On 12 June 2026, the CDE Donor Appreciation Dinner 2026 celebrated stories of profound impact, from developing assistive technologies for persons with disabilities to transforming homes for underserved families. The event, held at Conrad Centennial Singapore, highlighted how philanthropy inspires future generations.
Opening the evening, CDE Dean Professor Teo Kie Leong thanked long-standing partners and new donors for their generosity and enduring support.
“Your contributions create opportunities for CDE to grow, and for our students to expand their horizons beyond the classroom — through research, projects, and community engagement — and to apply what they have learned in meaningful ways.”
Building a legacy for future generations
NUS named professorships allow the University to attract and inspire new generations eager to make an impact on the world. The Liu Thai Ker Professorship was established with support from generous donors to advance education and research in architecture and urban planning at CDE
The professorship honours the legacy of Dr Liu Thai Ker, who passed away on 18 January 2026. Widely regarded as a visionary architect, educator and the “father of urban planning” in Singapore, Dr Liu played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore's urban landscape. He also shared a long-standing relationship with NUS, having served as an Adjunct Professor and Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Department of Architecture.
Acknowledging the launch of a new professorship, Professor Heng Chye Kiang, Deputy Dean, said: “Each of you has played a vital role in building not just the professorship, but a platform for future generations to shape cities that are liveable, inclusive and sustainable.” Prof Heng concluded by inviting more to build on the foundation that has been established for the professorship.
Tangible impact of donors
A showcase of CDE projects and stories from students and alumni highlighted the tangible impact of donor generosity and reflected the larger purpose that the College strives for: to prepare students not only for their future career paths, but also for purposeful contributions to society.
Guests heard from Tan Zi Yi and Toh You Min, Year 4 Biomedical Engineering students who presented their work on the YPAC Jakarta x Toy Hacking Workshop, highlighting how simple but thoughtful interventions can support inclusive play and learning. This Biomedical Engineering initiative was supported by The Moh Family Foundation.
Also featured were Chantelle Lam, a Year 3 Architecture student, and Tiffany Tay, a Year 2 Architecture student, who shared about their participation in a home transformation project for an underprivileged family as part of CDE2001 Innovation and Design for Communities, supported by the James Dyson Foundation. Their experience demonstrated how design can improve everyday living conditions in practical and meaningful ways.
A shared commitment to impact
Through the opportunities created from such generosity, students gain the confidence to pursue meaningful work, researchers are able to advance new knowledge, and future generations are equipped to address society's most pressing challenges.
“These examples show that your support does far more than provide material assistance,” said Prof Teo. “You have created opportunities, built confidence. And changed lives.”
