ALUMNI NEWS
CDE alumni mentorship closing meet
The CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme (AMP) Batch 12 came to a meaningful close on Friday, 6 March 2026, bringing together mentors and mentees for an evening of reflection, appreciation, and connection after months of guided mentorship.
The event began with participants arriving and reconnecting in a relaxed setting, which set a warm, convivial tone for the evening.
Hosted by student emcee Ashwat Sureka, the programme unfolded with energy and ease, guiding attendees seamlessly through each segment.
The evening formally opened with a Welcome Address by Associate Professor Arthur Tay, who underscored the importance of mentorship in shaping both professional and personal growth. He also encouraged participants to continue nurturing the relationships built throughout the programme beyond its formal conclusion.
To foster interaction across the room, an icebreaker bingo game was introduced, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. The activity encouraged participants to step beyond their immediate mentor-mentee pairings and connect more broadly with one another.
A key highlight of the evening was the Mentor Sharing segment, where Er Chai Hong Seng, Mr Gopal Mitram, and Mr Victor Loke offered candid reflections from their mentorship journeys. Their perspectives on career development, industry realities, and the value of giving back reinforced the reciprocal nature of mentorship and its impact on both mentors and mentees.
Building on this, the Mentee Sharing segment invited participants to share their personal experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from the programme. The open floor format encouraged authentic reflection and naturally transitioned into a Q&A session, allowing for deeper dialogue and the exchange of perspectives.
The evening then eased into a Connect and Dine segment, where conversations continued over dinner. This provided a valuable opportunity for mentors and mentees to strengthen relationships, reflect more personally on their journeys, and explore potential future collaborations.
While the formal programme has come to an end, the connections formed and insights gained are expected to continue shaping participants’ personal and professional journeys. The Closing Meet was a fitting culmination of Batch 12, celebrating growth, shared experiences, and the enduring strength of the CDE alumni network.
NUS CEE Fireside Chat: Navigating life after graduation
Bridging the gap between academic life and the professional world is a crucial step for every undergraduate. On 19 March 2026, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) was thrilled to host a special Fireside Chat, bringing together eight distinguished alumni to share their journeys with our current students.
We were honoured to welcome back Mr Asher Lum (Civil Engineering, Class of 2003), Ms Sum Kun Shan (MSc Environmental Engineering, Class of 2011), Ms Alicia Wang (MSc Environmental Engineering, Class of 2013), Mr Stanley Woo (Environmental Engineering, Class of 2013), Ms Eunice Yang (Civil Engineering, Class of 2011; MSc Civil Engineering, Class of 2019), Mr Kevin Suhartono (MSc Civil Engineering, Class of 2023), Ms Elisabeth Lee (Civil Engineering, Class of 2020), and Mr Yee Jun Rong (Civil Engineering, Class of 2024).
The session provided a candid look at life after graduation. The alumni panellists opened up about their transition from the classroom to the workplace, sharing honest stories about their early career challenges, the skills they found most valuable, and the diverse paths a CEE degree can take you.
Key takeaways for our students:
- Real-world reality: Students gained insight into the day-to-day realities of the industry, moving beyond textbook theory.
- Career agility: The panel discussed the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in a fast-evolving engineering landscape.
- The "squiggly" career path: Success isn't always a straight ladder. The alumni shared that it is okay to pivot, change roles, or explore different industries within engineering before finding your niche.
The energy in the room was palpable as students seized the opportunity to ask questions, seeking advice on internships and navigating workplace culture. It was a heartwarming reminder of the strong community spirit that defines CEE.
A huge thank you to our alumni for paying it forward and inspiring our students to achieve greater heights!
