How Have CDE Students and
Faculty Benefited?

 .

Other Funding Needs

OUR STUDENTS

Year 2024
Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Class of 1976 Engineering Bursary

Studying Computer Engineering has been an enriching journey of discovery and challenges. Drawn to the potential of technology to improve lives, I was inspired to pursue this path despite the financial and academic challenges. The Class of 1976 Engineering Bursary I received from NUS donors easing my financial burdens and enabling me to focus on my studies.

This bursary covered key expenses like tuition fees and learning materials, significantly reducing the strain on my family. It also allowed me to embrace experiences beyond the classroom, such as an exchange semester abroad. That opportunity not only deepened my academic knowledge but also broadened my perspective through global exposure—an experience I couldn’t have afforded otherwise.

The bursary became a source of motivation, driving me to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society. I am deeply grateful to the donors for their generosity and belief in students like me. Their support has inspired me to strive towards creating innovative technologies that address pressing societal needs while embodying the same values of perseverance and generosity that this bursary represents.

- Eugene Ang Jia Shing, Computer Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Mageshkumar Kirubasankar

ENG @ 82 Bursary

I joined NUS Mechanical Engineering in 2022, continuing my family’s legacy in engineering—my father is a Mechanical Engineer, my uncle an Electrical Engineer, and my sister a Biomedical Engineer. While I am passionate about engineering, the journey has been challenging, especially with financial constraints.

My father is the sole breadwinner and doesn’t earn much, leaving my family unable to fully support my university expenses. Receiving the ENG@82 Bursary has had a profound impact on my life, easing financial stress and allowing me to focus on academics. It has significantly improved my mental health and overall well-being.

One major benefit of the bursary was the opportunity to gain career-relevant experience. Previously, I had to prioritize higher-paying jobs to cover expenses, but the bursary allowed me to take a two-month part-time job as a CAD Drafter during the summer. Though the pay was modest, the experience was invaluable for my future career. The bursary also gave me the confidence to pursue a Minor in Innovation and Design, a path I hesitated to take due to financial pressures. I cannot fully express how much this bursary has lifted the burden off my shoulders. Your generosity has inspired me to give back one day, helping students who, like me, need the support to achieve their dreams.

- Mageshkumar Kirubasankar, Mechanical Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Tan Xin Yi

Class of 1974 Engineering Bursary

My passion for Chemical Engineering began in secondary school, where I was fascinated by how raw materials, like naphtha, are transformed into everyday products such as plastics, paints, and perfumes. My love for mathematics and science naturally guided me toward this field, as I enjoy solving problems and constantly ask "why" to better understand how things work.

However, funding my education was a significant challenge. As one of four children, I knew my parents couldn’t afford to support all our school fees. Determined to fund my education, I saved every bursary and scholarship I received, but the financial pressure of tuition, hall fees, and living expenses remained overwhelming.

Receiving the Class of 1974 Engineering Bursary alleviated this burden, allowing me to focus on enriching experiences like co-curricular activities and academic projects. One highlight was participating in a service-learning course, where I gained interpersonal skills such as empathy, active listening, and conflict management while working with diverse communities. This opportunity, coupled with the bursary’s support, enabled me to excel in my final-year project designing a sustainable process plant.The bursary has profoundly impacted my academic and personal growth, inspiring me to give back and pursue my dreams of creating sustainable solutions for society.

- Tan Xin Yi, Chemical Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Ho Kim Chong

Ho Kim Chong

ENG @ 82 Bursary

Pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering has been a lifelong aspiration, driven by a commitment to contribute positively to society and the environment. The ENG @ 82 Bursary has been a vital source of support, covering most of my tuition fees and significantly easing the financial burden on my family of five. This assistance has allowed me to focus entirely on my studies without the constant pressure of financial concerns.

Beyond financial relief, the bursary has enriched my university experience, enabling me to fully engage in campus life and make the most of my time as a student. A standout moment of my journey was attending the NUS ASAC Appreciation Dinner 2024, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the generosity that made this support possible. The encouragement I have received has motivated me to strive for excellence and inspired a commitment to give back to others in the future.

I am deeply grateful for the ENG @ 82 Bursary. It has played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey, empowering me to pursue my goals with confidence and determination.

- Ho Kim Chong, Environmental Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Su Chenchu

Su Chenchu

Class of 1976 Engineering Bursary

With my father as the main breadwinner, we faced financial challenges supporting our education. The Class of 1976 Engineering Bursary significantly eased this burden, enabling me to focus fully on my studies and university experiences. Without the need to work part-time during semesters, I engaged in enriching activities, such as representing the Faculty of Engineering in Tchoukball during the Inter-Faculty Games in Year 2.

I also gained hands-on industrial experience through an internship in automation and robotics, which further solidified my interest in this field. My passion for STEM began in secondary school and junior college, where I developed a keen interest in Physics and Computing. Choosing Electrical Engineering at NUS allowed me to deepen my knowledge in these areas and prepare for a career in technology.

The bursary’s support made my university journey memorable and meaningful. I am deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity made this possible. Inspired by their kindness, I aim to excel in the field of automation and give back to NUS in the future, ensuring more students can pursue their dreams without financial constraints.

- Su Chenchu, Electrical Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Gulati Shobhit

ENG @ 82 Bursary

In high school, I built a voice-controlled car using Arduino, sparking my passion for technology. Inspired by the opportunities at NUS, I pursued my studies here to engage with cutting-edge innovation and industry leaders. Receiving the bursary has been crucial in easing my family’s financial burden. The bursary allowed me to focus on academics, especially during my final year.

At NUS, I’ve joined the Electronic Music Lab and Cycling Club and participated in the Innovation and Design Programme. My internships at an AI-textile startup and KABAM Robotics allowed me to work on robots deployed in key locations like Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay. These experiences have solidified my passion for robotics and parallel processing.

The bursary has enabled me to balance studies, part-time work, and extracurricular activities, fostering both personal and academic growth. I’m excited to contribute to technological innovations in robotics as I move forward in my career.

- Gulati Shobhit, Electrical Engineering, Year 4

Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Kylyn Lee

The Edward D'Silva Award

The Edward D'Silva Award was pivotal in advancing my thesis on revitalising the traditional batik industry in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It funded an on-site research trip from Singapore, allowing me to study batik production firsthand and engage with local artisans. This direct experience provided invaluable insights into the community’s cultural and economic challenges, which secondary research alone could not offer.

Meeting with experts like Dr. Laretna Trisnantari Adishakti allowed me to delve deeply into the historical and contemporary significance of batik, enriching my project with perspectives that bridge traditional craftsmanship and modern urban planning.

My project employs Kevin Lynch's theory of city imageability to integrate the batik industry with tourism and local infrastructure, aiming to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development.

The award has deepened my knowledge of cultural heritage and urban design, significantly influencing my thesis. Personally, it has enhanced my appreciation for cultural diversity and strengthened my commitment to sustainable development, while the confidence gained from field research has empowered me for future innovative work.

- Kylyn Lee, Architecture, Class of 2024

Student Story
Eugene Ang Jia Shing

Lee Si Jia

The Edward D'Silva Award

As I was interested in exploring the village of Mang Thit for my thesis project, it was essential for me to immerse myself in the villagers’ way of life and culture. The Edward D’Silva Award provided me with the incredible opportunity to travel to Mang Thit, a small village in the rural areas of Southern Vietnam. As it is a remote place, the only way to reach Mang Thit was by car from Ho Chi Minh City and then by boat from a nearby town.

This award helped cover a portion of my travel expenses, enabling me to extend my stay and make the most of my thesis research trip.

It also enabled me to hire a translator, facilitating better communication with the locals despite the language barrier. This helped me form meaningful connections with the community during my brief visit.

The conversations with Mr. D’Silva before and after the trip were highly insightful, encouraging me to deeply reflect on the purpose and intent of my project. These reflections have greatly enriched my thesis and supported my growth as both a designer and a future architect.

- Lee Si Jia, Architecture, Class of 2024

Year 2023
Student Stories
Jaelene

Jaelene

Environmental Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: Faculty of Engineering - Wong Ngit Liong Bursary

“Today, as I pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), I attribute much of my journey's success to the bursary support. It alleviated financial stress and continually motivated me to excel academically and in my co-curricular pursuits. This demonstrates my deep appreciation and commitment to this invaluable opportunity.”

Mohamed Bilal

Mohamed Bilal

Biomedical Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: Class of 1976 Engineering Bursary

“The bursary I received has profoundly impacted both my academic journey and personal growth. Since being awarded the bursary, I have had the privilege of taking on leadership roles in various student organizations at the National University of Singapore (NUS). These experiences have not only enriched my college journey but have also allowed me to make positive contributions to the university community.”

Wong Jing Ting

Wong Jing Ting

Mechanical Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: ENG @ 82 - Kunna Chinniah & Family Bursary

“As a Mechanical Engineering student minoring in the Innovation and Design Programme, I am continually engaged in various projects and assignments. Thanks to the financial aid I received, I could concentrate more effectively on my studies and projects.”

Chin Li Jie

Chin Li Jie

Biomedical Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: Faculty of Engineering - DRH/Sheares Hall Alumni Bursary

“They provided me with the freedom to seize academic opportunities, including a valuable internship in my field of interest, offering insights into the working industry. The generosity of these donors has not only eased my financial burdens but has also fostered personal growth, instilling in me a profound sense of gratitude and a commitment to making a positive impact on others.”

Tan Zheng Jie Nicholas

Tan Zheng Jie Nicholas

Chemical Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: Faculty of Engineering - Dennis Koh Bursary

“With this financial help, I can now focus on my studies without constantly worrying about money. It's also a relief to see my parents living more comfortably. This experience has inspired me, and I hope to give back in the future by becoming an NUS donor if I'm able to. I want to support students who may face financial challenges in the same way that I have been supported.”

Cedric Phang Chun Zhong

Cedric Phang Chun Zhong

Mechanical Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: ENG @ 82 - Teoh Cheng Ann and Chen Soon Bin Bursary

"I am determined to make the most of this opportunity that my benefactors have generously provided and work diligently toward my aspirations at NUS. Their kind and selfless efforts have also inspired me to pay it forward in the future, helping other students facing challenges like mine. Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you!"

Keeve Kristen Kang Yiheng

Keeve Kristen Kang Yiheng

Materials Science and Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: Faculty of Engineering - MSE Alumni Bursary

"Thanks to this bursary, I've had the privilege of participating in orientation camps for the past two years, expanding my social network and, in turn, broadening my horizons. This newfound confidence has fueled my ability to present myself assertively in various situations and foster deeper connections with others."

Goh Yi Xuan

Goh Yi Xuan

Computer Engineering - Year 2023

Bursary Awarded: ENG @ 82 Bursary

"I am very grateful for the ENG @ 82 Bursary (Seah & Siak Bursary) which helps many students like me to experience a fulfilling university life. This bursary has encouraged me to pursue my goals and granted me the opportunity to explore my interests without financial burdens. As I have been volunteering in my free time, with the help I have received, I now have a stronger purpose to volunteer for and I strive to pay it forward to even more people whenever I can. Thank you, donors!"

Other Funding Needs

OUR RESEARCH

Research Highlights
From Waste to Useful Aerogel

From Waste to Useful Aerogel: Upcycling for Sustainability

The public education exhibition titled "From Waste to Useful Aerogel: Upcycling for Sustainability" held at VivoCity, is a collaborative effort between NUS College of Design and Engineering and Mapletree. Our research has led to the development of green aerogel technology, supported by Mapletree under its CSR sustainability initiatives. Associate Professor Duong Hai Minh (Department of Mechanical Engineering) is the lead researcher behind the development of the aerogels. Aerogels, known for their remarkable characteristics as...Read more...

Amid Climate Change and Air Quality Challenges

Amid Climate Change and Air Quality Challenges

Professor Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, an advocate for sustainable urban development, examines the complex impact of reduced economic activities on air quality during COVID-19 lockdowns. His findings highlighted not only improvements in outdoor air but also concerning rises in indoor pollutants, prompting critical insights into holistic policymaking. As a leading figure in international panels and comparative studies on air pollution, Prof Bala drives policy change. This research is supported under Keppel Professorship in Sustainable Solutions...Read more...

Integrating Data on Vegetation in Digital Twins

Integrating Data on Vegetation in Digital Twins

Assistant Professor Filip Biljecki was awarded the NUS Presidential Young Professorship and formed the NUS Urban Analytics Lab in CDE’s Department of Architecture. His multidisciplinary research group focuses on urban data management and analysis, geographic data science, and digital twins. Digital twins map physical bodies into virtual spaces...Read more...