Photo credits: National Research Foundation, Singapore
ALUMNI NEWS
“Jurong Stratums” wins first prize in the “Reimagining Former Jurong Bird Park and Jurong Hill” Ideas Competition
Architecture alumnus Kenneth Chiang (Master of Architecture, Class of 2021) has secured another first-place, this time in the Professional category of the “Reimagining Former Jurong Bird Park and Jurong Hill” Ideas Competition, organised by JTC and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). A total of 37 submissions were received across two categories (Open and Professional), with winners selected by a multidisciplinary jury from the planning, architecture, real estate, and heritage sectors.
Click here to learn more about Chiang’s winning proposal, “Jurong Stratums,” which celebrates the site’s heritage through an Industrial Living Museum housed in the iconic Jurong Hill Tower and a refreshed Garden of Fame.
Driving space technology: Zhen Ning’s work at NuSpace
“Founding NuSpace has been a meaningful journey filled with both challenges and learning opportunities,” shares CDE alumnus and NuSpace founder, Zhen Ning (Engineering Science Programme, Class of 2015).
After graduating from CDE, Zhen Ning began his career at DSO National Laboratories before returning to NUS as a research engineer working on nanosatellites, a role that reignited his passion for space technology. In 2019, he took a leap of faith to establish NuSpace, joining the inaugural cohort of the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP).
“What truly makes the experience rewarding are the people who share the same vision and choose to walk this path with me,” he says. “Their energy, ideas, and commitment constantly remind me why this work is worth doing.”
Today, NuSpace is a growing company with several satellites scheduled for launch in the coming years. Beyond its commercial goals, Zhen Ning and his team are also dedicated to creating educational opportunities and inspiring young minds in the field of nanosatellite technology.
From student to founder, Zhen Ning’s journey embodies the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and courage that defines the CDE community.
Designing a greener connection: Solar-powered Wi-Fi units at NUS
Wong Eng Geng (Industrial Design, Class of 2023) designed NUS’ solar-powered outdoor Wi-Fi units, supporting a greener, cleaner campus.
Eng Geng had taken part in a design competition organised by NUS IT in May 2023, where participants were challenged to rethink and redesign the outdoor Wi-Fi setup while balancing functionality, durability and sustainability needs. He came out on top in the challenge, and his design is being rolled out gradually, replacing those that are worn out while keeping those that are still in good condition to reduce wastage.
Click here to learn more about his story!
DID alumni shine at James Dyson Awards 2025
Congratulations to Zoey Chan (Industrial Design, Class of 2024) and her thesis project nido for being selected as a global finalist for this year's James Dyson Award! nido joins a global shortlist of 20 pioneering innovations that will now proceed to the final round of judging and selection by engineer and inventor Sir James Dyson, with the winner receiving S$50,700 to support the next stages of development for their project.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 20, Zoey faced the daily reality of up to three insulin injections and the constant challenge of carrying and disposing of needles safely. To make life easier for people like herself, she designed nido, a compact organiser that brings dignity to an overlooked routine.
Commenting on her selection as a global finalist, Zoey says, "It is an incredible feeling to be shortlisted in the Global Top 20 of the James Dyson Award. nido began as a personal solution to a daily frustration I faced with Type 1 diabetes – it’s surreal that my invention has resonated so widely not just in Singapore, but globally, and that I am now able to be a voice for people living with diabetes. This recognition affirms my belief in nido, and I’m excited to continue refining it and to bring it closer to the people who need it most.”
This year's global finalists were selected by a panel of 15 Dyson engineers from around the world. One of them, James Evon Dsouza, Head of Technology & Systems Integration at Dyson, says, "What made nido stand out was its deeply empathetic design rooted in lived experiences. It is not only a simple, elegant and well thought out solution, but a transformative tool that reimagines the daily routine of insulin injections with safety and dignity. It’s incredibly inspiring to see our students in Singapore tackle these prevalent and real-world challenges, and I’m very proud to see Zoey’s invention recognised on the global stage.”
CDE wishes Zoey and nido all the best as the final round of judging gets underway!
Read more about the global finalists for the James Dyson Award 2025 here.