A FILIPINO scholar has brought immense pride to the Philippines after graduating magna cum laude from the prestigious Harvard University, earning dual degrees in Chemistry (Chemical Biology) and Economics.

Eion Nikolai Chua, a 22-year-old graduate of International School Manila and MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig City, completed both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master’s in Chemistry under Harvard’s Concurrent Degree Program—a rare academic feat achieved by only a select few.

Chua was among the nearly 10,000 graduates who marched during Harvard’s 374th commencement ceremony held on May 29, 2025. Of the 9,434 total graduates, 2,014 were from Harvard College, comprising 1,947 Bachelor of Arts and 67 Bachelor of Science degree holders. Another 1,357 completed graduate programs from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, including 275 Master of Science degree recipients.

While at Harvard, Chua served as President of the Chemistry Club and was an active research fellow under the university’s Program for Research in Science and Engineering. He was also a two-time John Harvard Scholar, an honor awarded to the top-performing students in each class year, and a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the United States.

His real-world academic exposure extended beyond the classroom. Chua served as a teaching assistant, completed a research internship at D&L Industries Inc., and continuously demonstrated leadership and scientific curiosity throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies.

Chua’s remarkable academic journey began in 2021 when he entered Harvard and quickly distinguished himself in both the sciences and economics—two disciplines rarely pursued concurrently.

His success not only exemplifies academic excellence but also underscores the global potential of Filipino students when given opportunities on the world stage.