Dear students, alumni, colleagues, and partners of CDE,

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Engineering at NUS is again in ninth position, making it the only Asian university in the top 10. Universities are evaluated across five core disciplines: General Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Over 1,400 institutions from 97 countries and territories were assessed.

Of course, as a College, we are more than just a number. The impact of the greater CDE community, including the disciplines that do not factor in this ranking, extends beyond these hard indicators. Here at CDE, we understand that our strength is in our connections across disciplines and the potential for impact through collaborative work. We are better together.

Our strength also lies in our history. Although we were established as a College only in 2022, our first general course in Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering, was introduced in 1955. The Engineering Department was elevated to the status of a Faculty in 1958, which was also the year our Architecture programme was first established. This year, our Department of Civil Engineering celebrates its 70th anniversary in conjunction with NUS’ 120th anniversary.

This year's dual celebrations recognise achievements and the connections that have brought us here—as one of the top colleges and universities globally. Our alumni, students, and faculty form the deep roots that will take us even further.

I look forward to more such milestones as a united college in the coming years.

Professor Teo Kie Leong
Dean
College of Design and Engineering (CDE)