Filipino Student Graduates Harvard Magna Cum Laude with Highest Honors
A remarkable Filipino student has graduated magna cum laude with highest honors at the world-renowned Harvard University. Eion Nikolai Chua, 22, earned a double degree in Chemistry and Economics alongside a Master’s degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, completing all within just four years. His outstanding academic performance earned him induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, known as America’s oldest and most prestigious honor society since 1776.
Chua was among thousands who received degrees during Harvard’s 374th Commencement Exercises held on May 29, where the university awarded a total of 9,434 degrees, including 2,014 from Harvard College. Prior to Harvard, he studied at the International School Manila and MGC New Life Christian Academy, both in Taguig.
Joy and Commitment Behind the Achievement
In a recent interview, Chua shared his excitement about graduating magna cum laude with highest honors. “Very happy. But I guess I sort of medyo expected na po because I was very involved in like taking a lot of graduate courses doing research. I feel like I did well and when I heard about it, definitely I was very happy,” he said. He explained that his workload included difficult courses, which the university considers when awarding honors to students who show depth and strong performance.
Future Plans: From Harvard to the Philippines
Looking ahead, Chua plans to return to the Philippines in the short term to rest and explore opportunities within the local chemistry industry before heading back to the US. His long-term vision is to start a chemistry-based business in the Philippines to benefit others.
“In the very short-term, I’m hoping to go back home and rest and also maybe like explore a little bit and see what the chemistry industry is like in the Philippines. In the long term, I want to go back and like do chemistry and hopefully like use my expertise, maybe do a little chemistry start-up or chemistry business to like help other people,” he explained.
He noted the potential for converting agricultural waste, which often goes unused, into valuable biochemicals for farmers. This practical vision reflects his desire to apply his knowledge for the country’s benefit.
Support System and Personal Interests
Chua credited his success to numerous people around him. “They say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ I mean getting into Harvard in the first place like I’ve met people who congratulated me–’Wow ang galing mo naman. You’re going to Harvard.’ Pero sa totoo lang, a large part of is, not only like my parents who raised me up and taught me this and supported my education. Pero also the people in high school, for example, the counselors. Large part of them, parents, family. The Chem department at Harvard was very supportive as well,” he said.
Beyond academics, Chua was actively involved in extracurriculars. He played piano with the Harvard Pops Orchestra, fulfilling a lifelong dream to perform with an orchestra. He also served as president of the Harvard Chemistry Club.
Family Pride and Words of Advice
Chua’s father expressed pride and gratitude in a heartfelt post. He described his son’s achievement as a blessing and recognized the role of faith and perseverance throughout the journey.
For Filipino students aspiring to study at Harvard or other top US universities, Chua advised, “From what I kind of seen and from what I’ve heard, like a lot of the top universities here, they want someone who…a lot of people siyempre alam nila you need to be well-rounded in academics and extracurricular activities. That’s true po. Pero you need to show also that you could be committed and perform well in something you are passionate about.”
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