This NUS alumnus aced the ultimate university bucket list (all 13 items!)

When Huang Ziwei (Arts & Social Sciences ’24) stepped into the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2020, he made an extensive bucket list as a means to chart his journey.

“I came into university telling myself that I wanted to leave with no regrets after my four years. I personally believe I have lived my NUS journey to the fullest by my own standards,” said the President of the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU).

If not for the pandemic, Ziwei might not have gone to NUS. Seven years ago, when he stepped out from Temasek Junior College, he had wanted to study in an overseas university to “experience life and learning beyond the borders of Singapore”.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ziwei’s family felt it would be safer for him to stay in Singapore. He decided to head to NUS to do a double major in Political Science and Chinese Studies which, in hindsight he shared, “was one of the best decisions I have made as I have gained so much here in terms of knowledge, friends, experience, leadership opportunities and more!”

Some of his university highlights include his time “meeting interesting people through weekly bonding sessions over meals” at Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) where he stayed throughout his four years, being part of the NUS Student Exchange Programme to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and “mustering up the courage and conviction to run for the highest office in Student Governance as the President of NUSSU”.

“Although this role presented many challenges and struggles along the way, I have learnt so much and met so many like-minded and passionate individuals that pushed me to work harder to be a better leader and a better person,” he shared.

There is also his passion for badminton. He was captain of the RVRC Badminton team and was the NUS Inter-Faculty Games Badminton Captain for the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. “I will also miss the usual trainings with my team, bonding sessions and competing together with my teammates,” said Ziwei, who noted his biggest takeaway from NUS is his friendships.

Even after achieving his goals for student life and closing this chapter, he acknowledges that he has a “certain level of trepidation” as he graduates from NUS. He explained, “The doubts of whether I will land a good employment, whether my skills learnt in class will be applicable, whether I fit into the company’s culture, whether I will be accepted by my colleagues, and whether I have good progression at my workplace with a competitive salary are all common worries that cast a certain level of fear as we graduate.”

That said, just like how he planned his university bucket list, he has also mapped out the road ahead. Upon graduation, he intends to take a break to travel and spend time with his loved ones before gearing up for work.

He shared, “I aspire to work in roles that require me to be outward and people-facing, managing deals and wealth, encompassing strategic planning and organisational management. My eventual goal is to earn enough capital to start my own business in 10 to 15 years.”

At the same time, he is committed to remaining connected to NUS. 

“As an alumnus, I plan to stay in contact with NUSSU juniors, offering advice and encouragement to support their growth. I also intend to participate in NUS events such as Homecoming and alumni sharing sessions, and to support NUS and NUSSU bursaries through donations, ensuring future generations have the resources to succeed.”

Read Ziwei’s words of encouragement for fellow graduates here.

Text by Wong Sher Maine. Photos courtesy of Huang Ziwei.