About

I am a researcher and software engineer with a passion for cognitive-inspired, high-performance AI systems. I mainly dabble in C++ and Python. [CV]

Contact: zhengyong at u.nus.edu

Interests Link to heading

I enjoy diving into fundamental problems concerning AI systems and human cognition. With a background in computer science and psychology, I am inspired by insights from cognitive science into optimizing learning and memory, and by the intriguing parallels between computer and cognitive architectures.

During my free time, I enjoy exploring new technologies and reading up concepts in Computer Science, Psychology, and Mathematics. I am currently diving deep into efficient systems and algorithms for deep learning. Feel free to hit me up for research partnerships in this field!

Work experience Link to heading

  • Software Engineer @ Meta (Apr 2024 – Present)
    • Enhancing ML/DLRM training efficiency for recommendation models within Facebook’s and Instagram’s ecosystem (e.g., Feed, Reels).
  • Data Engineer Intern @ HoYoverse, subsidiary of miHoYo (Oct 2023 – Dec 2023)
    • Worked with payments data for Genshin Impact & Honkai: Star Rail.
  • Software Engineer Intern @ TikTok, subsidiary of ByteDance (Oct 2022 – Aug 2023)
    • Developed services for user labelling and segmentation @ TikTok Global Live Data Platform.
  • Software Engineer Intern @ Autodesk (May 2022 – Oct 2022)
    • Spearheaded initial engineering efforts on the Autodesk Accelerate Platform (AXP).

Research Link to heading

  • Semantic similarity in Singapore English @ LCL (Jun 2023 – Jan 2024)
  • Making <temporarily redacted> work on resource-constrained IoT @ UMich (Aug 2023 – Dec 2023)
  • Benchmarking blockchain systems @ SBIP (Oct 2022 – Nov 2023)
  • Modeling emotional causal inference @ CASCogLab (Feb 2021 – Jul 2022)

Publications Link to heading

  1. Zheng Yong Ang, Nick Huang, and Cynthia S. Q. Siew (2024). Semantic similarity in Singapore English: Insights from word embeddings and human ratings. In Proceedings of the 8th Asian Junior Linguists Conference (AJL8).
  2. Kunpeng Ren, Jefferson Van Buskirk, Zheng Yong Ang, Shizheng Hou, Nathaniel Cable, Miguel Monares, Hank Korth, and Dumitrel Loghin (2023). BBSF: Blockchain Benchmarking Standardized Framework. In VDBS ‘23: Proceedings of the 1st Workshop on Verifiable Database Systems.
  3. Dennis W. H. Teo, Zheng Yong Ang, and Desmond C. Ong (2022). Modeling Causal Inference from Emotional Displays. In: Proceedings of the 44th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society.

Teaching Link to heading

  • CS2040 Data Structures and Algorithms (3 iterations)
  • CS2103 Software Engineering (2 iterations)
  • CS3243 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (2 iterations)

Learning Link to heading

In NUS, I have mainly taken courses in computer systems, artificial intelligence, and cognitive psychology. The full list of courses which I have taken can be found here.

I also frequently read up on other stuff outside of NUS. Personally, I have a stronger preference for theoretical content focusing on fundamental principles. Some of my personal favorites include: