CDE Alumni Gala Dinner 2025
OYAA 1

Mr. Allan Tandiono began his career at LTA Singapore before being appointed Project Manager at PT MRT Jakarta, where he led the construction of the Jakarta MRT Phase 1. He later took on senior leadership roles in the Jakarta LRT, Surbana Jurong and Gojek, and most recently played a key role in completing Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail between Jakarta and Bandung as Director for Project Management and Business Development at KCIC.

Mr. Allan Tandiono’s work has significantly shaped Indonesia’s urban transport landscape. He also holds key positions in national transport committees and actively contributes to sustainable transport initiatives. As an engaged alumnus, he supports NUS in alumni outreach and student recruitment across Indonesia.

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Ms. Istilah Abali began her career in 2014 as a Graduate Cost Manager at Turner & Townsend forged a dynamic and upward trajectory, becoming one of the youngest Directors in Southeast Asia. Today, she leads a team of over 60 professionals as the Cost Centre Lead for Cost Management in Singapore, where she plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and client delivery. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to business development across key real estate sectors, while also championing internal transformation initiatives. She has led talent development programmes such as 'Your Professional Future' and the 'Asia Talent Programme' and has been instrumental in advancing digital transformation within the business.

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Ms. Istilah Abali actively mentors emerging professionals and supports alumni outreach initiatives. She regularly engages with students and early-career professionals through speaking engagements with BCA, RICS, and her alma mater, NUS, conducting guest lectures, panel discussions, and participation in career fairs. Her strong leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to nurturing future talent mark her as a transformative figure in the built environment sector.

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Dr. Koh has risen quickly through the ranks at ST Engineering and currently serves as Head of Advanced Material Solutions. He leads a team developing and producing protection systems, energy storage, and special materials, and has played critical roles in IP strategy, technology assessment, and advanced materials manufacturing such as an advanced ceramics pilot plant and various material development facilities. His public service includes over a decade of volunteering at the Singapore Boys’ Home, where he serves as a befriender to support youth reintegration into society. His contributions were recognised with a 10-year service award from the Ministry of Social and Family Development in 2025.

At NUS, Dr. Koh has actively supported the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) through research collaboration, alumni engagement, and student mentorship. He helped establish the Advanced Materials & Additive Processes Engineering Centre in partnership with NUS and has supervised numerous IPP and industry-linked research students. A consistent supporter of MSE’s alumni events and outreach since 2013, he exemplifies the integration of industry expertise and academic advancement.

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Ar. Lee is an emerging leader in Singapore’s architectural landscape. She is recognised as one of Singapore's rising architects by URA's latest edition of 20 under 45, and received an Honourable Mention at the SIA-YAL Young Architects Award 2024. Her recent work, featured on Channel News Asia’s Dream Spaces, promotes multigenerational living and social cohesion through architectural design. From 2021 to 2023, she led the Young Architects League (YAL) Mentorship Programme, continuing to mentor architecture students and promote the profession to the public through talks. She also serves on the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Think Tank committee, where she contributes to initiatives that bridge practitioners and government through inclusive design competitions.

Despite her busy professional practice, Ar. Lee has been a part-time lecturer at NUS since 2018. She is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor and has consistently demonstrated dedication to student learning and curriculum development. Her leadership in both education and professional circles exemplifies her commitment to advancing architecture in Singapore.

OYAA 2a

Ms. Sum is a pioneer in Singapore’s clean energy sector, with a career spanning over 15 years in both public and private sectors. At the Energy Market Authority (EMA), she led Singapore’s first clean energy testbed on Pulau Ubin and subsequently played a key role in the development of national LNG infrastructure projects. Later, at Enterprise Singapore, she helped secure over S$10 billion in trading revenue and 500 professional energy sector jobs, positioning Singapore as a regional trading hub in LNG, petrochemicals and carbon. Transitioning to the private sector, she took on a key role in driving stakeholder engagement in the US$23 billion Australia-Asia PowerLink, Southeast Asia’s first intercontinental electricity interconnection project. Kun Shan has also supported early industry development efforts in carbon capture & storage (CCS) and nuclear energy readiness. Currently serving as Director of Strategy at the Asia Sustainable Aviation & Fuel Association (ASAFA), she is shaping Asia’s sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem.

Ms. Sum also contributes significantly to NUS. As President of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) Alumni Committee, she has spearheaded career talks, networking events, and course development for alumni. She regularly mentors students and alumni, promotes sustainability leadership, and engages in global thought leadership platforms. Her sustained contributions to decarbonisation, energy innovation, and alumni development make her an outstanding role model for the NUS community.

OYAA 5a

Mr. Tan is a serial technopreneur with deep experience in building and scaling high-growth startups across Southeast Asia. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of EVO Commerce, a leading regional direct-to-consumer (DTC) house of brands in premium health, beauty, and wellness. He also serves as Advisor to Hangry, Indonesia’s largest multi-brand virtual restaurant, where he was previously the Founding CFO. In that role, he raised over US$60 million from top investors including Sequoia, Alpha JWC, and DST, spearheaded M&A initiatives, and built the company’s finance operations from the ground up.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Tan headed Corporate Development at OVO (now Grab Financial Indonesia), where he drove strategic fintech acquisitions; served as COO and CFO of Taralite, successfully leading its acquisition by Grab; and was Vice President of Investments at Alpha JWC Ventures, where he focused on early-stage opportunities across Southeast Asia.

Beyond the private sector, Mr. Tan has contributed actively to public and community service. At Enterprise Singapore SEEDS Capital, he managed a S$200 million fund supporting SMEs and startups in healthcare. He also serves as a Major in the Singapore Armed Forces, contributing to national defence and leadership. A committed supporter of education and entrepreneurship, he actively engages with NUS and NUS Overseas College, where he has published textbooks, delivered lectures, and mentored students—particularly those exploring opportunities in Indonesia.