51²è¹Ý

Now in the final year of his Bachelor of Computer Science at the 51²è¹Ý (UOW) Liverpool, Hussain is building on those early experiences to develop a future at the intersection of technology, leadership and community impact.

Finding passion in Year 6

Hussain grew up in Smithfield, in Sydney’s west, where a Year 6 classroom activity called Genius Hour introduced him to coding for the first time. Each week, students worked in groups to create something of their own design. For Hussain and his classmates, that project became a horror-themed computer game called Memories to Nightmares.

“I didn’t really know how to code,” he admits, “so I jumped on YouTube, found tutorials, copied what I could and then made small changes to create something of our own.”

The game never quite reached the finish line, but for 12-year-old Hussain it was a revelation. “That was the turning point. I realised I loved bringing ideas to life through technology,” he says.

Choosing computer science over aviation

By the end of high school, Hussain faced a choice between two paths: aviation, a hobby he enjoyed, or computer science, which had become a deeper passion. He chose the latter.

“I thought technology was going to be such a big factor in the future,” he says. “I wanted to build a career where I could really use those skills to create something meaningful.”

That decision led him to UOW Liverpool, a young but thriving campus close to home, with the backing of UOW’s global reputation.

A campus close to community

Liverpool was the natural choice. “It felt local, connected and community-driven,” Hussain says. “And being only five years old, the campus has this sense of growth and potential that I wanted to be part of.”

That sense of potential has been matched by experience. Hussain expected his degree to be heavy on theory. Instead, he found himself immersed in practical programming from day one.

“Every semester, there’s at least one or two coding subjects,” he says. “That hands-on learning really develops your skills. It’s not just reports and theory – you actually learn how languages work and apply them to projects.”

One highlight was a Human-Computer Interaction class led by Professor Mark Freeman, where students had to align their projects with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Hussain’s group chose Quality Education and developed a financial literacy app.

“It was one of the most enjoyable projects,” he says. “Our lecturer created such a fun and motivating environment, and we ended up with an app we were really proud of.”

More than just study

University life has been just as much about people as it has been about programming for Hussain. While many students shy away from group assignments, he embraces them.

“I’m a people’s person,” he says. “I like working with others, developing communication skills and learning how to collaborate. That’s been one of the most enjoyable parts of studying.”

It’s an attitude that fits well with his role as a Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholar, a program he credits with shaping both his academic and personal growth.

“The scholarship has really pushed me to develop leadership skills, confidence and the ability to communicate,” he says. “I’ve taken on roles at the university where I’ve been able to empower and inspire others. A lot of students look up to me as a leader, which makes me really happy.”

A global outlook

Earlier this year, Hussain spent a semester on exchange at UOW Dubai – a life-changing experience.

“Culturally, it felt close to my roots,” he says. “I’ve lived in Australia my whole life, so being in a place with an Arabic and Islamic culture felt familiar in a way, but at the same time Dubai is so diverse. Everywhere you go you meet people from different backgrounds, languages and religions.”

The experience not only broadened his outlook but also deepened his confidence. He became involved with the student life team, volunteering at cultural days and orientation events, even representing Australia at one.

“It was amazing,” he says. “I made lifelong friends, learned to network without fear and gained a whole new perspective on culture and community. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Inspiring the next generation

Back in Liverpool, Hussain is channelling that energy into improving student life on campus. He recently became a student representative for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, and hopes to bring the same vibrancy he experienced in Dubai to Western Sydney.

“Liverpool is such a multicultural place and we can really use that to our advantage,” he says. “I want to help create a more inclusive, active and connected student community here.”

Looking ahead, Hussain’s ambitions are big. He sees himself one day leading as a CEO, bringing ideas to life and creating meaningful change.

“Fintech is an area I’m really passionate about,” he says. “The way technology, finance and AI are merging is going to shape the future and I want to be part of that.”

Advice for future students

For students thinking about computer science, Hussain’s advice is to “follow your passion and stay on top of your work.”

“Computer science is about creativity and turning ideas into reality,” he says. “But at university, time management is everything. Uni is flexible, but that means you have to learn how to balance study, work and life.”

And for those thinking about exchange?  Hussain says, “Go. It’s unforgettable. It changes you.”