Nelson Ng
Achievements

Nelson Ng, a 2020 graduate of the MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics programme at the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM), has charted a remarkable career path that bridges the worlds of engineering and finance. His journey, marked by academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to social impact, is an inspiring example for aspiring professionals.

Nelson first learned about UoSM through an education fair, and what stood out to him were the university’s favourable staff-to-student ratio and its prestigious world-class ranking. As a recipient of the esteemed Yayasan Khazanah scholarship, he seized the opportunity to gain an education that extended beyond academics.

One of the most transformative experiences of his studies was his semester abroad experience to Toulouse, the Aerospace City of Europe, a unique opportunity that made him the only UoSM student to undertake such a specialisation. This exposure allowed him to engage directly with industry experts, gaining firsthand insights into the aerospace sector.

Studying abroad provided Nelson with invaluable opportunities to interact with individuals from diverse nationalities and cultures, broadening his perspectives. He also actively sought work experiences beyond the classroom, taking on roles as a waiter at St. Marie Football Cafe and as a janitor at the Hartley Library. These experiences enriched his understanding of different industries and equipped him with essential life skills.

Nelson’s passion for making a difference was evident during his university days. Despite being a scholarship recipient, he donated part of his scholarship funds to support NGOs, student-led initiatives, and activities. He also founded ProjectEd Malaysia, a student-run scholarship fund to support underserved students to pursue their higher education dreams. For Scholars by Scholars. Alongside with this contribution, his Group Design Project involved creating a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone to deliver medical supply in the UK.

This drive eventually led him to entrepreneurship. Nelson founded The Good Karma Club, an investment club in Southeast Asia. His engineering background and problem-solving mindset played a crucial role in shaping his approach to business and investments.

Despite having no formal background in finance, Nelson’s engineering training proved instrumental in his career. His ability to think analytically and apply engineering principles helped him transition into the financial sector. His journey began at Khazanah Nasional Berhad, where he worked in Public Markets & Airlines, gaining deep insights into financial markets and investment strategies.

In his current role, Nelson collaborates with founders and investors, ensuring companies make sound financial decisions. His expertise in engineering and technical skills allows him to provide valuable perspectives to the business world, demonstrating the versatility of an engineering education.

Nelson envisions The Good Karma Club as a platform that contributes to sustainability and shapes the future of investment. However, he acknowledges the challenge of finding young, talented individuals to drive the mission forward. He encourages greater collaboration between alumni and industry stakeholders through initiatives such as guest lectures and joint ventures.

Nelson’s advice to students and young professionals is simple yet profound: “Expose yourself as much as you can when you are young. Create a safety net, and just do whatever you want to do. If you have the time and chance; just do it.”

His journey is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and using one’s skills to create a positive impact. From aerospace engineering to investment leadership, Nelson Ng continues to redefine success on his own terms.