Tony Ma

Education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Master of Science in Information Technology

Step 2023 - Jan 2025

Master's Dissertation: Privacy-Preserving Multi-label Classification for Large Language Models via Fully Homomorphic Encryption

Grade: A

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Bachelor of Science in Applied and Human-Centred Computing

Step 2019 - Jun 2023

Final Year Project: Integrating Blockchain Technology in a 2D Side-Scrolling Game

Grade: A

Work Experience

Full-Stack Developer / AI Researcher

Checki Limited · Hong Kong · Jul 2025 - Present

Built and maintained Checki, a location-based social discovery platform across a B2C iOS app, Go/Gin backend, PostgreSQL database, AWS infrastructure, B2B merchant portal, guest voting web app, and internal admin dashboard.

Developed production React Native + Expo iOS features including map discovery, check-ins, merchant profiles, advanced search, media upload, news feed, gamification, i18n, and App Store launch flows.
Implemented Go/Gin + PostgreSQL backend services with Firebase Auth, Row-Level Security, transaction handling, keyset pagination, ETag sync, rate limiting, and structured logging.
Built Secret Check-in Challenge, community validation, merchant media galleries, rewards/token mechanics, achievement badges, and EatWhatDice group voting.
Supported AWS production deployment using ECS, ECR, RDS, ALB, CloudFront, S3, Lambda log export, CloudWatch, DNS, autoscaling, and CI/CD.

React Native

Expo

TypeScript

Gin

PostgreSQL

AWS

Firebase Auth

MapLibre

TanStack Query

Achievements

Polkadot Hackathon 2023 (Korea)

June 2023

Shortlisted. Led the team to develop a farming game on the Unique Network utilizing nested NFTs and dynamic NFTs, showcasing innovative blockchain integration.

IEEEXtreme 14.0 Programming Competition

January 2021

Led the "HSUHK" team from The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong to rank No. 1 in the Hong Kong Region and No. 149 worldwide out of 4,132 teams, showcasing exceptional teamwork and programming expertise.

Kotlin Heroes 5: ICPC Round

November 2020

Ranked in the top 10% worldwide out of over 6,700 contestants, including university students and industry professionals, by solving nine challenging programming problems using Kotlin within two and a half hours.

Google Kickstart

September - October 2020

Achieved Round F Rank: 4,672 and Round G Rank: 6,389, demonstrating strong problem-solving and coding skills in a global competitive environment.

Projects

Checki - Location-Based Social Discovery Platform

Jul 2025 - Present

Built a production multi-platform social discovery system across a B2C iOS app, B2B merchant portal, guest voting web app, admin dashboard, Go/Gin backend, PostgreSQL database, and AWS infrastructure. Core features include map discovery, public/secret check-ins, merchant profiles, advanced search, Secret Challenge, community validation, EatWhatDice group voting, gamification, media upload, moderation, and App Store launch workflows.

Master's Dissertation: Privacy-Preserving Multi-label Classification for Large Language Models via Fully Homomorphic Encryption

Dec 2024

Extended Fully Homomorphic Encryption circuits for large language models to support multi-label classification. Developed a privacy-preserving environment for model inference, ensuring data confidentiality and security during processing.

Final Year Project: Integrating Blockchain Technology in a 2D Side-Scrolling Game

Apr 2023

Led a team to develop an NFT marketplace and a 2D side-scrolling adventure game, integrating blockchain technology. Utilized smart contracts to secure game assets and records, enhancing trust and transparency within the gaming platform. Designed all characters, animations, environments, and artwork in-house.

Monopoly Game

Apr 2022

Led a team to develop a Java-based Monopoly game featuring a graphical user interface (GUI) implemented using the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern. Ensured a seamless and interactive user experience through robust architecture and design.

Mask Detection Application (Using ResNet50 & Haar Cascade)

Apr 2022

Led the development of a machine learning application capable of detecting whether individuals in a webcam feed are wearing masks. Utilized ResNet50 and Haar Cascade algorithms to achieve accurate and real-time mask detection.

Galaxy Cube

Jan 2021

Released my first mobile game, Galaxy Cube, developed within a week. Players control a blue cube, dodging red and green enemies to achieve the highest score possible. (Currently removed from Google Play)

maimai DX (International Version) 情報站

Jan 2021

Developed my first mobile app specifically designed for the 'maimai' arcade game. Enabled users to search and explore the game through various categories, enhancing their gaming experience. (Currently removed from Google Play)