CDE GIVING
Charity golf event hosted by CDE surpasses fundraising goals
On 16 July 2025, CDE hosted the NUS 120th Anniversary Charity Golf event at the Sentosa Golf Club.
The event brought together alumni, industry partners, and friends of CDE in support of a meaningful cause, raising funds to support students in financial need.
The event began with a shotgun tee-off of 36 flights at the Serapong course, where players enjoyed friendly competition, fine weather, and great company. Following the tournament, the golfers gathered for an appreciation dinner, joined by many of our generous donors who have supported the College’s mission.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the enthusiastic participation of the golfing community, the fundraising goal of $700,000 for this event was surpassed. With funds already raised from a year-long fundraising campaign launched in December 2024, over $2.87 million has been raised so far in support of student bursaries.
During the dinner, CDE Dean, Professor Teo Kie Leong reiterated the College’s commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial background.
Mr Seah, Co-Chair, Alumni Advisory Board and member of the Organising Committee of the event said “One of the best things about being a volunteer champion in NUS is that it keeps me interacting with the students. I hear their stories, their challenges, their aspirations, their hopes and dreams. Every year, at the bursary interviews, I am inspired by the students’ desire to better themselves despite their challenging circumstances. And I come away with the motivation to find the next $25,000 for a sub-named bursary, so that I can help one more needy student every year”.
To view the full list of sponsors and donors, as well as the event photos go to: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/giving/nus120-charity-golf-2025/
Gift of $1M sets up the Von Lee Yong Miang Bursary
Mr Von Lee embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, leaving behind a stable career in the public sector at the height of the Asian financial crisis in 1998, driven by the desire to help with his brother’s struggling signage business.
He subsequently formed Expand Construction in 2000, which grew from a contractor bidding for small-scale projects and competing based on the lowest costs offered, to one that has contributed to some of the most imposing and iconic buildings in Singapore, including the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
The Expand Group of companies has become one of Singapore’s largest local building construction groups, providing integrated civil engineering and building support services. Amongst other accolades and recognition, Mr Lee received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in the engineering and construction category in 2018.
Mr Lee’s commitment to supporting Singapore’s infrastructure development extends to the support he has offered to local universities through donations to support the educational journeys of young talents.
At the company’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations on 12 July, NUS was bequeathed a generous gift of $1 million to establish the Von Lee Yong Miang Bursary.
Acknowledging this gift, CDE Dean Professor Teo Kie Leong stated that the gift “reflects the company’s enduring commitment to excellence, growth, and making a positive impact”. He added that the partnership has reaffirmed belief in the transformative power of education and the impact of a nurturing community spirit.
“No young person should be held back simply because they were born into less. I’m glad to come full circle and support students who just need a little help to go further,” said Mr Lee.
For more news on CDE Giving: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news/?category=alumni-giving
Recognising academic excellence in Master of Science in Safety, Health and Environmental Technology through alumni-supported award
In 2021, the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering raised $21,230 through the generous support of MSc in Safety, Health and Environmental Technology (MSc SHE) alumni, as well as family, friends, and colleagues of Associate Professor Foo Swee Cheng. This fund was established to recognise postgraduate students in the MSc SHE programme who have demonstrated academic excellence.
In Semester 1 of AY2024/25, two top graduating students were honoured for their outstanding achievements. In Semester 2, two more students were recognised:
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Best: Yasaswinie B Narayanan – S$1,000
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Second Best: Yeo Chin Kwee – S$500
Congratulations to the award recipients!