About
Hey, I’m Ubayd. I’m a Techinical Specialist and AI Enthusiast living in Cape Town, South Africa, with a passion for technology, innovation, fitness, AI, and scouting. I’m also a coffee enthusiast and an active volunteer.
Computer Scientists, AI Enthusiast & Volunteer.
I bring over a decade of professional experience as a Software Engineer, with a strong track record across Backend Development, DevOps, and Data Engineering. Currently serving as a Technical Specialist, I leverage deep technical expertise to design, implement, and optimise complex systems and infrastructure, driving high-impact solutions in mission-critical environments. My primary expertise lies in the development of Web Applications using Python with the Django Framework, coupled with the utilization of MySQL or Postgres Databases within a Monolith architecture. In recent years, I have transitioned to working on Microservices architecture, employing Docker and Kubernetes alongside both NoSQL and SQL databases. I've actively engaged in streaming data from diverse sources to support various services. I specialize in enhancing the user experience through the implementation of advanced Search Engineering techniques, including Lexical, Organic Ranking, Vector, and Reciprocal Rank Fusion, with a particular focus on leveraging Elastic Search. Collaborating closely with the Machine Learning team, I've seamlessly integrated their models into the system to further augment functionality and performance.
- Published Researcher: Authored and published research in AI, contributing to advancements in Reinforcement Learning
- Website: www.ubaydbapoo.info
- Phone: Available on Request
- City: Cape Town, South Africa
- Age: 34
- Degree: MSc (Candidate) Computer Science (AI)
- Email: hello@ubaydbapoo.info
- Status: Employed
- Remote Work: Open to remote opportunities globally
I have successfully completed my Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems at UWC, where I gained valuable skills that make me a significant asset to any organization. Currently, I am pursuing my Master's in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have undertaken various short courses in leadership, including the Strategic Leadership course at Gibbs. My keen interest lies in the realm of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in leveraging concepts such as Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Continuous Learning. My proposed Master's research topic revolves around utilizing Artificial Intelligence to conduct a comparative analysis of soft actor-critic and traditional reinforcement learning algorithms in high-dimensional continuous action spaces, showcasing my dedication to exploring cutting-edge AI concepts in practical applications.
Facts
Through my involvement in scouting, I have gained my Springbok Badge (Highest Award for Scouts) and BP Award (Highest Award for Rovers). I've also earned the Gold Presidents Award (Duke of Edinburgh Award), presented in person by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and President Zuma. I've represented South Africa 4 times for Scouting at various international events. With Computer Science having an 88% dropout rate and only 0.3% of scouts earning the top award. Having achieved these milestones proves I'm dedicated, hardworking, goal-driven and determined.
Published Paper
Online Courses Complete
Online Hours Completed
Countries Travelled
Skills
My skill set has evolved over the years, positioning me as a valuable asset to any organization. I specialize in Backend Development, with a strong focus on Python and Django, alongside experience in DevOps and Data Engineering. My work encompasses Microservices architecture, Docker, Kubernetes, and both SQL and NoSQL databases. I also have expertise in advanced Search Engineering techniques and integrating Machine Learning models into systems. Additionally, I am deeply interested in Artificial Intelligence, particularly in Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning. To stay at the forefront of my field, I am currently working on my master's in Computer Science, actively publishing research papers on artificial intelligence. Additionally, I engage in online courses and read blogs to remain informed about the latest technology trends.
Resume
During my professional career, I've had the opportunity to work for some of the leading companies in their industry, including as a contractor for international clients. My industry experience spans outsourced document processing, VAS aggregators supplying services to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. I've worked on switches that transform leads into opportunity conversions using telephony. Notably, I have significant experience in the education sector. I worked for the biggest education technology company in the world, focusing on online education platforms that have a global reach. Additionally, I am currently contributing to the number one university in Africa, where I am involved in high-impact projects within higher education. My expertise extends across portals, switches, dynamic API gateways, and e-commerce web-based application platforms.
Sumary
Ubayd Bapoo
Experienced software and data engineer specializing in AI and NLP, dedicated to enhancing user experience through innovative solutions. With nearly a decade of expertise, I design and develop user-centric web applications from conception to refined execution, driven by deadlines and a passion for excellence.
- Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- hello@ubaydbapoo.info
Professional Experience
Technical Specialist: Python and Django
Jul 2024 - Present
University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, SA
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is Africa's leading university, renowned for its world-class education and research excellence. UCT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting students and faculty from across the globe. With a strong commitment to innovation, UCT fosters an environment where cutting-edge research and societal impact intersect, contributing to both academic advancement and real-world solutions. As a hub for thought leadership in Africa, UCT continues to shape the future by empowering the next generation of leaders and professionals.
- Provides technical leadership
- To provide highly specialized technical support for business-critical services, systems and/or infrastructure
- Responsible for designing, maintaining, managing and developing one or more business-critical ICT systems and/or infrastructure service components
- Responsible for developing and implementing infrastructure, systems and services through project work
Senior Software Engineer
Feb 2024 - Jun 2024
DVT, Cape Town, SA
DVT is a global leader in software development, specializing in digital transformation solutions. With a presence in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland (DACH region), Netherlands, UAE, Kenya, and South Africa, DVT offers scalable on-shore, near-shore, and off-shore solutions to meet diverse software development and project needs. With over 25 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients, DVT is committed to delivering innovative technology solutions that drive business success worldwide.
- Enhancing clients DevOps capabilities
- Unified and efficiently managed DevOps system
- Using Terraform and AWS CDK
Software Engineer
Aug 2021 - Jan 2024
Takealot (Mr D), Cape Town, SA
Mr D Food is a leading tech company in South Africa, offering convenient delivery of restaurant meals, PnP groceries, and a variety of store products, including pet care, gifts, and household essentials. Serving over 1 million satisfied customers, Mr D Food also provides fast delivery through takealotNOW, featuring top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony. Whether it's the latest gadgets, health care products, or solutions for loadshedding, Mr D Food makes online shopping easy and accessible, delivering what you need, when you need it.
- Build systems to scale with growth of business, leveraging new technologies and AWS Cloud services
- Build processes to stream data
- Use Natural Language Processing to improve Search with Elastic Search
- Build prototypes to prove concept
- Build and support micro service architecture
- Develop, enhance and maintain backend systems in a heterogeneous environment of different languages and technologies, with an emphasis on Python
- Work closely with developers, professional services team and product managers to design the software solutions with a focus on reliability, performance and usability
- Apply and foster best software development life cycle practices bringing speed and quality to your team
- Participate in testing process through unit testing and bug fixes
Intermediate Software Engineer/ Data Engineer
Aug 2020 - July 2021
Logimeter, Cape Town, SA
Logimeter implements technology solutions to its clients business to track each salesperson’s Lead to Opportunity Conversion and highlighting their individual call coaching requirements.
- Build processes to stream data to be used in Google Datastudio
- Build and support data pipelines to stream data using Google Big Query
- Design, develop and modify modules based on functional and system requirements
- Work closely with the other developers and CTO for understanding functional and system requirements
- Participate in testing process through unit testing and bug fixes
Software Engineer
Feb 2020 - Jun 2020
2U Inc, Cape Town, SA
At 2U, we power world-class online higher education. Going beyond traditional learning management systems, we use tech, people, and data to help top universities transform in the digital era—and eliminate the back row in higher ed.
- Part of the team that is busy rebuilding the ecommerce website known as Pre Enrollments
- Design, develop and modify modules based on functional and system requirements
- Work closely with the other developers, business system analysts and director for understanding functional and system requirements
- Participate in testing process through unit testing and bug fixes
Software Developer
Dec 2016 - Jan 2020
Kazang, Cape Town, SA
Kazang is a leading provider of prepaid value-added services (VAS) across southern Africa. By offering a range of essential prepaid products such as airtime, data bundles, electricity, DStv payments, and more. Kazang helps shop owners and entrepreneurs increase their sales and grow their businesses. With a network of 68,000 active point-of-sale (POS) devices, processing over 1.5 million transactions daily, Kazang reaches vendors in informal, rural, and peri-urban areas. As part of the Connect Group, Kazang also offers secure cash vaults, payment solutions, and plans for small-scale lending to help businesses operate efficiently.
- Researching, designing, implementing and managing Sales Incentive System
- Identifying areas for modification in existing programs and subsequently developing these modifications
- Determining operational practicality and writing and implementing efficient code
- Maintaining and upgrading existing systems
Software Developer
Dec 2014 - Nov 2016
OutProsys, Cape Town, SA
OutProsys has continued to maintain itself as a leading provider of quality outsourced document processing and data capture. Outprosys specialises in converting typed and handwritten text on paper-based, faxed & scanned documents into accurate electronic information. Utilising a combination of our leading-edge recognition systems, highly trained & experienced data capture operators.
- Design, develop and modify modules based on functional and system requirements
- Work closely with the other developers and Operations Manager for understanding functional and system requirements
- Participate in testing process through unit testing and bug fixes
- Develop Applications that help with efficiency and production
Education
Master of Science Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence
2024 - Present
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, SA
Thesis Title: Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Comparative analysis of soft actor-critic and traditional reinforcement learning algorithms in high-dimensional continuous action spaces
The Computer Science (CS) department of the University of the Western Cape strives to produce top quality well rounded Computer Scientists. This is achieved by providing innovative programs in Computer Science to empower graduates to assist in improving the quality of life for all South Africans through the development and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s).
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computer Science
2022 - 2023
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, SA
Project Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Improve Search Experience using Deep/ Reinforced/ Continous Learning)
The Computer Science (CS) department of the University of the Western Cape strives to produce top quality well rounded Computer Scientists. This is achieved by providing innovative programs in Computer Science to empower graduates to assist in improving the quality of life for all South Africans through the development and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s).
Bachelor of Science Computer Science & Information Systems
2009 - 2012
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, SA
The Computer Science (CS) department of the University of the Western Cape strives to produce top quality well rounded Computer Scientists. This is achieved by providing innovative programs in Computer Science to empower graduates to assist in improving the quality of life for all South Africans through the development and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s).
Strategic Leadership
2020
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
Course content covered the following:
- Leading Strategically with Cognitive Competence
- Leading Strategically with Behavioural Competence
- The importance and competencies for organisational performance
- Leading Strategically with Affective and Relational Competence
- Leading Strategically with Conative Competence to Create Energy
- Leading Strategically in Times of Crisis
Volunteer
Various Strategic Leadership Positions
Jan 2002 - Present
SCOUTS South Africa
To lead, manage and coordinate the effective implementation of the Principles of SCOUTS South Africa (SSA). Take overall responsibility for the positions I'm involved in adhering to all provisions in the Constitution, Organisational Rules and Policies. Represent or delegate a representative for the Group at the Tri-annual Partners Meeting. Perform a support, supervisory and leadership role. Support the Organisation in other duties or projects. Liaise and meet members from around the region. Promote the establishment of new Crews, either in traditional establishments or at tertiary institutions. Oversee budgets for regional division programme events for effective implementation. Support the Regional Commissioner and/or Chair: National Rover Programme in other duties or projects when called upon. Monitor the growth and progress of members in the region.
Western Cape Regional Team Co-ordinator
Dec 2019 - Present
Nation Rover Advisory Council Chairperson
Jan 2018 - Jan 2020
Scout Group Leader
Jul 2017 - Jan Present
Troop Scouter
Jan 2013 - Jun 2017
Western Cape Rover Advisory Council Chairman
2011 - 2013
Constantiaberg Crew Chairman
2010 - 2013
Assistant Troop Scouter
Jan 2009 - Sep 2010
Quirks
Outside of my professional engagements, you'll find me doing outdoor activities or hanging out with my friends. Being in IT I also love drinking good coffee to keep me going
Hobbies
I've been involved in scouting for most of my life, really enjoy all the opportunities it has given me but more importantly the life lessons I've learnt. More recently I've started running and doing crossfit
My Name
Over the years people have pronounced my name very interestingly, my name is pronounced oo-bae-d but the majority of people know me by my surname
Leisure
Being a scout has helped me develop my love for the outdoors. I love camping and hiking. Being a South African I'm lucky we have beautiful places to do so. My favourite hike has to be the Otter Trail
Online Courses
I've completed various courses on different online platforms. The courses cover my interest in Machine Learning to Data Science as well as addtional techinical skills. I've also completed a short online MBA courses developed by Chris Haroun
Favorite Show
I'm a big fan of Game of Thrones, excluding the last season of course. I've also taken to Narcos on Netflix. My favorite genre is action
Travel
My favorite country that I've travelled to has to be Iceland. It has the most amazing scenery and people. Some of the Game of Thrones scenes were shot in Iceland which is a bonus
Testimonials
Mujahid Carlie
Consultant/Investment Analyst at SXO Capital and Africtech Holdings and QA Automation Engineer at Global Prime Partners
Few people have the opportunity to work with Ubayd. I had the pleasure of working with Ubayd for many years at various volunteering ventures, collaborating on several project teams. I was particularly impressed by Ubayd’s ability to handle even the toughest situations—effortlessly unlike any I’ve seen before and made a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our team. No matter how tense a meeting, Ubayd made sure everyone left with a smile. As a team member or a leader, Ubayd earns my highest recommendation.
Safwaan Rorick
Systems Analyst, Integration Specialist, Health & Fitness Enthusiast
I have worked with Ubayd for a long time, I find him to be a delight to work with. Ubayd has proven leadership skills, he is articulate, punctual and reliable. He is a highly competent software developer and would surely be a great asset to any team.
Fawwaz Mohammed
Support Engineer at SAP
I was impressed by Ubayd’s ability to deal with even the toughest situations – effortlessly. That skill often takes years to develop among IT professionals, but it seemed to come perfectly naturally to him.
Contact
Location:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Email:
hello@ubaydbapoo.info
Call:
Available on Request