As commencement season draws to a close and the Class of 2026 celebrates their years of hard work, one NUS Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate is proving that some of the most extraordinary ideas can take root in the most unexpected passions.
For Darren Ng (BBA, Major in Innovation & Entrepreneurship), that passion began with a carnivorous plant.
Long before founding SGVenusFlytrap, Darren was captivated by the biology of Venus flytraps. What started as childhood curiosity at the age of nine soon evolved into 18 years of continuous experimentation, research and discovery. While many viewed these plants as little more than a novelty, Darren saw untapped potential; not only to make them more accessible for Singapore’s tropical climate, but also to build a thriving community around them.
His journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines many NUS Business School students and graduates: identifying opportunities where others see limitations, challenging conventional thinking, and creating value through innovation. Through years of research, Darren successfully developed tropical-adapted Venus flytraps, transforming a plant once considered difficult to grow into one that even beginners can cultivate successfully.
Building his venture was never without setbacks. Early experiments yielded more failures than successes, and not everyone believed in his research or vision. Yet Darren remained committed to learning, improving and building a community of like-minded individuals. Today, his work extends beyond cultivating plants. Through workshops, educational programmes and community engagement, he continues to inspire others to explore science, biotechnology and entrepreneurship in ways that are both accessible and meaningful.
His story reminds us that entrepreneurship is not always about creating the next global technology company. Sometimes, it begins with a simple question, an overlooked interest or a personal passion that grows into something capable of making a difference. It is driven by curiosity, sustained by resilience and brought to life a willingness to keep learning.
As Darren graduates with a BBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, he joins an established community of alumni whose ambitions are as diverse as the paths they choose. Some will launch businesses. Others will drive innovation within established organisations, pursue careers in public service, create social impact or continue their academic journeys. Each path is different, but all are united by the courage to pursue meaningful work and shape the future in their own way.
To Darren, and to every member of the NUS Business School alumni community embarking on new adventures, congratulations on this milestone. Just as you have forged your own unique paths throughout your time at NUS Business School, the road ahead beyond university is also yours to define.