EVENTS & OTHER HAPPENINGS
CDE PhD information session connects with prospective students worldwide
“A PhD at NUS CDE is more than a research degree; it is an opportunity to work at the intersection of design, engineering, technology and society, while developing the depth, independence and creativity needed to address complex real-world challenges. Prospective students can look forward to a vibrant and supportive research environment, access to diverse expertise across the College, and opportunities to grow as future scholars, innovators and leaders,” said Associate Professor Eddie Siu-Kit Lau, Vice Dean of Graduate Programmes, at the recent PhD Information Session at the College of Design and Engineering. The session was designed to make the path to a PhD feel less daunting, showing prospective students that the journey is not only possible, but achievable.
The event drew an incredible 1,058 prospective students from 61 countries, all seeking a clearer understanding of what pursuing a PhD at NUS entails: from the scholarship landscape and application timeline to finding the right supervisor and crafting a compelling research proposal.
Assoc Prof Eddie Lau provided a grounded overview of CDE’s doctoral programmes, outlining the scholarship landscape and application timeline. A panel of academic leaders, including Associate Professor Mohan Gurusamy, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programmes, and PhD Programme Directors representing CDE’s ten departments, then tackled the most pressing questions from a pool of over 1,000 submissions.
The session's success wasn't just in the numbers, but in the connections forged. As one attendee shared, "It warmed my heart to see how engaging the professors are. I look forward to working with them."
This event was made possible by the close collaboration between the CDE Office of Graduate Programmes and our dedicated CDE Global Fellows.
Applications for the August 2027 PhD intake are open until 15 January.
Watch the full video here(opens in new tab).(opens in new tab)
CDE meets prospective students at NUS Postgraduate Fair in Chennai
NUS CDE connected with more than 3,500 prospective students and families at the NUS Postgraduate Fair in Chennai, India, where faculty shared insights on graduate study opportunities at the National University of Singapore.
Supporting CDE’s outreach in Chennai were Associate Professor Siu-Kit Lau, Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes), Dr Victoria Marshall (Department of Architecture(opens in new tab)), Associate Professor Sachin Vinayak Jangam (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering(opens in new tab)), Associate Professor Adrian Chong (Department of the Built Environment(opens in new tab)), Ms Karin Aue (Department of Design(opens in new tab)), Associate Professor Mohan (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering(opens in new tab)) and Associate Professor Stefan Adams (Materials Science and Engineering(opens in new tab)).
“We were encouraged by the strong turnout and the opportunity to speak with many talented and motivated students about postgraduate study at NUS. Their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and interest across design, engineering, technology and innovation made the event especially meaningful. I also look forward to strengthening our engagement in India and exploring future opportunities for educational collaboration with partners in Tamil Nadu,” said Assoc Prof Eddie Lau.
For Senior Lecturer Karin Aue, Programme Lead (Master of Design in Integrated Design), the fair was also a chance to connect directly with students interested in design. She said, “Alongside conversations about our programme, applications and career pathways, it was great to connect in person and share more about how we think about and approach design at the Department of Design: design as a way to integrate knowledge, shape practice, and create impact beyond the classroom."
Assoc Prof Jangam Sachin Vinayak said, “Guiding these prospective students through their academic options allowed me to spark their curiosity and encourage their technical ambitions. Many of them had done excellent background research by discussing with their seniors who had graduated from NUS or by reading online resources.”
The fair was organised by Outreach International (ORI) under the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE)(opens in new tab). Graduate by Research (PhD/MEng) applications for the August 2027 intake close on 15 January 2027, and Graduate by Coursework (Master's) applications open on 1 October.
NUS CEE Fireside Chat: AI, Robotics and Emerging Technologies in CEE
Students, faculty and alumni gathered at the NUS CEE Fireside Chat on 8 September 2026 for a discussion on AI, robotics and emerging technologies in civil and environmental engineering.
Seven CEE alumni — Deckson Ang, Evan Lee, Lee Shyh Haur, Nicholas Khoo, Nicholas Teo, Pang Xing Ting and Yeoh Ze Yong — joined the panel, moderated by Assistant Professor Chew Soon Hoe, Deputy Head (External Relations & Development).
The discussion explored how AI could shape the profession, the skills students can develop to stay relevant, and the importance of adaptability, curiosity and authenticity in building their careers. Panellists also highlighted the continuing role of engineers in asking the right questions, exercising sound judgement and applying technology to develop solutions that serve society.
The session also featured an introduction to Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew, which chronicles the contributions of CEE alumnus Lee Ek Tieng to Singapore’s environmental development. Mr Lee was among the first graduating class of Civil Engineering in 1958 and later served as the first Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of the Environment, Chairman of PUB and Head of the Singapore Civil Service. Complimentary copies of the book, provided by Singapore publisher The Nutgraf Books, were shared with students and alumni.
Getting active, staying connected at CDE
CDE colleagues came together over shared interests and activities through the first season of the University Health Centre (UHC)-CDE Staff Interest Groups in 2026. The season brought together 80 staff members across 11 groups, with activities including badminton, tennis, walking, pickleball and mallet ball. Beyond staying active, the groups offered opportunities for colleagues to connect outside their day-to-day work and build relationships across the CDE community.
Organised by the Office of Strategic Initiatives in collaboration with the University Health Centre, the initiative supports staff wellbeing and fosters a more connected workplace.
Season 2 will bring more opportunities for CDE colleagues to get involved, stay active and connect with one another.
Wellness at work: A touch of relaxation
CDE staff took some time out of their workday to recharge with head and shoulder massages held from 21 to 25 September 2026.
Around 200 staff members participated in the wellness initiative, with massages provided by therapists from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. The sessions offered colleagues an opportunity to unwind and relieve stress during the workday, while supporting the Association and its therapists.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support staff wellbeing and create a healthier workplace at CDE.
HIGHLIGHTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
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CDE Innovation Day 2026
CDE Innovation Day 2026 gives NUS students and researchers a clear pathway to develop ideas, strengthen prototypes and turn research into real-world solutions through three tailored tracks. Bringing together design, engineering and enterprise, the programme helps participants build skills, test and refine their concepts, and compete for more than SGD 300,000 in funding at the […]
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Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Annual Symposium 2026
The CFI Annual Symposium 2026 is a 3-day conference, co-located with the 6th International Symposium of Water Disaster Mitigation and Water Environmental Regulation (WDWE) and the 2026 Asia Tsunami Workshop (ATW), which would be held at SIT Punggol from 21st October to 23rd October. The theme for this year’s CFI Annual Symposium 2026 is ‘Adapting Cities for Coastal and Flood Resilience’, reflecting the urgent need to take proactive steps to prepare for flooding in our cities. Admission is free for all CFI Symposium attendees. Paid tickets are also available for WDWE and ATW.