ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni share their personal journeys at the CDE Women Symposium 2025
What does it look like when creativity meets conviction?
At this year’s CDE Women Symposium, alums, students and faculty came together for an afternoon of meaningful stories and open conversations on leadership, innovation and growth in the fields of design and engineering.
Our four alum speakers – Ms Ho Pui Yng (Industrial Design, Class of 2019), Ar Lee Hui Lian (Architecture, Class of 2010), Ms Sum Kun Shan (Chemical Engineering, Class of 2007) and Dr Betty Tsai (Chemical Engineering, Class of 2012) – shared personal reflections from their journeys across immersive design, architecture, clean energy and AI. The panel, moderated by Assoc Prof Vivian Ng (Electrical & Computer Engineering), sparked thoughtful dialogue on finding your paths in life, building strengths through connecting with others, and being open to exploring.
The programme closed with a tea reception and networking, where connections were made and conversations continued across generations of the CDE community.
Read more here: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/cde-women-symposium-2025-inspiring-creativity-driving-innovation/
Fifty Years on: Civil Engineering Class of 1975 marks Golden Jubilee
“We came here as long-lost classmates or even strangers, but after 50 years, we realise we still have connections, and this occasion could be the last time some of us meet.”
On 20 August 2025, the Civil Engineering Class of 1975 returned together for a milestone event — their Golden Jubilee reunion. Graduating from the former University of Singapore, now the National University of Singapore (NUS), the class entered the profession during a period of rapid national development. Their work would go on to support the foundations of modern Singapore.
The reunion took place in Johor Bahru, providing a central location for classmates based in both Malaysia and Singapore. The event was planned and coordinated by Mr Poh Hai Leong and Mr Ooi Kao Yang, with university liaison support from Maj Chong Chow Kar (Ret.).
There, they shared about their early career challenges, shifts in civil engineering practices, and how their education shaped professional values and decisions. From government agencies to private consultancies and academic roles, the paths taken were diverse but grounded in a shared foundation built during their undergraduate years.
A moment was set aside to acknowledge classmates who have passed on, a touching gesture that underscored the collective history and enduring connections among the group.
Their reunion was not only a celebration of time passed, but a recognition of professional impact, shared values, and long-standing relationships formed through education. It was also a reminder that while buildings may weather and roads may change, the friendships built during those formative years remain remarkably intact and deeply cherished.
CEE hold the 5th Workshop on Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering organised the 5th Workshop on Civil and Environmental Engineering from 24 to 27 July 2025, welcoming more than 100 alumni back to their alma mater. Supported by the NUS CEE Chinese Alumni Association, the workshop featured 37 presentations by speakers from academia and industry. The next edition of the workshop will be hosted by Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, China, in 2026.
DID Alumni receive the President's Design Award 2025
Congratulations to the Division of Industrial Design Alumni who received the President*s Design Award (P*DA) 2025!
This prestigious award is Singapore’s highest honour presented to designers across all design disciplines, celebrating the achievements and impacts of their design that has positively impacted the lives locally and globally. This year’s edition focuses on how design remains a record to shaping and inspiring Singapore’s future.
There are two categories – Designer of the Year and Design of the Year.
Designer of the Year
Gabriel Tan (Industrial Design, Class of 2007) is one of two Designer of the Year 2025 winners. He enrolled in NUS’ newly launched Industrial Design programme back in 2003 and, in his final year in 2006, co-founded Outofstock with three friends.
He is now the Principal and Design Director of two studios: Gabriel Tan Studio, focusing on industrial design, and Studio Antimatter, focusing on interior design. He is also the Co-Founder of his own handcraft-driven design brand, Origin Made and serves as Creative Director for Ariake, a Japanese furniture brand.
This is not Gabriel’s first recognition at the P*DA. He previously won the Design of the Year awards in 2010 and 2015 with Outofstock. His designs have achieved success in both Singapore and internationally, with pieces released by iconic contemporary furniture brands, Herman Miller and B&B Italia.
Currently based in Porto, Portugal, Gabriel keeps his connection to his Singapore roots through frequent return visits. By drawing influences from both Asia and Europe, he explores cultural intersections in his designs and remains engaged with traditional crafting such as Japanese timberwork and Portuguese artisanship.
“Gabriel Tan’s work exemplifies the highest standards of craft, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit on the global stage,” cites the P*DA jury, “Tan represents the very essence of a global Singaporean.”
Design of the Year
Under Design of the Year, the creatives at NextofKin Creatives (NOK) won the award with their project Silver Pride Lion Troupe in the Service Design category.
NOK is an award-winning strategic design studio based in Singapore and Taipei. The team behind the project consisted of 9 multidisciplinary creatives, with 5 being alumni from the Division of Industrial Design: Rodney Loh, Sim Hao Jie (Industrial Design, Class of 2016), Edmund Zhang (Industrial Design, Class of 2017), Nathaniel Ng (Industrial Design, Class of 2022), Sheryl Ang (Industrial Design, Class of 2020), Rayson Tan, Kelly Boon, Nafisah Abu Bakar and Muhammad Haziq Roslany (Industrial Design, Class of 2025).
Silver Pride Lion Troupe is a pilot programme for seniors to promote their mental, physical and social well-being through this reimagination of Singapore’s traditional lion dance.
Founded in 2023, the project integrates local cultural heritage with an active ageing initiative by redesigning the lion dance equipment and its choreography, known for its acrobatic and rigorous movements, to be safer and more inclusive. NOK partnered with numerous parties, including Lynn Wong from Bridging Generations, a heritage social enterprise, and Kong Chow Wui Koon, a historic Chinese clan association, to address tradition sensitivity and involved physiotherapists to ensure accessibility.
With the seniors in mind, key modifications were made. NOK used 3D-printed parts, levers and strings for easier control of the lion’s eyes, mouth and ears. The frames were lightened, handle grips were improved for easier grasp and mesh fabric was used for the exterior’s fabric to improve breathability. Cloth dampers for the cymbals were also added to reduce the sound.
Their training was made progressive to help build their strength by adding small weights to the equipment, while also modifying the routine to include less athletic moves and remaining seated.
The project has addressed societal stigmas and issues surrounding ageing and senior care, while also introducing a spark of joy to the participating seniors. It held its first showcase performance during last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations for then Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing.
“By adapting lion dance… the project provides an innovative and culturally resonant way to promote physical well-being, social connection, and skill-building, particularly among hard-to-reach male seniors,” the jury cites. “Its community-driven approach and scalable model offer potential for replication both locally and internationally, making it a powerful and culturally significant contribution to rethinking ageing in modern society.”
Tapestree at Istana Open House
In celebration of SG60, the Istana welcomed more than 15,000 visitors for its Open House on 3 August 2025. Among the many booths set up that day, Nazurah Rohayat (Industrial Design, Class of 2024) showcased Tapestree, her final year project which uses AI to merge traditional designs with contemporary patterns to reflect Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage.
Tapestree made its national debut in last year’s National Day celebrations, where it was worn by Ministers Josephine Teo and Rahayu Mahzam.
At the Open House, Nazurah was joined by volunteers and her core team of Muhammad Mirza Jahangeer and fellow DID alumni Muhammad Akbar Yunus (Industrial Design, Class of 2015). With Tapestree, they demonstrated to the public how AI can be used as a creative tool to celebrate the nation’s diversity.
Their booth featured merchandise such as the Tapestree Multicultural Stamp Keychain and an SG60 Multicultural Bandana, as well as an interactive activity where visitors could fold origami shirts and decorate them by using Tapestree stamps to create their own patterns.
The highlight of the team’s day was meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with whom Nazurah and her team were able to share their work and vision, such as the term and hashtag #togetheristic, which describes the willingness and ability to work together.
For Nazurah, it was an unforgettable moment. “This experience reminded me that the best work happens when diverse talents come together with a shared purpose,” she reflected after the event, “We couldn't have done this without each person's unique contribution and unwavering support.”
Follow Tapestree on Instagram @tapestree.ai