A future of physics and frisbee in young scientist’s sights

What do physics and Ultimate Frisbee have in common? They’re science student Wilco Ng’s biggest passions.

“There’s a theme. I have two distinct interests: frisbee and physics,” he laughs.

An aptitude for problem solving and maths spurred him to enrol in a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) at the University of Auckland in 2023. When it came to selecting a major, applied physics was a natural choice.

“Physics clicked really nicely with me,” he says. “It's easy for me to see it in everyday situations and rewarding when I understand the physics behind everyday objects.”

Quantum physics – the study of how matter and energy behave at atomic and subatomic levels – is of particular interest to Wilco.

“In my first year I took Physics 121 where they introduce quantum physics. I fell in love with it and I've been intrigued by it since,” he recalls. “It's so mysterious, but when you do the math, it makes sense.”

During that first year of study, Wilco was supported by a Gillies Scholarship. Thomas B Gillies, a judge in the Supreme Court of New Zealand, established the scholarship in 1884 in memory of his late wife. Founded for the encouragement of the study of chemistry and physics, it is awarded to first-year students enrolling in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours). Receiving it gave Wilco the confidence to believe in his potential, he says.

“If somebody I've never met before can believe in me and support me with this generous donation, why shouldn't I believe in myself? This act of kindness has been very inspiring and encouraging.”

While physics may be the dominant force in Wilco’s life, Ultimate Frisbee is his first love. A conversation with his cousins as a Year 9 student at Botany Downs Secondary School kickstarted the obsession. Both cousins played the sport overseas and encouraged him to try it. After a quick YouTube lesson, he taught his friends the basics and they went on to create a school club, which Wilco became the coach of in Year 10.

“Eventually we had two teams and we started competing at regional competitions with other schools. When I started university I didn’t want to leave it – this is something my friends and I created, it’s our legacy – so I kept coaching. Now my best friend and I coach six teams of over 60 kids.”

He still plays, too. In September this year, he represented New Zealand at the 2025 Asia Oceanic Ultimate Championships in Japan. The team, called Twig, placed eighth overall and the event was an incredible experience, he says.

Study and sports aside, Wilco’s spare time is occupied by three other commitments. He creates questions for the New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition (NZPMC) to help inspire the next generation of science students, volunteers as a telescope operator at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium and conducts lab work in the University’s Quantum Information Lab – an extension of a Summer Research Scholarship he completed over the 2024 to 2025 season.

He also looks out for his two younger sisters to support his father, who moved from Malaysia to New Zealand to give his children a bright future.

“My dad is the big inspiration to my studies. He never got the chance to go to university, but he was able to work hard and afford the opportunity to move to New Zealand so that my sisters and I could have a better life. He’s done so much for me.” 

Determined to make the most of his situation, Wilco has big goals following his graduation in 2027. First, he will complete a PhD in quantum optics overseas, likely in Australia, which has a strong Ultimate Frisbee scene. He then plans to build a physics career in industry, rather than academia.

“I want my job to be as reliable as possible. If you go into industry, you have a stable job and can research full-time, which I want to do.”

As he moves into the final stage of his degree and looks to the future, Wilco is guided by his own motto: to live life to his fullest potential.   

“One thing I always tell myself is: what joy is there in living a life that is less than what you are capable of living? Whatever you do, try your best and see where it takes you.”