ALUMNI NEWS
Distinguished Alumnus Dr Tan Gee Paw shares his incredible journey and contributions to Singapore's water sustainability and infrastructure
From his decision on which field of engineering to pursue to experiencing the early years of Singapore’s independence, Dr Tan Gee Paw has had an incredible journey.
As a young drainage engineer, he walked along all of Singapore's' longkang’ (drains) and subsequently played a key role in formulating the nation’s first water master plan in 1972.
Recognised as a Distinguished Alumnus (Engineering) in 2011, Dr Tan’s experiences are truly inspiring.
In his video, developed by our Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as one of a series celebrating its 70th Anniversary, he shared stories from his time as a student to his role as an engineering leader, filled with anecdotes that made his sharing come alive to listeners.
Dr Tan emphasised the importance of staying grounded in the fundamentals of engineering. He noted that even as the field evolves, particularly with advancements like artificial intelligence, having a solid foundational training equips engineers to tackle various challenges.
He remarked, “… (it) has seen me through so many other areas in life… to be able to think through a big issue, identify which are the crucial areas… and get the solution out”.
Perhaps the most poignant part of this sharing was that when asked about his proudest achievement, which was the development of the water master plan, he said that as “...a young engineer, I could dream dreams, you know… to find a different source of water” for Singapore.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr Tan for inspiring us to dream... and dream big.
CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme - Batch 11
The CDE Office of Alumni Relations is excited to kick off the 11th batch of the CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme, a flagship initiative designed to foster meaningful connections between our esteemed alumni and current students at the College of Design and Engineering.
On March 6, 2025, we welcomed a new cohort of mentors and mentees during our semesterly Welcome Briefing via Zoom, marking the beginning of yet another transformative journey. This programme serves as a bridge between our accomplished alumni and the current undergraduates of the College of Design and Engineering (CDE). It is a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into life beyond the university, drawing from the valuable experiences of our alumni.
During the briefing, Associate Professor Arthur Tay, Vice Dean for CDE Alumni Relations, expressed his gratitude towards the mentors who have continually committed to nurturing our students. This mentorship programme is more than just guidance; it is a platform where past students can give back, helping to shape the future of our student community. Our mentors offer more than just professional and up-to-date career advice—they share their personal journeys, life experiences, and valuable lessons beyond the workplace. Through their guidance, students gain not only industry insights but also a deeper understanding of personal growth, resilience, and navigating life’s challenges, making their educational journey even more enriching. The growing number of mentors and mentees participating in this programme speaks volumes about its impact and the shared enthusiasm for this initiative.
Find out more about the CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme at Alumni Mentorship Programme - College of Design and Engineering.
Conversation with CEE Alumni
On 4 March 2025, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), CDE, NUS in collaboration with the Environmental Engineering student club, hosted the annual Conversation with CEE Alumni session. The event was moderated by Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Deputy Head (External Relations & Development).
This year’s panel featured six distinguished alumni from diverse industries, including banking, government agencies, consultancy firms, and start-ups: Mr Chong Yi Hao (EVE Class of 2008), Mr Matthias Ong (EVE Class of 2010), Mr Lan Yi Chieh (EVE Class of 2017), Mr Andrew Chiang (EVE Class of 2018), Ms Clarette Teo (EVE Class of 2020), and Ms Meenakshy Jyothish (EVE Class of 2021). They shared insights into their educational and professional journeys, offering valuable advice to both prospective and current Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) students.
The session attracted over 40 participants and provided a meaningful platform for students to engage with alumni, gain industry perspectives, and explore career pathways. We extend our sincere appreciation to our alumni for their unwavering support and dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers.
