Mason's journey to the Apple Developer Academy in Italy

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Mason's journey to the Apple Developer Academy in Italy

Bachelor of Computer Science alumnus, Mason Cao, discovered a passion for app development while completing the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Mason will jet off to Naples, Italy this month to participate in the prestigious Apple Developer Academy, a 10-month program to foster emerging talent in app development.

During the program, Mason will dive deeper into coding and build competencies in a range of areas, from problem solving and collaboration to pitching and presenting, putting him on track to realise his goal of becoming a professional iOS developer.

An avid coder whose dream is to one day meet Apple CEO Tim Cook, Mason has always believed in the transformational power of well-designed technology.

“The 'feel-good' moments that come with technology are what I'm passionate about – how smart design can make complex things feel simple and intuitive,” he said.

“For one of my apps, I decided to address my own ADHD and morning time management struggles. I built a companion app with timers, music, encouragement and alarms for each task, designed for people with ADHD, who, like me, simply need different support systems.”

Building this app taught me that solving your own problems often creates solutions others need too.

Mason Cao speaking into microphone

Apple Foundation Program key to unlocking opportunities

Mason completed the Apple Foundation Program in May of 2023.

He sees the program as a key stepping stone that opened his eyes to new experiences and ultimately led him to the Apple Developer Academy.

“The Apple Foundation Program was the first time I’d been exposed to such a dynamic, creative environment.

“It was my start in [Apple’s programming language] Swift and working in diverse teams to get the best outcomes.”

Through this experience, Mason met his mentor, James – an experienced developer, who, in fact, has met Mason’s idol, Tim Cook, and encouraged Mason to continue applying his learnings beyond the program.

Mason competed in the 2024 Apple Swift Student Challenge and was declared one of 350 winners worldwide, as part of which he was flown out to Sydney to visit Apple’s head office.

His trajectory shows how putting yourself out there and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you as an RMIT student can build towards something great.

“The hardest part of any task is always starting," he said.

I've learned that consistent, messy actions will get you further than perfected planning every time.

Mason Cao presenting to class

Director of the Apple Foundation Program, Professor Tuck Wah Leong, said Mason’s pathway exemplifies the impact of the program, which received record-high applications in 2025.

“The Apple Foundation Program is the ultimate learning ground, giving students hands-on experiences using Apple technologies and, in the process, challenging them to be creative, entrepreneurial, and work in teams to solve problems."

"Mason excelled at the program, and I am very pleased we could support him on his journey,” Professor Leong said.

An exciting new chapter

Mason is looking forward to commencing at the Apple Developer Academy this month.

He is excited to build his portfolio and work on apps that could be published on the App Store and used by real people, all while finding a home in a new community of peers and mentors.

I look forward to being surrounded by like-minded peers at the Academy, and learning from dedicated mentors with years of experience in their fields – bouncing around ideas and solutions and fostering connections that may last a lifetime.

Mason plans to immerse himself in the Italian culture fully – watching, learning and living it all.

"I look forward to trying the famed Neapolitan pizzas, basking in the Mediterranean sun while sipping on a limoncello drink, and dining at a quaint restaurant with tables spilling out onto the cobblestone streets, people-watching as the city comes alive around me."

At the end of his time at the Academy, Mason is hoping he will have the connections and experiences to go off and work in a product team, or perhaps develop his own startup focused on education and wellness.

With the Apple Foundation Program as his launchpad, Mason is ready to take on the Apple Developer Academy and turn his vision into impact.

06 August 2025

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