In a notable display of academic performance, three 27-year-old Rwandan postgraduate students were last week awarded the prestigious Academic Excellence Award at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. The performance of Evariste Vuguziga, Bienvenu Kaboba, and Simeon Rukundo in the Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing at NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering not only raised the Rwandan flag high but also stressed the strength of Rwanda’s educational partnerships with global institutions. These three graduates not only completed their programme with top grades—Vuguziga earned a GPA of 4.70 and Kaboba and Rukundo got a GPA of 4.44 each—but also overcame challenges to success at a highly competitive university. The NTU is ranked among the world's top 30 universities. ALSO READ: Rwandan students win top honors at Singaporean university In an exclusive interview, the trio reflected on their journey and shared their future aspirations. For Vuguziga, the award was a depiction of hard work, strategic collaboration, and time management. He noted that collaboration with his colleagues from countries like China, India, and Indonesia greatly enriched his understanding of smart manufacturing. “This global interaction broadened my perspectives and equipped me with valuable insights,” Vuguziga said. ALSO READ: First cohort of Rwandan students commence high-tech studies at Singapore’s top varsity He expressed gratitude to the NTU professors and administration for their guidance and support and acknowledged the role of God in his journey. The one-year programme provided a comprehensive study of smart manufacturing, encompassing advanced technologies such as robotics, optics, and additive manufacturing (3D printing), an experience Vuguziga said was transformative in shaping his vision to apply the knowledge gained to Rwanda’s development. “I am excited to engage in research related to smart manufacturing and technology to drive innovation and progress in Rwanda,” he said. ALSO READ: Kagame shares link between Rwanda’s innovation and continuity Rukundo attributed his success to a strong support system, including Rwanda’s High Commission in Singapore, his professors, and peers. His time at NTU was marked by research, particularly in the field of Laser-Assisted Quality Assurance. “The university’s well-equipped research labs and the diversity of students from around the world provided a unique and enriching experience,” Rukundo told The New Times. Born in Rusizi District, Western Province, Rukundo’s passion for this field began early. After completing General Mechanics at IPRC Karongi and Production Engineering at the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology, he pursued in Smart Manufacturing at NTU. Now back in Rwanda, Rukundo is actively contributing to ongoing research while preparing to establish a manufacturing facility. His advice to students in the field is to familiarise themselves with mechanical engineering and mathematics, the cornerstones of smart manufacturing. ALSO READ: Mineduc, Singaporean tech university sign academic exchange deal Bienvenu Kaboba attributed his success to resilience and determination. “We wanted to raise our flag high and show that we could compete on the global stage,” he said. Kaboba expressed gratitude to the Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, the Ministry of Education, and his supervisors at NTU for their unwavering support. Despite difficulties with the advanced coursework and his thesis, he managed to finish within the set deadline. “My thesis was tough and required a lot of hard work, but I completed it on time,” he said. Reflecting on his journey, Kaboba highlighted the importance of curiosity and innovation for students pursuing careers in smart manufacturing. “The future of the industry lies in embracing cutting-edge technologies, and it’s crucial for us in Africa to catch up with the rest of the world,” he noted. Born in Nyarugenge District, Kaboba’s love for science was nurtured from a young age. His passion was driven by Isaac Newton’s words: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” He was interested in space exploration and mechanical engineering and dreamed of becoming a pilot or astronaut. But his journey took a different turn and he studied smart manufacturing—a field he now believes is integral to Rwanda’s future. Kaboba envisions contributing to research and development that will bridge the technological gap in Africa. “There are many opportunities in smart manufacturing that can drive Rwanda’s growth,” he said. Kaboba’s advice to the younger generation is to embrace challenges, and remain enthusiastic about learning and innovation.
