The second day of SOFTECAsia 2024 was a hub of practical learning, bringing together a diverse group of participants from Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and beyond. The workshops provided a platform for participants to engage with cutting-edge software testing methodologies, spanning automation, AI, agile practices, and more. Here’s a recap of the workshops that defined the day:
Workshop 1A & 1B: Test Automation with Robert Sabourin (Canada)
- 1A: Designing Test Automation: Moving Beyond Regression
Robert Sabourin kicked off the day by guiding participants through how test automation can go beyond regression testing. His real-world examples demonstrated how automation can be a strategic tool to address diverse testing challenges across the software development lifecycle. - 1B: Automating Test Design: A Problem-Solving Approach
In the afternoon, Rob shifted focus to automating test design. This session highlighted how automation can improve test coverage, identify hidden bugs, and address complex functional and non-functional test objectives.
Workshop 2A & 2B: AI and Machine Learning with Tariq King (USA)
- 2A: A Quality Engineering Introduction to AI and Machine Learning
Tariq King’s morning session introduced participants to AI and machine learning fundamentals, specifically from a quality engineering perspective. He covered how to validate AI models, manage their unpredictability, and ensure reliability in AI-based systems. - 2B: Prompt Engineering for Software Quality Professionals
In the afternoon, Tariq explored the emerging field of prompt engineering for large language models (LLMs). Attendees learned how to craft effective prompts for AI-driven tools, improving test generation, analysis, and productivity.
Workshop 3A & 3B: Agile and Future-Proofing Your Career with Kevin Harris (UK)
- 3A: Testing in Agile
Kevin Harris led an insightful workshop on embedding testers into Agile teams, emphasizing the role of testers throughout the development process. He shared practical tips on improving collaboration, reducing documentation, and delivering high-quality software faster. - 3B: Future-Proofing Your Career: Navigating the Next Generation of Software Testing
In his afternoon session, Kevin provided insights on how testers can stay relevant in the rapidly evolving world of software testing. He covered the mindset, skills, and strategies needed to navigate and thrive in the next generation of testing.
Workshop 4A & 4B: Cultivating Quality and Testability with Lalitkumar Bhamare (Germany)
- 4A: Testing Beyond Testing – Cultivating a Culture of Quality
Lalitkumar’s morning session focused on fostering a quality-first culture within teams. Participants learned how to engage team members in collaborative testing efforts, ensuring that quality becomes an integral part of the software development process. - 4B: Testability 101: How Testers Can Help Establish a Culture of Testability
In the afternoon, Lalitkumar tackled the often-overlooked concept of testability. This session covered strategies for improving software testability, helping teams identify risks early and design more testable systems.
Workshop 5A & 5B: API Testing with Jency Stella (Malaysia) and Saif Siddiqui (Malaysia)
- 5A: Let’s Unleash API Performance Testing with Postman
Jency Stella’s workshop demonstrated how to use Postman for API performance testing. Participants learned how to simulate real-world traffic and evaluate API performance using built-in Postman features. - 5B: API Testing Using Postman Leveraging AI
In the afternoon, Saif Siddiqui showed how AI can be integrated with Postman to enhance API testing. The session provided strategies for automating tests and improving accuracy through AI.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead to SOFTECAsia 2025, the future of software testing is open to exciting possibilities. AI-augmented testing is likely to continue shaping the landscape, offering new ways to increase accuracy and efficiency, while IoT testing will need to evolve as more connected devices enter the market, raising the stakes for security and performance testing. Robotic process automation (RPA) may further streamline tasks, but how these technologies will blend and develop remains to be seen. These and other emerging trends will likely feature prominently in the discussions and innovations at SOFTECAsia 2025. Stay tuned and don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from global experts in the field!