TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Guyanese-born Thomas Singh is the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) 2025 Pilgrim Scholarship awardee.

Singh is an astute mathematician and talented musician, who is completing his final year of a double major in mathematics and economics at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

He has dreams of not only giving back to Jamaica, but also to his native Guyana.

The first of two children, Singh, from Georgetown, attended Marian Academy, then by his third year completed his high school years at the Queen’s College, where he attained 16 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects. Instead of sitting Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, he completed two years at the University of Guyana with his primary focus on pure mathematics.

“I studied a mixture of subjects, including arts and science. I was not pressured into studying mathematics and economics. I was given as much freedom as possible. Actually, I was encouraged to choose my career path; and I have now come full circle, as my father is also an economist,” Singh said.

At the University of Guyana, he earned an Associate of Science degree in Mathematics.

In his second year of study at The UWI, Singh applied for as many scholarships as he possibly could, to assist with the financial obligations of his studies.

“It is challenging, but rewarding. The degree combination skills are quite useful. At The UWI, they offered both areas of study; and I was excited about this because I would not have had to pick one or the other,” he said.

“Throughout my studies, I have held myself to high standards, earning academic commendations at UWI and being selected as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship,” Singh said.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Economics, Singh said many people can benefit from his area of expertise.

He has a passion for research, which has led him to work as a research assistant on multiple projects.

“I previously conducted statistical analysis for a study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Guyanese living with disabilities,” Singh said.

In another project, he analysed macroeconomic trends in Guyana, contributing to a country-wide economic article.

“These experiences have deepened my interest in economic research, particularly in institutional development and how developing countries can better manage their natural resource wealth. I am especially fascinated by game theory and its applications in addressing corruption, inefficiencies, and market failures,” Singh said.

Beyond academics, he has actively participated in extra-curricular activities, including serving as the former president of The UWI Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection.

Music has also been an important part of his life. Singh has been playing the piano since he was six years old.

“I am an avid pianist and I have had the opportunity to play with The UWI Classical and Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, I have a background in radio, having worked as an announcer and producer for a year before continuing my involvement in media at UWI, where I occasionally featured on student radio,” he said.

For the past 10 years, he has volunteered with the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana and has also contributed to the University of Guyana GREEN Institute, as well as playing piano for various events. In his free time, he enjoys film photography, pencil drawing, and movies.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in economics, followed by a doctorate. Ultimately, he said his aim is to contribute to academia and economic research, focusing on institutional development and policies that help developing countries achieve long-term prosperity.

“I am particularly interested in how strategic decision-making and game theory can be used to create more efficient and equitable economic systems, especially in the context of climate change and governance,” Singh said.