CDE Alumni come together to reconnect, reflect, and give back

The College welcomed back alumni for a meaningful afternoon of reconnection and camaraderie at a special lunch gathering on 28 April 2025. Held at the National University of Singapore Society Kent Ridge Guild House, the lunch was hosted by NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye, who welcomed alumni and engaged them in meaningful dialogue about the University’s vision and the importance of ongoing alumni involvement. Prof Tan was joined by NUS and CDE senior management, including Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram, Chief Alumni Officer; Prof Kie Leong Teo, CDE Dean; and Assoc Prof Arthur Tay, CDE Vice Dean (Alumni Relations) — all of whom play key roles in fostering and maintaining strong ties within the NUS and CDE alumni community. 

A highlight of the afternoon was a sharing session by Mr Wong Siyong (Engineering '08, MSc '19), where he talked about his journey from his time in the NUS Student Union and Civil Engineering Club to his current role at JTC. Mr Wong also touched on the value of industry-academia partnerships in shaping future-ready graduates, emphasising the importance of nurturing the next generation of engineers.  This includes mentoring through internships to help provide a hands-on experience and guidance on real-world projects that contribute to Singapore’s evolving infrastructure. 

Some examples include Year 4 Civil Engineering undergraduate Keith Ng, who enjoyed a 20-week internship at JTC. Keith worked on significant projects such as the Bulim Project, Cleantech Park 3, Bahar Tunnel, and Punggol Digital District. Another student, Year 4 Civil Engineering undergraduate Kao Yu Chan, had an enriching experience working on the New Science Centre project at JTC. During his internship, he applied advanced digital tools, utilising Dynamo and Python scripting to automate modelling processes according to LTA standards, and streamlined the labelling of traffic plans with signages — demonstrating how our students are contributing innovation and technical expertise to real-world engineering challenges. 

Reflecting on the lunch, Ar Chio said that it was "lovely to meet with fellow alumni in the various industries and hear of their contributions" to CDE. Ms Kun Shan Sum (Engineering '07, MSc Environmental Engineering '11), an alumni who was also in attendance, added, " It was heartening to hear how our shared roots in CDE continue to shape the ways we give back, and inspiring being part of the community alongside fellow alumni contributing to their fields in impactful ways." 

The afternoon was a reminder of the relationships fostered at CDE. Our alumni shared not only memories and laughter, but also a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the experiences and friendships that began here.  

As stories and aspirations were exchanged, the gathering highlighted the spirit of unity and generosity that defines our alumni — a community strengthened by its shared past and inspired for the future.