MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN!
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)
HIGHLIGHTS
EVENTS
Are you ahead of the Quantum Curve or already behind It?
Quantum is no longer a distant idea — and AI is moving faster than ever. So, are you ahead of the quantum curve, or already behind it? Join us for an exciting panel discussion on quantum computing and AI, where we’ll unpack what these technologies really mean today, where they’re heading, and how they’re shaping industries, careers, and innovation in Singapore and beyond.
CDE–LTA NEBULA X Hackathon
The NEBULA X Hackathon invites Singapore university and polytechnic students to take on real-world mobility challenges and develop innovative solutions that could make our rail network smarter, more reliable and more resilient.
Info Session: PhD at College of Design & Engineering, NUS | Scholarships, Application Tips, and Your Questions Answered
Considering a PhD in engineering, architecture or design? Join the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering for a one-hour online session on how to build a strong application, and how to fund it. You’ll hear from: – The Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes), on CDE’s PhD landscape and scholarship opportunities – Ten professors from the CDE Graduate Studies (Research) Committee, each representing one of our ten departments Who this is for: – Undergraduate students in their second year and above – Master’s students, whether by coursework or research – Researchers and working professionals considering a return to study Wherever you’re based, you’re welcome! the session runs entirely online. What you’ll take away: – What scholarship support is available, and what it covers – How to navigate the PhD application process, step by step – How to identify and approach a supervisor whose research matches your own – What admissions panels look for in a research proposal, and how to strengthen yours – A clear sense of what to prepare ahead of the August 2027 intake Date: 26 August 2026, Wednesday Time: 3.00pm – 4.00pm (Singapore time, GMT+8) Format: Online via Zoom Register now to secure your place.
CDE Innovation Day 2026 Registration
CDE Innovation Day offers NUS students and researchers three tracks to grow ideas into real-world solutions and win funding support.
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