Dear students, alumni, colleagues, and partners of CDE,

We understand that creativity and innovation are not straightforward or predictable. The journey toward impactful outcomes often takes unexpected turns, requiring adaptability and perseverance. What remains certain, however, is that meaningful connections and thoughtful conversations can ignite the sparks that drive progress forward.

In CDE, we encourage connections and conversations to generate these ‘sparks’ when working with like-minded partners. This month, we were privileged to host Mr Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV Group, for an inspiring lecture titled “What Does the Long-Term Energy Future Hold?” This was the 2nd in a series organised under the Seatrium Professorship Gift Agreement between CDE and Seatrium. A key point of the lecture was Southeast Asia’s untapped potential for renewable power, especially solar and wind, which could transform the energy landscape. Mr Eriksen noted that enhanced cooperation would be needed to realise this potential.

This lecture was soon followed by another in partnership with Singapore’s National Research Foundation. Delivered by the Honourable Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), he shared the agency’s role in connecting academia, industry, and government, through which the NSF aims to accelerate the creation of sustainable innovation ecosystems.

In addition, the College recently hosted the Rising Stars Women in Engineering Workshop in conjunction with the Asian Deans’ Forum 2024. The National University of Singapore (NUS), through its Faculty of Engineering and now the College of Design and Engineering (CDE), takes pride in being a member of this forum, which focuses on building trust and strengthening connections among institutions.

The Rising Stars Women in Engineering (RSE) Workshop exemplifies the forum's collaborative initiatives by providing a platform for young women scholars, researchers, and engineers who aspire to develop and advance their careers in academia. This initiative aims to foster connections and discussions that can create valuable opportunities for its participants.

We will continue to build such platforms to bring diverse stakeholders together to drive meaningful change. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives in the coming year.

Professor Teo Kie Leong
Dean
College of Design and Engineering (CDE)