CEE 70th Anniversary Dinner 2025
A Celebration for our Alumni & Donors

NUS CEE 70th Anniversary Dinner 2025 was a grand celebration of our alumni and donors. On 28 November at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Fairmont Ballroom, we welcomed an estimated 980 guests, including alumni across seven decades, donors, industry partners, and past and present staff. It was a joyful homecoming that closed our year of celebrations.

Our alumni reconnecting with their classmates

We were especially touched by the dedication of our community. Retired Professor P Paramasivam flew in from India to join the festivities, and many guests came straight from the airport with luggage in hand. The eagerness to reunite with old friends says everything about the bonds forged at CEE.

Prof Paramasivam (left) catching up with our alumnus, Mr Chai Kim Poh (Class of 1978)


Opening Performance and Welcome

We opened with a rousing drumming performance. What made it special was that the seven drummers were chosen to represent the seven pillars of the CEE family: the department management team, academic staff, administrative staff, laboratory staff, alumni, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students. In his welcome, Head of Department Professor Richard Liew reminded us that there would be no CEE without our alumni, and thanked past and present professors and support staff for shaping who we are today.

Our drummers opening the dinner with a spectacular performance

Prof Richard Liew giving his opening address

Toasting to CEE!

 

Awards Ceremony

As part of our special 70th Anniversary Celebrations, three categories of awards were given out to exemplary and outstanding staff, alumni, and donors who have made significant contributions to the department and the community.

CEE 70th Anniversary Special Recognition Awards (Staff): This award recognises three exceptional senior staff members who have each dedicated over 40 years of service and played a pivotal role in shaping the Department: Emeritus Professor Cheong Hin Fatt, Honorary Fellow Professor Tam Chat Tim, and Emeritus Professor Yong Kwet Yew. They exemplify scholarly excellence, visionary leadership, and enduring service.

Prof Cheong Hin Fatt receiving the Award from Prof Martin Buist (Deputy Dean) and Prof Richard Liew

Prof Tam Chat Tim receiving the Award from Prof Martin Buist (Deputy Dean) and Prof Richard Liew

Prof Yong Kwet Yew receiving the Award from Prof Martin Buist (Deputy Dean) and Prof Richard Liew


CEE 70th Anniversary Special Recognition Award (Alumni): This award honours outstanding alumni whose achievements and service have strengthened our CEE community – strengthening industry connections, helping needy students, nurturing potential leaders, enhancing our research capabilities, and more.

From L to R: Award Recipient 1 to 5, Prof Richard Liew (HOD), Award Recipient 6 to 9, Dr Chew Soon Hoe (Deputy Head & Chairman of CEE 70th Celebrations Committee)

  1. Professor Phoon Kok-Kwang (CE Class of 1987)
  2. Mr Yeo Keng Joon (CE Class of 1973)
  3. Mr Seah Cheng San (CE Class of 1982)
  4. Mr Edwin Seow Wee Kah (CE Class of 1982)
  5. Er Wong Jin Kok (CE Class of 1985)
  6. Mr Lee Aik Seng (CE Class of 1986)
  7. Er Chan Ewe Jin (CE Class of 1988)
  8. Er Teh Poh Suan (CE Class of 1990)
  9. Mr David Tan Tin Liung (MSc CE Class of 1990)

From L to R: Award Recipient 1 – 5, Prof Richard Liew (HOD), Award Recipient 6 – 9, Dr Chew Soon Hoe (Deputy Head & Chairman of CEE 70th Celebrations Committee)

  1. Ms Hazel Khoo Chooi Nee (CE Class of 2001)
  2. Mr Tan Chee Kiat (CE Class of 2000)
  3. Er Cong Zhengxia (MSC CE Class of 2008)
  4. Er Jee Yi Yng (MSc CE Class of 2015)
  5. Er David Ng Chew Chiat (CE Class of 1998)
  6. Mr Charlie Tan Chun Chieh (CE Class of 1999)
  7. Er Dr Victor Ong Chee Wee (PhD Class of 2004)
  8. Er Tan Yoong Heng (CE Class of 1997)
  9. Mr Tan Sze Tiong (CE Class of 1997)

From L to R: Award Recipient 1 – 4, Prof Richard Liew (HOD), Award Recipient 5 – 8, Dr Chew Soon Hoe (Deputy Head & Chairman of CEE 70th Celebrations Committee)

  1. Ms Chang Qingyang (CE Class of 2021)
  2. Ms Ong Shiu Jern (CE Class of 2020)
  3. Mr Looi Cheng Hui (MSc CE Class of 2016)
  4. Mr Matthias Ong Da Wei (EVE Class of 2010)
  5. Mr Wong Siyong (CE Class of 2008)
  6. Mr Jax Ong Junxing (CE Class of 2008)
  7. Mr Calvin Chung Weng Yew (CE Class of 2002)
  8. Mr Lee Yee Seng (CE Class of 2004)

CEE 70th Donor Appreciation Award: This award recognises the generosity of our donors whose support nurtures the next generation of engineers and enables scholarships, research, and transformative opportunities.

Thank you to our donors:

  • Woh Hup (Private) Ltd
  • Expand Construction Pte Ltd
  • Obayashi Singapore Pte Ltd
  • Mr Ouyang Yuanwen
  • ECAS Consultants Pte Ltd
  • Kingsford Group
  • TTJ Design and Engineering Pte Ltd
  • KTC Civil Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd
  • Dato Er Chuah Lam Siang
  • Dr Er Lai Huen Poh
  • Mr Louis Hwang Teng Sun
  • Lian Soon Construction Pte Ltd
  • Quek & Quek Civil Engineering Pte Ltd
  • Er Khoh Tio Ching
  • Mr Lee Hee Long
  • Mr Charlie Tan Chun Chieh
  • Mr Lim Heng Toh
  • Class of 1978

Walking Down Memory Lane

Throughout the evening, our time tunnel showcased photos from 1955 to 2025, a curated journey designed to spark memories as alumni walked past. A second photowall featured more than 400 images of our students from the 1970s to the 2020s for alumni to reminisce about the good old days on campus. Our alumni could also take group photos at the photobooth, which offered nostalgic backdrops, including the old canteen and the Prince Edward campus, blending past and present in delightful keepsakes.

A milestone wall showcased major milestones of our department throughout the past 70 years – from curriculum to student life on campus.

Time Tunnel showcasing highlights of our history from 1955 – 2025

Alumni and professor taking photos with the specially curated photowall

Photobooth with Prince Edward Campus as the Backdrop

Our alumni looking at the milestone wall

Highlights of the Dinner (1) - Performances

The celebration came to life with a series of performances:

1. Dr Pan Weiyi and his wife, Dr Xu Chengcheng, shared a heartfelt video recording of their English rendition of 明天会更好 (Tomorrow Will Be Better).

Screen capture of the video recording of Dr Pan Weiyi & Dr Xu Chengcheng’s performance

 

2. Alumni Er Dr Victor Ong, Er Dr Ng Chew Chiat David, and Er Tan Yoong Heng, together with research staff Ms Low Kai En and Ms Leong Geok Bin, performed 朋友 (Cantonese version), lifting the room with a beloved classic.

Performance by Our Alumni and Research Staff

3. Dr Pearl Li played the piano and sang 如愿 (As Wished), delivering a soulful and moving set.

Performance by Dr Pearl Li

 

4. To cap the evening, Head of Department Professor Richard Liew surprised guests with 上海滩, an energetic finale that delighted the crowd. The performance was accompanied by a photo montage of our student activities through the years.

Performance by Prof Richard Liew

 

Highlights of the Dinner (2) – Cake Cutting Ceremony

Six birthday cakes, signifying the seven decades (1955–1974, 1975–1984, 1985–1994, 1995–2004, 2005–2014, 2015–2025), were presented on stage. Two to three representatives from each group were invited up for the cake-cutting ceremony. At centre stage stood a large “CEE70” cake, and the Deputy Dean, together with current and past Heads of Department, led the lighting of the candles and the cutting of the cakes. The celebration culminated with everyone singing “Happy Birthday” and a rousing cheer.

Decade representatives on stage gathered for the cake-cutting ceremony

Highlights of the Dinner (3) –  A Surprise Gift (Exclusive Perfume)

A cherished highlight was the gathering of alumni from the Class of 1970 to the Class of 2025, alongside retired professors and staff from the 1980s and 1990s. It was a night of reconnection, stories, and fond memories. Guests received a signature perfume thoughtfully curated by the committee and alumnus Mr Ong Kian Hwee (Class of 1996) of Givaudan, a sensory keepsake of the occasion. Two fragrances were curated: ‘Timeless Legacy’, honouring the strength, wisdom, and resilience of our pioneers, and ‘Radiant Spark’, embodying the creativity, energy, and optimism of future generations.

Highlights of the Dinner (4) –  Honouring Prof Lee Seng Lip

We shared video montages covering 1955 to 2025 and a tribute to Emeritus Professor Lee Seng Lip, an inspirational and distinguished educator whose impact shaped our Department and the nation. We also spotlighted students supported by bursaries, expressing gratitude to our donors for their generosity.

 

Highlights of the Dinner (5) –  Closing and Grand Finale

In closing, Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Chair of the CEE 70th Anniversary Committee, thanked the committee for their dedication and everyone present for making the evening truly memorable. As a fitting finale to the year of celebrations, CEE faculty and staff gathered on stage to sing our own rendition of “Stand Up for Singapore,” sending the audience off with pride and cheer.

CEE Faculty and Staff singing “Stand Up for Singapore”

To our alumni, donors, and friends, thank you for your steadfast support over the years. To our ex and current staff, your unwavering dedication ensures an enriching experience for every student. We look forward to your continued partnership as CEE advances knowledge, educates leaders, and makes an impact for decades to come.

CEE Staff Group Photo

A Big Thank You to the Committee!

From L to R: Ms Jazlyn Teo, Dr Paul Ong (Co-Chairman), A/Prof Pang Sze Dai (Deputy Head), Prof Richard Liew (Head), Dr Chew Soon Hoe (Chairman), Ms Peggy Leong, Ms Valerie Chew, Mr Joel Haw

 

Please click HERE for the selected individual or small group photos during the dinner.