This valedictorian turns gratitude into generosity

Text: Vivien Yap

“I didn’t expect myself to ever enter university,” says Songkiat Ow, who took an unconventional path in his studies.

A Normal (Technical) secondary school student, Songkiat studied Chemical Process Technology at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Here, he developed an interest in chemical engineering and a hunger to pursue deeper knowledge about the subject.

After graduating at the top of his class in Chemical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic, Songkiat accepted a Singapore-Industry Scholarship awarded by Seatrium to study at the NTU School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB).

Songkiat graduating at the top of his class in ITE East (left) and Singapore Polytechnic (right).

NTU was always Songkiat’s top choice. His cousin, an alumnus of NTU, often shared fond memories of his time in school, having hall dance practices, late night study sessions and supper runs.

“I heard about NTU’s vibrant student life, and the student culture really drew me in,” says Songkiat.

This attraction marked the beginning of four years, during which Songkiat balanced academic dedication with active involvement in student life.

Now, Songkiat has been selected as the valedictorian speaker to represent his graduating cohort in July 2025.

An unexpected journey to Austria

Some of Songkiat's experiences during his student exchange at Technische Universität Graz.

Like many NTU students, Songkiat had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad for his student exchange. However, after multiple failed attempts to get his choice of overseas university, he was recommended to take a chance at Technische Universität Graz in Austria, where no NTU chemical engineering students had ever been.

“I was the only Singaporean in the city of Graz. I didn’t have anyone to consult regarding academic and accommodation, so I connected with seniors from other NTU courses through LinkedIn to ask them about their experiences,” he said. 

Songkiat ventured into the unknown. He successfully matched relevant engineering courses with his overseas university and experienced first-hand how engineering was taught differently abroad.

“Austria is not as fast paced as Singapore, but just because the pace is slower doesn’t necessarily mean things are easier. For example, they have oral examinations, which are uncommon in engineering courses. I found that the oral exams didn’t just test my knowledge but the presentation and articulation of engineering theories.”

In Austria, Songkiat picked up cooking and saw snow for the first time, expanding his horizons of a world beyond Asia.

A student sharing by Songkiat to his juniors on his exchange experience in Austria.

Inspired by his time overseas, Songkiat wanted to share his experience with others. Once back in Singapore, he created a comprehensive website detailing steps and tips on navigating university life locally and abroad. He even gave talks during seniors’ sharing sessions at his faculty to inspire and encourage more students to apply.

“I feel like a proud father, you know? Juniors would come up to me and thank me for my tips. The groundwork I put in will help future batches of NTU undergraduates,” said the 27-year-old graduate.

Grateful for financial support

Songkiat continued to excel in school and internships after returning from Austria. Despite his busy schedule, he still made time to continuously give back by mentoring students from ITE College as part of his volunteering activities with NTU Welfare Services Club. Songkiat credits his seniors and mentors for inspiring him to give back to students needing guidance.

Despite his busy schedule, Songkiat continued to mentoring students from ITE as part of NTU’s Welfare Services Club.

However, personal hardship struck in 2025 when there was a family emergency, and Songkiat faced financial uncertainty.

Not wanting to burden his family, he sought financial aid and received help from the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Student Emergency Aid Fund. The fund comes under the OneNTU Fund, which supports students who need immediate assistance.

“When I got news that my application was successful, I felt great relief. Any amount of money was helpful,” shared Songkiat.

Not one to forget the help given to him by his benefactors, Songkiat in turn, gave back to NTU through 2025’s Graduation Giving, specifically by donating to the CCEB Advancement Fund.

He believes in passing forward the aid that was provided to him. “I hope to see my juniors pursue their passions in CCEB, especially for overseas opportunities like I did, and not be restricted by financial limitations or struggles.”

Beyond giving back monetarily, Songkiat also said he plans to give back to NTU through career mentorships once he enters the workforce.

He will join Seatrium - a Singaporean engineering company in the global offshore, marine, and energy industries, which gave him his scholarship, as an engineer.

Songkiat representing the Class of 2025 with the Class Shirt and Class Bear.

“I’m a bit sad to no longer have summer and winter breaks, but I am excited to enter this new phase of life. Work is different from studying – the goals are different, and it’s nice to know that there is no limit to how high I can go,” says Songkiat.

To his juniors and the generations of undergraduates that will follow in his footsteps, Songkiat has simple advice: “Do the things that would make your 80- and 8-year-old self proud.”