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Some stories of excellence begin with a difficult childhood. Rudra Prasadh Ganesh’s story is different.
His journey began with something much simpler: curiosity.

As a student at Global Indian International School in Malaysia, Rudra was already drawn to mathematics and problem-solving. In 2014, while still in Class 5, he won a Gold Medal in the Singapore & Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO). The following year, he was among the Gold winners in the Kangaroo Math Competition Malaysia.

But mathematics was never the only thing that interested him. Years later, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, that curiosity expanded into computer engineering. Rudra became a Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholar and consistently performed among the university’s strongest students. NTU’s Dean’s List records show him among the top students in Computer Engineering for the 2023–24 academic year.

Then came a problem that had nothing to do with examinations.
As an NTU student, Rudra found himself repeatedly searching through different university websites and systems to find things students needed  academic calendars, degree audits, STARS, NTULearn and other resources. Instead of simply accepting the inconvenience, he built something.
He created MyCCDS, a student companion app designed to bring those resources together in one place. What began as an attempt to solve his own frustration became a tool used by hundreds of students. NTU itself featured the project in 2025, reporting that it had crossed 250 users at the time.

There was persistence behind it too. According to NTU, Rudra spent three months meeting Google Play Store requirements before the app was approved. His vision was bigger than simply making a convenient app; he hoped it could eventually develop into an all-in-one “MyNTU” hub for students.

And then, in 2026, came the recognition that brought his university journey full circle.
At NTU’s Convocation, Rudra Prasadh Ganesh was named a recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal for his Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering. NTU awards the medal to graduates who are first in general proficiency throughout their programme and have attained Honours (Highest Distinction). The official 2026 graduate list identifies Rudra as an award winner.

There is something fitting about the journey. The boy who once competed in mathematics competitions grew into an engineer who did more than solve problems on paper. He noticed a problem around him, understood it and built something to solve it.

And perhaps that is the more meaningful achievement behind the medal. Because academic excellence can earn you a gold medal. But curiosity, the habit of asking “Can this be done better?” — can take you much further.

Rudra Prasadh Ganesh’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most important lessons are not found in the questions we are given. They begin with the questions we choose to ask ourselves.