Alex Tang, a 1988 BYU–Hawaii computer science graduate from Hong Kong, turned an impossible dream into a remarkable tech career as a core software developer with global industry giants. Along the way, he built a close-knit family rooted in faith. Now retired, Alex serves as the San Francisco BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter President, giving back to the community that once opened the doors for him.
Against Every Odd
Growing up, Alex Tang faced steep odds. His father was the sole income earner for a family of six, and higher education felt nearly impossible. Hong Kong had only two universities at the time, and admission was extremely competitive.
After finishing school, Tang began working for the Hong Kong Telephone Company. He wanted a university degree, but his academic background was not strong enough. Rather than accepting defeat, he made a different choice.
“It took me three years to prepare myself academically in order to achieve the minimum requirement,” he said. He studied at night while working full time, determined to qualify for university even without knowing if the opportunity would ever materialize.
The Knock That Opened Every Door
In 1981, two sister missionaries knocked on Tang’s door. Although he had attended another church previously, he had never felt the spiritual confirmation he was searching for. This time was different. He listened to their message. He prayed. Within a month, he was baptized.
As a new member, Tang began serving as a ward clerk, a calling he would hold four or five times throughout his life. He later served as a stake clerk and currently serves as a branch president.
Around the same time, he heard about BYU–Hawaii. The idea of studying in a faith-based environment deeply appealed to him. Financially, however, it still seemed impossible. Then came the miracle. The same sister missionary who had taught him the gospel offered to sponsor his tuition. “That was the only way I could go,” he said.
Bathrooms Before Breakthrough
When Tang arrived in Laie, he immediately began searching for work. He would wake up at 5:00 am looking for any available campus job. His first role was as a custodian in the main building, cleaning classrooms, emptying trash bins, and maintaining bathrooms. The work was humble, but he was grateful for it.
Two years later, Tang transferred to Computer Services as a student programmer. “I knew nothing about computer science or programming before I came,” he said. “BYU–Hawaii helped me develop that.”
He helped design software systems for the Admissions and Financial Aid departments. The freedom to build and solve problems strengthened both his technical skills and his confidence, creating the foundation for his entire professional career.
Away From Home, Close to God
Life as an international student in the 1980s was different from today. When he left Hong Kong, he did not know when he would return. He packed four years’ worth of supplies, believing he might not see home again until graduation. He laughs about it now: the supplies lasted only about a year and a half.
“We were all poor students,” Tang said. “We did not know when we could go home.” Tang describes his time at BYU–Hawaii as more than academic preparation. It was a spiritually strengthening environment. “You are away from home. You are by yourself. You need strength,” he said. “BYU–Hawaii provides that environment.”
From Campus Code to Corporate Giants
After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1988, Tang accepted a programming position with Local 5, the hotel and restaurant union in Honolulu. The experience he had gained at BYU–Hawaii and the company helped him secure a green card.
He later earned a master’s degree in computer science from BYU in Provo, Utah and worked for major companies, including Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Cisco Systems, as a core software developer. In 1998, Tang developed a software program called Merchant Helper, which automatically generated e-commerce websites. This program was sold and used worldwide.
Throughout his career, Tang served as the sole income earner for his family for many years. He never worried about financial stability. “That career alone helped me sustain and support my family,” he said. “It’s all because of the experience I had. That opened the door for me.”
Building Family Far From Home
Another blessing Tang received was meeting Sonia. Their relationship began through a Church magazine pen pal initiative. As a ward clerk, Tang received an article asking whether members wanted to write letters to Saints overseas. He selected one name and began corresponding.
Tang was in Hong Kong at that time. She was in Taiwan. What started as letters became a four-and-a-half-year courtship across the Pacific. In 1987, Sonia traveled to Hawaii. They were married in the Laie Hawaii, Temple. Two weeks later, she enrolled at BYU–Hawaii and eventually graduated as well.
He and Sonia have four children, all raised in the gospel, three having attended BYU–Hawaii. “I can see my life has changed because of the gospel,” he reflected.
Helping the Next Generation
Now retired, Tang has stepped into a new role as a BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter President. He accepted the calling after a close friend who previously served stepped down.
He is currently organizing events such as a Chinese New Year celebration and developing stronger communication channels for alumni. But his long-term vision goes deeper. He hopes to strengthen mentorship and connection. Tang asks. “Because of the blessing we received from BYU–Hawaii, we should find time to give back.”
His advice to current students reflects his own journey. “Study hard. But at the same time, develop your faith spiritually.” For him, the gospel has been the anchor through every stage of life. “If you have faith, you will be successful regardless of where you are,” he said.