A Filipino student graduated magna cum laude with highest honors at the prestigious Harvard University in the US. 

Eion Nikolai Chua, 22, earned a double degree in Chemistry and Economics with a Master's degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, all completed in four years of his stay at Harvard. 

He was one of the thousands of graduates who attended Harvard University’s 374th Commencement Exercises held on May 29. 

The university awarded 9,434 degrees on May 29, including 2,014 degrees from Harvard College. 

With his achievements, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, which is the oldest and “America's most prestigious honor society” founded in 1776. 

Before attending Harvard University in 2021, Chua studied at the International School Manila and MGC New Life Christian Academy, both located in Taguig. 

Eion Nikolai Chua at the Harvard University's Commencement Exercises on May 29 (Photo from Benjamin Chua)

Eion Nikolai Chua with his family at the Harvard University's Commencement Exercises on May 29 (Photo from Benjamin Chua)

Eion Nikolai Chua at the Harvard University's Commencement Exercises on May 29 (Photo from Benjamin Chua)

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Chua said he was very happy when he learned that he would graduate as magna cum laude.

“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. For this also, they considered a lot of like difficulty of courses so they really see who takes like depth of courses appropriate for someone who they think will perform well,” he said. 

In the short term, Chua will be going back to the Philippines to rest and explore the chemistry industry in the country before going back to the US. 

In the long term, he will go back to the Philippines and start a business to help other people. 

“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 said. 

As an example, he said many agricultural waste products turn to waste in the country, which can be converted to bio chemicals for farmers.

Chua said he is dedicating his achievement to a lot of people, including his parents and teachers. 

“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. 

At Harvard, Chua joined the Harvard Pops Orchestra where he played the piano. 

“It has always been my dream to play with an orchestra. And I was able to play like a concierto with them,” he said. He was also the president of the Harvard Chemistry Club.  

In a post on Facebook, Chua’s father, Benjamin, said his son’s achievement is a blessing. 

“Eion Chua , I stand in awe—not just as your father, but as a witness to God’s overwhelming grace in your life. Graduating Magna Cum Laude with Highest Honors from Harvard University, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, is not just an academic milestone—it is a blessing from the Lord. And what a journey it has been!” he wrote. 

He added, “The word ‘Veritas,’ etched in Harvard's seal, means truth. I pray that the same truth, wisdom, and favor continue to go before you in every season ahead. I give glory to God, our Heavenly Father, for His faithfulness in your life. Your gifts are God's fingerprints. Honor God, and He will keep astounding you.”

For Filipinos who want to study at Harvard or any university in the US, 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.”