CDE Dean's Message - 082025 - EVENTS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

Dean's Message ▏ISSUE 08 2025

EVENTS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

IDEATE 2025 kicked off with 350 students ready to brainstorm, prototype, and innovate

Jointly organised by the CDE Office of Research and Technology, the Innovation & Design Programme Student Club (iDPSC), and NUS Enterprise, this year marks the merger of two successful events, IDEATE and the Eureka Innovation Challenge, to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among NUS students by encouraging aspiring innovators to develop practical solutions for real-world challenges. This merger amplifies the reach and impact of both events, providing a larger, more vibrant platform.

Assoc Prof Khoo Eng Tat, IDEATE Organising Committee Chair, said, “IDEATE is a platform for students to innovate, design, and make, experimenting boldly and collaborating across disciplines to build solutions that make a real difference. We are thrilled by the strong interest and record registrations from CDE, SOC, Medicine, CHS, and the Business School, reflecting the strong spirit of innovation across NUS.”

The competition embraces an open theme, welcoming bold ideas from all disciplines. Over 10 weeks, students will engage in brainstorming sessions, rapid prototyping, hands-on mentorship, and the thrill of seeing their concepts evolve into tangible solutions. Open to all NUS students, it brings together passionate teams who dare to imagine, build, and solve.

During the first workshop session on 16 August, students began brainstorming in their groups, exchanging ideas, and mapping out potential solutions. From these, 16 semi-finalist teams will be selected to participate in technical workshops and pitching sessions before the final.

The top 3 teams will each receive a $10,000 VIP Grant, access to Block 71 Singapore Incubation, a physical space for expanding start-ups while leveraging NUS Enterprise’s global network, and A*STAR internship opportunities.

IDEATE 2025 is more than a competition. It’s a space for creativity, collaboration, and the courage to bring ideas to life.

Creativity meets collaboration at the Building an Innovation Mindset Workshop

From left to right: Start-up founders Grace Chia, Ibnur Rashad, and Chang Qingyang, together with moderator Remi Choong, in a panel discussion sharing real-world stories on using business skills to solve problems, embracing failures as stepping stones, and fostering collaboration.

“In order to think, you must do!” said Year 1 Industrial Design student Anvii Agarwal, who was bitten by the innovation bug at the Building an Innovation Mindset workshop.

Part of IDEATE2025, a flagship innovation makerthon jointly organised by CDE’s Office of Research and Technology, NUS Enterprise and the iDP Student Club, this lively workshop attracted over 300 eager participants ready to dive into innovation through action.

The day was packed with exciting highlights:

A dive into innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset guided by Associate Professor Khoo Eng Tat (Assistant Dean, CDE), inspiring everyone to think outside the box.
An engaging alumni panel featuring start-up stars like Grace Chia (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2014) from BeeX, Ibnur Rashad (Engineering Science, Class of 2011) from GUILD, and Chang Qingyang (Civil Engineering, Class of 2021) from ConcreteAI. They shared real-world stories about using business skills to solve problems, embracing failures as stepping stones, and fostering collaboration.
An adrenaline-pumping team puzzle challenge led by Vairavan Ramanathan (Electrical Engineering, Class of 2020), the energetic Executive Director of Project Enigma. Teams had just three minutes to recreate complex shapes — with one member blindfolded! It was a test of communication, teamwork, and quick thinking, and left everyone with smiles and stories to tell.

Anvii reflected: “Working with peers from Mechanical and Electrical Engineering showed me how diverse skills make teamwork stronger. Now it’s time to start thinking about the ideas we can bring to IDEATE 2025!”

It’s amazing to see how their diverse skills come together to tackle real-world challenges. Can't wait to see what unique ideas emerge from this experience!

Our thanks to NUS One and NUS Enterprise, our collaborators for this workshop.

A new beginning for CDE's newest intake of graduate students

325 postgraduate students from CDE's 3,000-strong August 2025 intake filled the Engineering Auditorium for our Postgraduate Welcome Talk. More than a starting point, this session provided a directory of support and opportunities from CDE and NUS that students can access throughout their studies, research, internships, and daily life.

"Regardless of your background or where you are from, we want to unite you so that you can bring out the best in yourself and those around you — not just for personal growth, but for the greater good of society," said Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin, Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes), setting an inspiring tone for the morning.

Organised by the CDE Office of Graduate Programmes, together with the CDE Office of Student Life, NUS Centre for Future-Ready Graduates, NUS Graduate Students' Society, and NUS Enterprise, the session equipped new students with essential knowledge for their time at CDE. From navigating academic roadmaps to wellness support and graduate community activities, from career development resources to startup opportunities through NUS GRIP, students gained valuable insights into CDE life. Representatives from the Singapore Police Force also shared practical safety and anti-scam tips to help students protect themselves in their new environment.

“The welcome talk was incredibly thoughtful, covering both academics and leisure essentials. As an international student, the career guidance was particularly valuable – giving me clear insights about local industries and future opportunities right from day one. I see a vibrant, creative design community that I'm excited to join," reflected Bhavika Malik, student from the Master of Design in Integrated Design.

The path ahead will be challenging yet profoundly meaningful. As you explore new frontiers and push boundaries, know that CDE's professors, staff, and peers are here to support you every step of the way. Welcome to the CDE family!

HIGHLIGHTS

UPCOMING AND ONGOING EVENTS!