Not Afraid to Fall, Always Poised to Push On: Valedictorian Ng Tze Kean

A Time to Reflect

For someone as accomplished as Ng Tze Kean, it would be easy to imagine his journey as a straight line of success. But speak to him, and you’ll find a story shaped not just by achievement, but by growth and reflection.

With his NTU journey behind him, the class of 2025 valedictorian reflects on the transition ahead with a sense of purpose. "It’s been four meaningful years, and now it’s time to look ahead," he says. "I’m grateful for the friendships and lessons that have shaped me along the way."

People Who Made a Difference

Tze Kean, who navigated his journey with determination and support from a bursary, holds deep gratitude for those who supported him: professors, donors, staff, and peers who shaped his time at NTU. "These are people I hope to stay connected with," he says. One such figure is his Final Year Project supervisor, Assoc Prof Sun Aixin, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, CCDS. "He reminded me it's not about chasing grades, but about what you take away from the experience."

From Campus to Career

Starting work as a data scientist, Tze Kean encountered the gap between theory and practice firsthand. Bridging this gap became both challenging and fulfilling, as he worked to turn academic concepts into tools that deliver real-world results. He also realised that even the most complex ideas must be communicated clearly to make real impact.

Outside of work, he collaborated with NTU friends on a tech project for Tamira Technologies, a Singapore-based firm using generative AI to support SMEs with enterprise resource management.

The project which began during an exchange semester in China, led to the development of an asset management tool called AlfredX. The tool allows users to input requests in natural language, streamlining asset tracking and resource management.

“It started as a pet project,” he says. “We wanted to make things simpler for users.”

Now in its pilot phase at Tamira, AlfredX is being refined for wider rollout.

For Tze Kean, both this independent effort and his industry role shaped how he approaches long-term learning: by applying what he knows to solve real problems - and staying curious enough to build what doesn’t yet exist.

Eyes on the Future

Tze Kean hopes to pursue postgraduate studies, not just for prestige, but to tackle real world problems. He recalls his professors encouraging him to seek a research problem that’s not just interesting, but meaningful enough to make the effort worthwhile. That mindset continues guide his next steps.

He views growth as a process of exploration – trying, failing, learning and trying again. Inspired by reinforcement learning in computer science, he believes setbacks are necessary for real progress.

“You grow when you explore,” he says. “It’s not about always getting it right, but about being willing to try something new, fail, and then figure out how to get better.”

Honouring Mentorship

Recently invited to join the CCDS Alumni Committee, he sees it as an opportunity to give back, especially by helping future students prepare for the working world. He hopes to offer mentorship, share industry trends, and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. 

Tze Kean was awarded the prestigious Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award, an honour he describes as both humbling and motivating. "It represents the support and inspiration I’ve received from my mentors and community," he says. "It motivates me to lead by example and create opportunities for others." The award is not just a recognition of his achievements but a reminder of the value of gratitude and service.

As part of the award, he honoured two individuals who inspired and supported him. He chose his junior college teacher, Mr Lai Wai Liang, who sparked his passion for giving back, and Professor Sun Aixin, whose belief in him helped him grow as both a leader and learner.

 

Double the Joy and Looking Ahead

This year’s convocation is extra special for Tze Kean and his family. His younger sister is also graduating with an accountancy degree from Nanyang Business School. They both entered university at the same time, a rare overlap made possible by Tze Kean’s National Service.

Throughout their time at NTU, they shared milestones, challenges, and growth. “We started together, and now we are finishing together,” he says. For their parents, it’s not just a proud moment; it’s double the joy and double the fulfilment. It is also a moment that affirms their family’s quiet support behind his achievements.

Still Just Getting Started

For Tze Kean, graduation is not the finish line – it is a call to go further.

"As long as you are willing to fall … and pick yourself up and continue … that is where you will see growth," he says.

It’s a mindset shaped by challenge, grounded in curiosity, and guided by mentors who believed in him. He leaves NTU not just as a top student, but as someone ready to shape the world he’s stepping into – with humility, purpose, and the quiet confidence of a leader who knows growth never stops.