FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES
New Faculty and Staff
Dr Li Shengxiao
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture
Alex joined NUS from the University of Oregon’s School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management. Prior to his appointment with the University of Oregon, he was a postdoctoral researcher and a lecturer at the University of California, Riverside. Alex’s research focuses on transportation planning and policy from sustainability and equity perspectives. His current research projects focus on transportation planning for older people, equitable transit-oriented development, local sustainability initiatives and governance, and racial disparities in transportation access. He obtained his PhD and master’s degrees in city and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degrees in economics and urban management from Peking University.
Ms Karin Aue
Senior Lecturer, Division of Industrial Design
With nearly two decades of experience as a design practitioner across Europe and Asia, Karin brings a powerful combination of strategic design consultancy and a passion for impact-driven projects. Before joining NUS, she led the multidisciplinary design team at Chemistry, a strategic design consultancy, where she served as Design Director and Partner. Prior to that, she collaborated with renowned organisations such as IDEO (SG), Tama BI Art University (JP), KesselsKramer (UK), and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (NL). Karin’s ultimate goal as a designer is to drive positive and sustainable change. She advocates for a planet-centred and participatory approach to design, aiming for the long-term thriving of organisations, communities, and the planet. Karin has worked extensively with public and private sector organisations to accelerate their transition toward a circular, regenerative, and sustainable future. She regularly shares her expertise as a keynote speaker and subject matter expert on human- and planet-centered innovation and design.
Mr Chew Wanlong, Nicholas
Instructor, Dean’s Office (Engineering Design and Innovation Centre)
Before joining NUS, Nicholas was a research engineer at Newcastle University’s Design Unit, part of the British Gear Association (BGA), specialising in mechanical power transmission design across various engineering fields, including the automotive and marine sectors. He graduated from Newcastle University (UK) in 2020 with First-class Honours in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Sustainable Transport Technology. Upon returning to Singapore in 2022, he joined a local industrial automation firm, where he developed multiple proof-of-concept designs involving customised end-of-arm tooling on industrial robotic manipulators for various manufacturing applications. He later became a Robotics Engineer for the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore, implementing the industrial robotic setup for Singapore’s first ever modular, cell-based production facility for new Hyundai EV models, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Robotaxis, all of which are assembled locally. Drawing from his industrial experience, he will work with the Dean’s Office (EDIC)’s teaching staff to focus on robotics. He will apply Robot Operating System (ROS)-based technologies in coursework and promote industrial engagement between Innovation & Design Programme (iDP) graduates and the local robotics ecosystem.
Mr Tiwari Yogesh
Assistant Manager, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Yogesh joined the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore as an Assistant Manager. He will lead industry partnerships, engagement, and outreach activities at CFI Singapore.
Mr Lim Wei Jie
Senior Executive, Dean’s Office (Office of Research and Technology)
Wei Jie is trained in environmental science and business. He joins us from SMU, where he managed events, courses, and stakeholders while developing marketing strategies. His diverse experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of project dynamics. He will help promote and highlight CDE’s research and contribute to strategic initiatives under the Dean’s Office (Office of Research and Technology).
Miss Huan Yi Yun
Executive, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Elin Huan joined the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore as an Executive. She will be managing procurement and finance matters related to grants funded by CFI Singapore.
Mr Liu Jianchuan
Laboratory Technologist, Dean’s Office (Central Workshop)
Jianchuan will provide machining services to support students’ and researchers’ prototyping work. He will also train students in using machinery and hand tools. Prior to joining NUS, he worked as a Computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmer, specialising in jigs and fixtures design. He has experience using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) vertical machining. He graduated with a Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing from Nanyang Polytechnic and is currently pursuing a part-time Bachelor of Technology (Software Engineering) at NUS.
Promotions
| Name of Staff | Department/Division | Promotion |
| Trivic Zdravko | Architecture | Promoted to Associate Professor with tenure with effect from 1 July 2024. |
| Bina Rai | Biomedical Engineering | Promoted to Associate Professor (Educator Track) on open contract with retrospective effect from 1 January 2024. |
| Kuang Sze Chiang, Kevin | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Promoted to Associate Professor (Educator Track) on open contract with retrospective effect from 1 January 2024. |
| Satyen Gautam | Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering | Promoted to Associate Professor (Educator Track) on open contract with retrospective effect from 1 January 2024. |
| Ouyang Jianyong | Materials Science and Engineering | Promoted to Full Professor with effect from 1 Jul 2024. |
Appointments & Awards
| Name of Staff | Department/Division | Appointment |
| Assoc Prof Tam Chat Tim | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Renewal of Honorary Fellowship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Assoc Prof Samudra, Ganesh S | Electrical and Computer Engineering | Renewal of Honorary Fellowship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Assoc Prof Lee Siew Eang | The Built Environment | Renewal of Honorary Fellowship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Prof Yong Kwet Yew | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Award of Emeritus Professorship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Prof Tan Kiang Hwee | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Award of Emeritus Professorship with effect from 1 July 2024. |
| Prof Hang Chang Chieh | Electrical and Computer Engineering | Award of Emeritus Professorship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Assoc Prof Teo Chee Leong | Mechanical Engineering | Award of Emeritus Professorship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
| Prof Christine Annette Shoemaker | Industrial Systems Engineering & Management | Award of Emeritus Professorship with effect from 1 July 2024 |
Retirement
We thank the following faculty members who are retiring this month and wish them a fulfilling retirement!
Professor Yong Kwet Yew, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professor Yong has made an indelible mark on the National University of Singapore (NUS) since joining on October 1, 1979. Throughout his distinguished tenure, he held various senior positions, including Head of Civil Engineering, Founding Director of the Centre for Soft Ground Engineering, Chairman of the NUS-MINDEF Centre for Protective Technology, and Co-Chairman of the NUS-MINDEF Infrastructure Committee. His most notable contribution came during his 20-year leadership as Head of University Campus Infrastructure (2001-2021) and later as Senior Vice President. During this time, he spearheaded numerous capital development projects, including the award-winning sustainable development of University Town, which transformed NUS into a vibrant and environmentally friendly campus. Professor Yong’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication have not only enhanced the campus environment but also positioned NUS as a global leader in sustainable campus development. Professor Yong’s impact extends beyond NUS, as he has fostered research collaborations with local and global partners, benefiting both the university and the broader community. As Professor Yong retires, we extend our deepest gratitude for his exceptional service and invaluable contributions to NUS.
Professor Tan Kiang Hwee, Civil and Environmental Engineering
The department wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Professor Tan for his outstanding contributions and dedicated service. Throughout his tenure, Prof Tan's leadership as the supervisor of the Structural Engineering and Concrete Technology Laboratory was instrumental in the development of state-of-the-art test facilities, including the strong floor and wall system and the protective enclosure for the centrifuge, which positioned our laboratory among the best in South East Asia. As Deputy Head (Admin), he oversaw departmental operations and fostered a safe and harmonious environment for all staff. Prof Tan's many initiatives showcased his commitment to teamwork and excellence in service delivery. Additionally, his roles as MSc Programme Manager and Director of Continuing and Professional Education significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of graduate education and pioneering the Graduate Certificate Programmes. His leadership in curriculum revision and mentorship of younger staff have left a lasting impact on the department's academic and administrative endeavours, giving us hope and optimism about the future. We thank Prof Tan for his invaluable contributions and wish him a fulfilling retirement ahead.
Associate Professor Teo Chee Leong, Mechanical Engineering
The Department extends its deepest gratitude to Assoc Prof Teo for his significant contributions to academia and teaching. His dedication to both core and elective courses, notably ME1191: Advanced Computing, where he meticulously crafted the teaching material for "C" Programming from scratch in 1994, has left a lasting impact. "C" Programming has remained an integral part of the curriculum for ME undergraduates for over two decades. We truly value the time and effort he invested in educating and inspiring countless generations of ME students, as well as mentoring numerous Final Year Project (FYP) students. Furthermore, we acknowledge his relentless commitment to promoting enrolment in the NUS ME undergraduate programme from 2018 to 2022, resulting in the department boasting the largest cohort of undergraduate students within the then Faculty of Engineering for many years. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the NUS ME undergraduate programme through its inaugural accreditation process, culminating in full accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) in 2013. As he embark on the next chapter of his journey, the ME department wishes him the very best, and we look forward to maintaining close ties in the future.