spontaneous decision to join an a cappella group at university eventually led to a decade-long journey in electronic music production and DJing.
In this SGNSpotlight, he shares how creativity, resilience, and continuous learning have shaped both his career and personal growth.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to join our community.
I'm You Liang and I moved to Japan in 2014. I DJ professionally around the world, and have gotten awards from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong and support from Don Diablo. When I was a student, I was exco in Singapore Students' Association (Japan) [SSAJ] and very active in organizing events. After I graduated, I kinda lost the opportunity to connect with other Singaporeans, which was my reason for joining the community.
Tell us about a project you’re passionate about, and why it holds a special place in your heart.
My journey in music holds a special place in my heart. I started music almost by accident while I was at university. On a whim, I joined an a cappella group and picked up the drums, despite having no formal musical background. What began as a casual interest gradually became a passion that has stayed with me for over a decade.
As I explored different forms of music, I eventually discovered electronic music production and DJing. What fascinated me was the ability to create something from nothing—turning ideas and emotions into sounds that could be shared with others. Over the years, this passion grew from a university hobby into performing at clubs, releasing original tracks, and connecting with listeners from around the world.
Music has taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of continuous learning. Every performance and every release is the result of countless hours spent practicing, experimenting, and refining my craft. More importantly, it has given me a way to bring people together. There is something special about seeing people from different backgrounds share the same experience on a dance floor or connect with a song you've created.
What started as a spontaneous decision in university ultimately became one of the most meaningful parts of my life, and it continues to inspire me to challenge myself and grow both creatively and personally.
What challenges have you encountered with this passion?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing music with a full-time career in cybersecurity. Building skills as a producer and DJ requires a significant investment of time, often outside regular working hours. There were many periods where I had to manage demanding work responsibilities while continuing to practice, produce music, and perform.
Another challenge was starting without a formal music background. When I first joined an a cappella group and learned drums at university, I had to develop my musical skills from the ground up. Later, transitioning into music production meant learning technical skills such as composition, sound design, mixing, and mastering largely through self-study and experimentation.
Breaking into the music industry also required persistence. Rejections, low audience numbers, and the challenge of getting music heard can be discouraging. However, these experiences taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of continuous improvement and long-term commitment.
What activities do you enjoy in your free time?
Music has been a major creative outlet for me for many years, but I also enjoy software development and cybersecurity research, particularly exploring new technologies and solving technical problems. Outside of technology, I enjoy travelling, photography, fashion, and experiencing different cultures through food, music, and local events.
I find that both music and technology satisfy my curiosity and creativity, while travel gives me new perspectives and inspiration for both my professional and artistic work.
If you’re living abroad, what do you miss about home, and how do you stay connected?
Having lived abroad for many years, what I miss most about home is the familiarity of family, friends, and the multicultural environment I grew up in. I especially miss being able to meet people I have known for years and share everyday experiences without having to plan around distance and time zones.
To stay connected, I regularly keep in touch with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. I also return home whenever my schedule allows. At the same time, I try to stay involved in communities that share my interests, whether through music, technology, or online communities, which helps me maintain meaningful connections regardless of location.
Reach out to me if you’re interested in…:
Reach out to me if you're interested in electronic music, DJing, music production, cybersecurity, software development, or life in Japan.
I always enjoy meeting people who are passionate about building things, learning new skills, and pursuing creative projects. I'm also happy to connect with fellow travellers, people working in technology, and anyone interested in exchanging ideas about music, culture, or personal growth. Whether you want to collaborate on a project, talk about career development, or simply share recommendations, I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you to You Liang for sharing his journey and passion for music, technology, and lifelong learning. If you're interested in electronic music, DJing, cybersecurity, software development, or life in Japan, he'd (https://www.instagram.com/kohyouliang/) love to connect with fellow Singaporeans and like-minded individuals. Reach out to exchange ideas, share experiences, or simply have a chat about your shared interests.
Stay tuned for more SGNSpotlight features, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who make our community thrive. If you have a story or passion you’d like to share, drop us a message or fill out our SGNSpotlight form here, and we’ll be in touch!