In this series, Science@NTU gets to know the 2025 CoS valedictorians. They give a quick overview of their time in CoS, and also offer a few words of advice on transitioning into a new phase of life. Next up, we have Eduard Wikarta from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
How did you end up studying physics and mathematical sciences?
To me, mathematics deals with the abstract – axioms, definitions, theorems – with which one can create structured frameworks. Physics, on the other hand, seeks to explain the natural world through empirical observations. I’ve always been amazed at how these two fields come together, allowing scientists to take these abstract ideas and use them to understand the laws which govern everything around us. It was this deep and profound intersection of theory and application that led me to pursue this course of study.
What did you enjoy most during your four years in NTU SPMS?
Above all, I think what I’ve enjoyed the most during my time at SPMS was the environment. The faculty have truly been exceptional – always approachable, always encouraging, and never making me feel like a door was ever closed. Their openness created an atmosphere where I felt comfortable exploring my interests and pushing my boundaries.
I’m incredibly grateful for my friends, who have been by my side through every high and low of this journey. I’ll always treasure the memories we’ve made; not just the big milestones like setting up the SPMS Houses or planning engaging events for the student body, but also the quieter, everyday moments.
I’ll never forget those afternoons spent huddled together in the MAS Atrium, talking about homework, sharing ideas, and just enjoying each other’s company. It’s in those small, fleeting moments that I’ve really felt the sense of community and camaraderie that makes SPMS so special.
Which experience had the greatest impact on you?
I think one of the most defining experiences for me was when I had the opportunity to serve as House Director. Up until that point, I hadn’t had much experience managing a committee, and to be honest, the House Committee was the largest one I had ever worked with! It was a role that stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated – exhausting and demanding, but never dull.
It taught me a lot about balancing my responsibilities as a student with my duties as a leader. It wasn’t always easy, but it was in those challenging moments that I grew the most. I also discovered the importance of resilience, learning to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Looking back, I’m really grateful that I took on that role, not just for the leadership skills I gained, but also because it helped me forge some of the friendships I value most today!
What’s your next step after graduation?
I’m still weighing my options, but at the moment I’m really happy with where I am now – a research engineer under the Future Energy Acceleration and Translation (FEAT) Programme at A*STAR, where I’m currently working on developing new tools for interpreting microwave diagnostics in fusion plasmas!
Any words of advice to students who intend to study Science?
Contrary to what I was told before coming to university, science in our era is quite a collaborative effort. So, while it is important to develop strong fundamentals, it is also equally important to make connections with others, exchange ideas, and build relationships. You never know what you might learn and what insights or breakthroughs might emerge from a casual conversation!
What advice do you have for your peers who are graduating this year?
For all my friends graduating this year, my advice is simple: always embrace fear and choose courage! Over the past four years, we’ve faced countless challenges – from the academic grind to personal struggles – but each moment has taught us the value of pushing through even when we’re scared. Fear is a natural part of growth: it’s the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be. The key is not to let is hold us back, but to face it and keep moving forward.
As we step into the future, remember that the journey ahead will come with its own fears and uncertainties, whether it’s job-hunting, finding love, or facing the unknown. But we’ve already proven to ourselves that we have the courage to push through. So let’s continue to smile, stay optimistic, and above all, do it scared! We’ve made it this far and I know that no matter what, we will always rise to the occasion, come what may!
Provide a quote that inspires you.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it.”