ALUMNI NEWS
CDE Women's Symposium
Is it still a man’s world, and can female leaders and innovators change that? Certainly yes, according to the four inspiring CDE alums who shared their thoughts on gender equity at the CDE Women Symposium 2024.
AECOM Managing Director Er Jee Yi Yng (MSc (Civil Engineering), 2008) shared her experience leading a team of mostly female engineers on major infrastructure projects shaping Singapore’s future, proving women belong in engineering.
Ms Anthea Foong (Biomedical Engineering, 2021) encouraged the next generation by sharing her adventure launching a medical AI training start-up and her experience breaking barriers in tech and sport as a national fencer. The young entrepreneur is now a Business Development Manager at PALO IT Singapore.
Architect Goy Zhenru (Master of Architecture, 2012), the founder of Goy Architects, touched on the humble beginnings of her architecture firm, which has grown into a multi-country success with an all-female team.
Senior Vice President at Citi, Ms Michelle Tee (Computer Engineering, 2016), reflected on how far women have come, pointing to better gender balance while acknowledging the persistent challenges of imposter syndrome and unconscious bias.
Their sharing shows that women thrive and lead the way, but challenges remain. Head to Alumni Happenings to read more. Thanks to all who took part in this lively and uplifting event.
Read more about the symposium here: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/cde-women-symposium-2024-innovating-for-the-future/
CDE Alumni Gala Dinner 2024
At the 2024 Alumni Awards Gala Dinner, CDE celebrated the outstanding achievements of its alumni, recognising 15 individuals and two teams for their contributions.
Opening the awards ceremony held on 24 October 2024, at the Conrad Centennial Singapore, Professor Teo Kie Leong, Dean of CDE, commended the awardees for their accomplishments and contributions to the College.
“Your experience and insights are invaluable assets that can inspire and guide the next generation of designers, architects, and engineers,” he said.
Distinguished Alumni awardee Mr Kong Mun Kwong, Chairman of Seacare Holdings Private Limited, attended the dinner with his two granddaughters, who were visibly proud of their grandfather. Hoping to be a role model to them, Mr Kong shared that the award reminded him of his beginnings and engineering roots, as well as the importance of being versatile and adaptive.”
Fellow Distinguished Alumni awardee, Er Chan Ewe Jin, Managing Director at ECAS Consultants Pte Ltd, encouraged young engineers to stay the course, recalling highlights of his three-decades-long career as a structural engineer. Er Chan, who attended the gala dinner with his wife, dedicated the award to her.
Read more about the 2024 Alumni Awards recipients here: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/presenting-the-2024-cde-alumni-award-recipients/
From NUS to Edinburgh: Joyce Fu’s award-winning path in conservation
Joyce Fu Si Qi, a graduate of our Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Class of 2023, was awarded the prestigious ESALA — Architectural Conservation Prize for 2023-2024. This accolade recognised her exceptional performance as the highest-achieving student in the MSc Architectural Conservation programme at the University of Edinburgh, UK.
Joyce’s undergraduate studies at NUS, where she completed several architectural conservation modules as part of the Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation (MAArC) programme in 2022-2023, provided a strong foundation for her success. After graduating in 2023, she pursued further studies in the UK.
She has recently received her MSc in Architectural Conservation from the University of Edinburgh and plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing a PhD in the near future.
Jubilee celebration for Civil Engineering class of 1974
The Civil Engineering Class of 1974 (CE74) reunited on 30 September 2024 at the Civil Service Club Villa Changi to celebrate their 50-years milestone. Although not all could attend — some being overseas or tied up with other commitments — the event saw a remarkable turnout of around 40, with several travelling down from Malaysia just for the occasion.
Assistant Professor Dr Chew Soon Hoe (CE82), Deputy Head of External Relations & Development, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was in attendance. Special invitations had also been extended to Professor Cheong Hin Fatt, Professor Paramasivam, P, and Professor Wong Ing Hieng, who, although unable to join, were remembered warmly by everyone.
Dr Chew shared insightful updates about the department, highlighting key challenges encountered in the built environment industry. Civil engineers have made significant contributions to nation-building over the past 50 years, and those gathered look forward to continuing this legacy.
Dato Fong Tian Yong shared about traditional bridge and tower construction in China including heritage buildings and bridges while Er Teo Jyr Jong and Er Vashdev Khialani exchanged tips on maintaining health and fitness in their golden years. A surprise came in the form of a special CE74-themed cake, complete with a helmet, ‘50’ topper and mini excavators – a perfect nod to their civil engineering roots.
The celebration was further energised by music and singing, with a few classmates entertaining the group with performances. The spirit of CE74 was palpable, as their bond of unity, perseverance, and giving back remained as strong as ever. Their hope – to inspire more alumni to reconnect, contribute, and strengthen their alma mater.
Many classmates have expressed their thanks for this memorable event organised by Er Thia Lee Yong and the committee led by Chairmen Er Lee Yoon Moi and Er Rajan Krishnan. Great CE74 spirit, and great health and happiness to all in CE74.
Civil Engineering class 1989 celebrates 35th year
On 30 August 2024, the Civil Engineering Class of 1989 reunited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their graduation. The gathering saw 24 alumni, joined by two Professors, Emeritus Professor Tan Kiang Hwee and Dr Liong Shie-Yui. The event held a special significance, as eight classmates had travelled from Malaysia and the Philippines, highlighting the lasting bonds formed during their university years.
The alumni gathered with a sense of gratitude, cherishing their health and the opportunity to reconnect. The evening was filled with spirited conversations as they fondly recalled their university days and shared stories of their varied career journeys.
While many have continued to thrive as civil engineers, others have ventured into fields such as real estate, banking, land development, and academia, showcasing the diverse opportunities their education opened for them. The reunion was a reflection of the shared experiences that shaped their early years and the paths they've forged since.