Alumni Initiatives

Inspirational ground-up initiatives by our Alumni are a cornerstone to the CDE community.

Alumni Mentorship Programme

What is Alumni Mentorship Programme?

The College of Design and Engineering, NUS Alumni Mentorship Programme is an initiative to build a strong and dynamic relationship between the alumni and student community, one that is mutually beneficial to both parties professionally. The programme aims to provide opportunities for students to learn about work and life outside university, from established alumni of College of Design and Engineering, NUS.

Mentorship information

Activities

Recommended three meetings between mentor and mentees during the mentorship period.
Average length of each meeting around one hour, or as the mentor sees fit.
Meetings can also take the form of email exchanges, phone chats, tea/lunch chats, office or site visits, or even attendance at a company event or meeting as the mentor sees fit.
Meetings to include advice on matters regarding the Mentor’s area of expertise, work and life outside the university, career path development, and matters relating to professional practices.

Welcome and sharing session

Give back as an Alumni Mentor

We are looking for CDE alumni with at least 5 years of working experience to give back as alumni mentors. Each mentor will be matched by the college on a best-match basis with one or two students over the mentorship period. Click here to apply.

If you have already been a mentor in the past, there is no need to re-apply as we have you recorded in our mentor database and will reach out when there is a match. In the event that there are changes to your personal particulars, please have them updated here.

View our past Welcome & Get-Together sessions

Mentor Sharing by Ramya Bhaskar

Listen to what NUS Alumni mentor, Ms Ramya Bhaskar, has to say on building successful Mentor-Mentee relationships.

Mentee Sharing by Ethan Kwong

"The Alumni Mentorship Programme provides insight into the engineering work-life that is typically unavailable to undergraduates. Life experience, company culture and the appropriate skills to pursue are rarely obtainable as an undergraduate and the wealth of advice from mentors will provide a stable outlook on a typically uncertain future."

What Mentors & Mentees Say

Overall, the programme has deepened my understanding of career path development and professional practice, while equipping me with practical insights that I can begin applying in internships, student leadership roles, and future workplace environments.

B12 Mentee Teo Jia Xin

It has been a pleasure mentoring my two Year 4 undergraduates through the programme. They demonstrated a high level of seriousness and commitment, approaching each session with clear objectives and thoughtful preparation. What impressed me most was their enthusiasm for learning and self-improvement. They consistently came prepared with well-considered questions, actively sought feedback, and showed a genuine willingness to reflect and act on suggestions. This made our discussions highly productive and engaging. The mentee also displayed strong initiative in exploring career pathways and deepening their understanding of the industry. Their proactive attitude, combined with a mature and professional demeanor, is commendable and sets a strong foundation for their transition into the workforce. I am confident that with their drive, curiosity, and discipline, they will continue to excel in their future endeavours. I also encouraged them to return to this programme as mentors in the future.

B12 Mentor Wong Shih Wei

This programme has allowed me to talk to a fellow engineer who has already walked the path I will be embarking on soon after graduation, allowing me to learn from my mentor’s experience. As a Year 4 who will very soon be joining the workforce I also found it very valuable to hear from her perspective as a boss, what she is looking for from fresh graduates she hires. This gave me a clearer understanding of the expectations and what I should strive to achieve in the 1st 3 months of my 1st job.

B12 Mentee Sneha Athreya

I enjoy sharing my view and opinion about career progression, career development and the industry. At the same time, I value the sessions engaging the mentee as I also learnt a great deal from the younger generation about their views, perspectives and preferences.

B12 Mentor Tan Chau Jin

The programme has replaced the pressure of having a perfect career plan with the confidence to take thoughtful, informed steps forward, knowing that my first job doesn't have to define my entire path.

B12 Mentee Ray Ng Rui Heng

I learnt about the different engineering sectors, and how to transition from one sector to another as my career progresses. I also networked with many professionals in the engineering sector and was able to gain industry insights on things happening in the real world.

B12 Mentee Pooja Sankar

I have gained a wider and clearer perspectives on how I can work on my strength and weakness of being able to think in my mind and being a strategist. I have also gained a nice companion, which is my mentor, to share my thoughts and struggles. This allowed me to understand how i can navigate my thoughts and direct that to improve on myself.

B12 Mentee Sim Wen Xi Agnes

This programme provided me the opportunity to learn from someone with experience working in the same industry as the degree I am currently pursuing. And previously, I had a strong interest in working in regulatory and my mentor has been working in the regulatory field for many years, so I got to listen to his experience and also gain insights and advice. Moreover, having discussions with my mentor allowed me to listen and learn from someone with a different perspective. As speaking to someone from my industry is not something I can do everyday, so talking to my mentor allowed me to learn new things and allowed me to think more about my future.

B12 Mentee Valerie Koh Ying Xuan

I benefited from the programme by having a structured space to reflect on both my current progress and my future direction. The sessions helped me clarify my goals, stay accountable to them, and think more realistically about the challenges of balancing academic performance with internship preparation. It was also helpful to hear my mentor’s perspectives and experience, which gave me a better sense of how to plan my studies and career more strategically. Overall, the programme encouraged me to be more organised, more forward-looking, and more intentional about the steps I need to take in my academic and professional development.

B12 Mentee Che Chenyu

The programme has benefitted me in several meaningful ways, particularly in shaping my mindset, career awareness, and personal development. It provided me with direct exposure to real industry experiences, allowing me to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical applications. Through these conversations, I gained insights that are not typically covered in coursework, such as how engineering decisions are influenced by business considerations. Additionally, the programme helped me clarify my career direction and expectations. Understanding that career paths are often non-linear has reduced my uncertainty and encouraged me to focus more on building transferable skills rather than fixating on a rigid plan. Besides, I also developed a stronger awareness of the importance of holistic growth, including soft skills, industry awareness, and financial literacy. This has encouraged me to think beyond academics and prepare more comprehensively for my future career. Overall, the mentorship programme has not only enhanced my understanding of the engineering field but also shaped my mindset towards continuous learning, adaptability, and long-term personal development.

B12 Mentee Li Jiaming

The programme helped me to gain clarity on job hunting process, and gave me a glimpse into the built environment industry in the perspective of a private real estate developer. It has also given me the confidence of knowing the career path that I want to embark on.

B12 Mentee Charmaine Zhu Fangying

The mentoring programme has given me valuable guidance and clarity as I navigate my studies in biomedical engineering. Having a mentor allowed me to gain real-world insights and perspectives that I would not typically get in a classroom setting. I also benefitted from personal advice on self-development, such as being more open and proactive, which has positively influenced how I approach both my studies and opportunities. Additionally, the programme helped me build confidence in thinking about my future career. By reflecting on my strengths and learning how to use tools like AI effectively, I feel more prepared to make informed decisions moving forward. Overall, the experience has broadened my perspective and made me more intentional in my personal and academic growth.

B12 Mentee Kam Shin Kai

I have gained more clarity and confidence in thinking about what I might want to do in the future. This experience also reminded me that it is okay to feel lost or confused at times, because growth often happens when we step into the unknown. Taking that leap of faith can help us discover new sides of ourselves and even uncover strengths or interests we did not know we had. On top of that, hearing directly from someone in the field gave me a better sense of what the sector is like, and reassured me that it is a meaningful and fulfilling path with so much to learn from.

B12 Mentee Sean Lim Yong De

Class Ambassadors Programme

What is the Class Ambassadors Programme?

The Class Ambassadors Programme was launched in 2008 to reach out to young alumni - especially new alumni from each graduating cohort. Class Ambassadors (CAs) are key connectors who ensure continual engagement between the class and Faculty, School, Hall or Residential College and the University after graduation.

Class Ambassadors are formally appointed by the University and represent the Faculty, School, Hall or Residential College.

Role of Class Ambassadors

The primary role of Class Ambassadors is to engage meaningfully with classmates and with alma mater. As active Class Ambassadors, you can:

Organise an exciting class reunion
Engage classmates through social media postings. Set up a Facebook group for your class if there is not one yet.
Help to connect your classmates to faculty alumni representatives and Alumni Groups. NUS has Overseas Chapters for alumni living abroad who want to keep in touch with fellow alumni.
Encourage classmates to join NUS/CDE events such as the NUS Homecoming.
Update your class about NUS news, events and happenings. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletters and quarterly e-magazines, and like “NUS Alumni” on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Class Ambassador is a voluntary role. Class Ambassadors should embrace the spirit of volunteerism and abide by the Volunteer Acceptance Form and NUS Code of Conduct for Volunteers.

If you would like to do more, contribute your time and talent to NUS/CDE. You can lead or join an Alumni Group, be a mentor to current students, as well as speak or perform at alumni events.

Appointment and Recognition

Class Ambassadors are appointed in the graduating year. Essential qualities of Class Ambassadors are:

Enthusiasm
The ability to build good rapport
A magnetic personality
The desire to contribute to NUS community

📌 Nomination of CAs from the Graduating Class of 2026: Click here

📌 Application for Class Ambassador (Graduating batches prior to 2008): Click here

Appointed Class Ambassadors will receive 'NUS Alumni Ambassador' digital badges from NUS Office of Alumni Relations to identify themselves on their LinkedIn profiles and other online platforms.

Support from Office of Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) provides the below support to Class Ambassadors in organising class cohort gatherings in the year of graduation.

Seed funding of up to S$500 per Academic Year (1 August to 31 July of the following year) for gatherings and reunions. Subsidies are subject to availability and on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, please complete this application form.
Publicity for your events on NUS/CDE communications channels.
For all reunions, Class Ambassadors can also use Shaw Foundation Alumni House venues for reunions, as well as other privileges all alumni can access. Please refer to NUS AlumPERKS website for a listing of merchants offering discounts to all NUS Alumni.

View our past Class Ambassador events

Sharing by Class Ambassador

As Class Ambassadors, we are responsible for connecting our cohort to NUS after graduation. I work closely with the College of Design and Engineering and with NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) to build a strong alumni network. Currently, I keep my Mechanical Engineering cohort connected via a Whatsapp Group. It helps that OAR supports us by providing picnic baskets during the annual KR Family Day and allows the use of venue space at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House for our class gatherings. I am happy to keep my class connected and updated with NUS events.

Ms Lim Ling Min (Mechanical Engineering '17)

Being a Class Ambassador has provided me with the opportunity to stay connected with my classmates through class reunions and the many events organised by NUS Alumni Relations such as Thirsty Thursdays. we are grateful to NUS Alumni Relations for their support and the seed funding for our first class reunion which took place at a restaurant at Riverside Point. 30 classmates attended the gathering, and we had a good time catching up with one another, reminiscing about campus days and chatting about work and life. My experiences and journey as a Class Ambassador have expanded my network and enriched my life.

Mr Teo Wei Cheng (Design and Environment '14)

Alumni Volunteers

What is the role of Alumni Volunteers?

The College of Design and Engineering, NUS, organises numerous events every year, and you can be a part of them as an Alumni Volunteer. There are various roles that one can take on as an Alumni Volunteer and so there are different ways for everyone to contribute.

The role of Alumni Volunteers varies depending on the nature of the event. If you have certain skills or experience (e.g. emcee, performing arts, speaker, transportation, photography, etc.), you may indicate it during the sign-up process and we will be able to assign a more suitable role to you for the event.

Sign up as a volunteer

Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors Programme

What is the Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors Programme?

The Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors Programme is a dynamic initiative designed to strengthen the bond between current students and alumni of the College of Design and Engineering. Through this programme, student ambassadors play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections, enhancing alumni visibility, and promoting engagement within the CDE community.

As ambassadors, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and contribute to building a vibrant alumni-student ecosystem. By facilitating events, networking sessions, and outreach activities, the programme empowers students to serve as a bridge between past and present members of CDE, ensuring a lasting and supportive alumni network.

Role of Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors

The primary role of Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors is to enhance the connection between current students and alumni by promoting engagement of the CDE community. As active Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors, you can contribute via:

Assist with the planning and execution of alumni events, such as gala dinner, homecoming and alumni mentorship programme. Responsibilities may include logistics, communication, and on-the-day coordination, ensuring smooth operations and positive experiences for attendees.

Organise and lead guided tours of the campus during reunions or special events (e.g. 5 & 10-year anniversaries homecoming). These tours could highlight new developments and changes on campus since their graduation.

Conduct interviews with alumni and develop content to foster alumni engagement.

If you would like to do more, we welcome you to share your ideas with us to promote greater engagements with alumni and your peers.

Recruitment and selection

Eligibility: Open to all CDE undergraduate students

Application Process:

Submit application form
Attend a 15-minute short interview
Notification of application outcome within 3 working days

Commitment:

 Ambassadors serve for a minimum of one academic year (two semesters) and will be nominated as Class Ambassadors upon graduation on an opt-in basis.
Participate in at least 3 alumni-related activities in a year

Elements of an ambassador

Essential qualities of Alumni Relations Student Ambassadors are:

Ambassadors should maintain good academic performance to ensure they can balance their studies with ambassadorial duties.

Ambassadors should demonstrate a passion for engaging with alumni and enhancing the alumni-student connection.

Good communication skills are essential for effectively representing the CDE community and engaging with diverse audiences.

Ambassadors should be team players and possess a collaborative spirit when working with other ambassadors and faculty members.

Programme benefits

Join us today!

Meet Our Ambassadors

Aniruddh Sajit Menon

Hi! I’m Aniruddh Sajit Menon, a Mechanical Engineering student with a second major in Economics. I’m a passionate football enthusiast and enjoy exploring music across a wide range of genres.

As an Alumni Relations Student Ambassador, I’m excited to build meaningful connections with alumni and help bridge the gap between them and current students.

Li Ziyu

Hello, I am Ziyu! I'm an Electrical Engineering student with a passion for connecting people. As an Alumni Relations Student Ambassador, I'm here to bridge the gap between students and alumni, helping us all learn from their career stories and build confidence for the future.

My secret superpower? I'm completely immune to caffeine— I can drink an espresso and go straight to sleep!

Tong Zheng Yin

I'm Tong Zheng Yin, a Year 1 Chemical Engineering student at NUS. I'm thrilled to be an Alumni Relations Student Ambassador. My name is Tong Zheng Yin, and I see this role as a vital step in my personal and professional development. It offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in leadership and event management, all while building a robust network with accomplished alumni and industry professionals. On a more personal note, I'm always eager to connect with new people, and I can even do so in Cantonese and Hokkien!

Chen Yun Ze

Hey everyone, Jeremy here. While my studies are in Biomedical Engineering and Life Science, my passion is in building connections. I wanted to become an AR Student Ambassador to be a resource for my peers, helping to bridge the gap between our campus life and the incredible journeys of our alumni. If you want to chat about anything at all, you can usually find me near the closest coffee machine - I'm a proud addict who's always happy to connect over a cup.

Faith Yeo

Hello, I'm Faith, I am a Year 5 Architecture student currently embarking on my master’s degree, with the goal of pursuing an architectural license in the future. In my free time, I love being a tourist in Singapore, deconstructing the designs of new cafés and buildings, or tinkering with my own digital space on my Framer website. This desire to see plans come to life is also why I'm drawn to logistics and organizing committees for school events. I believe the most enduring things we can build are our relationships, which is why I'm committed to helping create a community that lasts long after our time in school is over.

William Tan

Hi, I'm William, a Biomedical Engineering student driven by a deep curiosity for people's stories. As an ambassador, I wish to connect with the brilliant people who make up our BME community, from my current peers to the accomplished alumni who have forged their paths ahead of us. This curiosity powers my interests outside of school, too. You'll either find me lost in a sci-fi novel exploring the future of humanity or digging into the past by collecting unique curiosities like coins and tokens. To me, everything has a story worth discovering.

M Haritha

My name is Haritha, and I am an Electrical Engineering major at the College of Design and Engineering. As an international student, my experience adapting to a new country has been a significant journey of personal growth. I am passionate about fostering a supportive community and as an ambassador, I wish to connect current international students with the invaluable knowledge, guidance, and mentorship of the NUS alumni network.

Shruti Moovendran

Hi, I'm Shruti. While my studies are in Chemical Engineering and Innovation & Design, my most rewarding experiences at NUS have come from the communities I've joined. Getting involved with groups like NUS Alumni Ventures and NUS AIChE really opened my eyes to the incredible value of connection and mentorship. My hope is to simply create more of these moments, helping to weave the student and alumni communities closer together. On a completely different note, my love for chilli ban mee is something I'm always happy to share too!