John Kuruvilla’s journey to Adelaide is a story of reinvention, adaptability and embracing the opportunities created by a rapidly changing world.
Featured on Season 3 of the Adelaide Connected podcast, John shares how a career that began in forensic accounting ultimately led him into the fast-evolving world of technology and cyber security. Originally from Malaysia, John started his professional career in Sydney before recognising how quickly digital disruption was reshaping industries and creating entirely new career pathways.
Motivated by the desire to future-proof his career and continue learning, John made the decision to move to Adelaide in 2018 to undertake a Master of IT at the University of South Australia, a decision that would ultimately reshape both his professional and personal life.
As is the case for many international students and migrants, relocating to a new city, changing industries and building new professional networks required persistence and resilience. On time of adjusting to a new culture, moving from accounting into cyber security also meant learning new technical skills and navigating an increasingly competitive global technology landscape.
But through those experiences, John found Adelaide offered something unique.
“Adelaide is a hidden gem. There are a lot of beaches and hiking trails no one ever talks about. It really is beautiful.”
In the podcast, he reflects on the accessibility of Adelaide’s technology sector and the openness of the local professional community. Rather than feeling lost in a large and crowded market, John discovered a city where relationships matter and where emerging talent is genuinely supported. That collaborative culture helped him successfully transition into the technology industry and establish a career in cyber security, digital forensics and cloud security.
Today, as a Senior Associate at Scyne Advisory, John works across cyber security, digital forensics and cloud security projects, contributing to one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. His story highlights Adelaide’s growing reputation as a destination for technology talent and innovation, while also demonstrating the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in a changing world.
Beyond work, John speaks about enjoying Adelaide’s lifestyle advantages — the balance between career opportunity and quality of life, the ease of building meaningful connections and the ability to feel part of a community.
His journey reflects the broader mission of Adelaide Connected: showcasing the people choosing South Australia, the skills and experiences they bring, and the role they play in shaping Adelaide’s future.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify here.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts here.