On 8 September 2026, the NUS CEE Fireside Chat brought together students, faculty, and alumni for an evening of meaningful conversations on AI, robotics, and emerging technologies in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Our faculty and alumni. Top row (L-R): Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Prof Hu Jiangyong, Dr Paul Ong, A/Prof Justin Yeoh. Bottom row (L-R): Er Deckon Ang, Ms Pang Xing Ting, Mr Le Shyh Haur, Mr Nicholas Teo, Mr Nicholas Khoo, Mr Evan Lee, Mr Yeoh Ze Yong

We were honoured to have seven distinguished alumni — Deckson Ang, Evan Lee, Lee Shyh Haur, Nicholas Khoo, Nicholas Teo, Pang Xing Ting, and Yeoh Ze Yong — join us as panellists, with Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Deputy Head, External Relations & Development, moderating the session.

The evening began with a buffet dinner, giving students the opportunity to reconnect with peers, network with alumni, and engage with faculty in a warm and informal setting. It was also a lovely occasion for our alumni to meet one another and catch up with professors they had not seen in years.

The panel session opened with Dr Chew introducing the book Lee Ek Tieng: The Green General of Lee Kuan Yew, which highlights Mr Lee Ek Tieng’s contributions to Singapore’s environmental development.

Mr Lee was one of five graduates from the first graduating class of Civil Engineering in 1958, then under the University of Malaya. He went on to become a senior Singapore civil servant and the first Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of the Environment. He also served as Chairman of PUB and Head of the Singapore Civil Service. We were pleased to share complimentary copies of the book with our students and alumni, generously provided by The Nutgraf Books, the Singapore-based publisher of the book.

Lucky student participants with their books!

Throughout the discussion, our panellists shared candid insights on how AI may shape the future of the civil and environmental engineering profession, the skills students can develop to stay relevant, and the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and authenticity in building a meaningful career.

A key takeaway from the evening: while technology continues to evolve, engineers remain essential in asking the right questions, applying sound judgement, and creating solutions that serve society. AI can be a powerful aid in our daily work, but it is our perspectives, values, and willingness to keep learning that make the difference.

Our heartfelt thanks to our alumni panellists, moderator, faculty, students, and everyone who made the evening such an engaging and memorable one!

A group photo with our student participants, staff and alumni to end the session