Growth begins where comfort ends

For many, growth unfolds gradually. For Soraya Moghtader Mojdehi, Class of 2026 valedictorian, it often begins with a single decision: saying yes to the unfamiliar.

Having lived and studied across London, Dubai and Singapore, she grew accustomed to stepping into new environments where everything, from cultural norms to classroom dynamics, felt different. It was within these moments of uncertainty that she discovered some of her most formative lessons.

“I met people with very different points of view, cultures and ways of working,” she says. “Each new environment challenged me to adapt, observe and learn before finding my place within it.”

Those experiences shaped more than her ability to navigate change. They cultivated a deep curiosity about people and perspectives, reinforcing her belief that education extends far beyond campus grounds. “Some of the most valuable lessons came not from textbooks but from the people around me.”  

Choosing the unknown

At the Faculty of Science, her journey reflects that same openness. Alongside her studies, she immersed herself in a range of experiences spanning research, healthcare innovation, student leadership and sport. Rather than following a fixed plan, she embraced opportunities as they emerged, trusting that each would offer something meaningful.

Many of those opportunities began with uncertainty. “Whether it was moving countries, taking on leadership roles or joining the NUS Aquathlon team, I rarely knew exactly where each experience would lead,” she says.

What motivates her to venture into the unknown is a simple conviction: growth happens when one steps beyond the familiar. In time, each experience opened doors she could never have anticipated.

A leap that changed everything

Among her many decisions, one stands out as particularly transformative. Leaving London to pursue her MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology at NUS meant stepping away from family, friends and the comforts of a familiar life. It was a choice defined by uncertainty, but one that ultimately changed her path.

Looking back, she sees that leap of faith as a turning point towards the countless opportunities that followed. “It led me to research, internships, student leadership roles, lifelong friendships and experiences that have broadened both my professional and personal horizons.” What once felt like a risk became the foundation of a journey of discovery and growth.

Where science meets purpose

Along the way, her experiences reshaped her perspective on what it means to make an impact in science – not as a series of isolated pursuits, but as part of the multidimensional healthcare sector. Rather than viewing scientific discovery as an isolated pursuit, she began to appreciate the broader ecosystem required to create meaningful impact.

“These experiences showed me that improving healthcare requires more than scientific discovery alone. It also requires collaboration, communication and an understanding of real-world needs,” she says.

As she looks ahead, her aspirations lie at the intersection of science, healthcare and communication. She believes innovation achieves its greatest impact when it reaches those who need it most. Scientific breakthroughs alone are not enough, she says. They must be understood, adopted and translated into practice.

“I aspire to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world patient care,” she says.

Be it through education, innovation or healthcare strategy, her goal is to transform complex evidence into meaningful action – ensuring that advances in science deliver tangible benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

For this valedictorian, the path forward remains rooted in the same principle that has guided her across countries, disciplines and experiences: embracing the unfamiliar.