“Tonight, we celebrate not only excellence, but our shared journey as one CDE family,” said Professor Teo Kie Leong, Dean of CDE.
His words set the tone for an evening of recognition and reconnection at the CDE Alumni Gala Dinner 2025, held on 7 November 2025. The dinner brought together alumni, faculty, students, industry partners and friends of the College to honour the recipients of the CDE Alumni Awards 2025. The awards recognise graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and to society, and whose achievements reflect the enduring spirit and values of CDE.
This year’s celebration carried special significance. It coincided with two major milestones — 70 years of Engineering education at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and 120 years since the University’s founding — reminders of the generations of educators, pioneers and students who believed in the power of education to transform lives.
In his address, Prof Teo paid tribute to the alumni who continue to carry that legacy forward.
“Our award winners come from diverse disciplines and sectors, but they share a common thread, a commitment to excellence, a spirit of innovation, and a heart for service. You make us proud not only for what you have achieved, but for the values and character you embody.”
Honouring alumni across generations
Five award categories were presented at the dinner, celebrating excellence across disciplines and generations:
- Distinguished Alumni Award
- Alumni Excellence Award
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award
- Alumni Rising Star Award
- Alumni Team Excellence Award
| Distinguished Alumni Award | |
| Prof Ho Teck Hua Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) 1985 Master of Computing 1989 President & Distinguished University Professor | NTU |
Watch the citation video here |
| Alumni Excellence Award | |
| Mr Cheung Yik (Darius Mahtani Cheung) Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) 2005 Founder & CEO | 99.co |
Read the full citations here |
| Mr Lee Aik Seng Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 1986 Head of Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters | Obayashi Corporation Managing Director | Obayashi Singapore Private Limited |
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| Ar Muhammed Khairudin B Saharom Bachelor of Arts (Architectural Studies) 1999 Master of Architecture 2002 Principal and Director | Kite Studio Architecture |
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| Er Teh Poh Suan Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 1990 Chief Civil & Structural Engineer and Director of Engineering Services | HDB |
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| Outstanding Young Alumni Award | |
| Mr Allan Tandiono Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 2011 Director General of Railways | Ministry of Transportation Republic Indonesia |
Read the full citations here |
| Ms Istilah Yanti Binte Mohamed Abali Bachelor of Science (Project and Facilities Management) 2014 Director, Cost Management | Turner & Townsend |
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| Dr Koh Siang Hui Jeremy Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) 2012 Doctor of Philosophy 2020 AVP/Head, Advanced Materials Solutions | ST Engineering |
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| Ar Lee Hui Lian Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) 2009 Master of Architecture 2010 Principal Architect | OMG Atelier |
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| Ms Sum Kun Shan Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) 2007 Master of Science (Environmental Engineering) 2011 Director of Strategy | ASAFA Asia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Association |
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| Mr Tan Wenyou Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Science) 2011 Chief Financial Officer | EVO Commerce |
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| Alumni Rising Star Award | |
| Ms Chang Qingyang Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 2021 Co-founder and CEO | ConcreteAI |
Read the full citations here |
| Mr Lim Jia Wei Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) & 2nd Major in Innovation and Design 2022 Co-founder | the moonbeam co. |
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| Dr Lim Kang Hui Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) & Bachelor of Social Sciences DDP 2021 Doctor of Philosophy 2025 Co-founder and CEO | CRecTech |
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| Team Excellence Award | |
| The CDE Fundraiser team Er Wong Jin Kok, Mr Edwin Seow, Mr Seah Cheng San and Mr Yeo Keng Joon |
Read the full citation here |
Together, the recipients represented the breadth of CDE’s impact across industries — from engineering and design to architecture, sustainability, entrepreneurship and technology.
For many, the occasion was also a moment of gratitude and reflection.
“CDE encouraged me to stay curious — to keep asking questions and exploring new ideas,” shared Ms Istilah Yanti, recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. “That mindset has helped me grow, especially when facing tough challenges. Looking back, I’m truly grateful. CDE didn’t just prepare me for a job; it gave me the mindset to lead, solve problems and make a real impact.”
Celebrating connection and purpose
Beyond the awards, the evening was a joyful reunion of friends, mentors and former classmates.
As Ms Hou Linxin, a CDE alumna and current PhD student, reflected, “I am truly grateful for the chance to reconnect and be inspired by the vibrant community that continues to make our university a place of growth and pride.”
Many of the attendees are also part of the CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme, which has grown from 35 pairings in 2022 to over 140 this year — a reflection of how deeply connected and invested the CDE alumni community remains in nurturing future generations.
As the night drew to a close, guests celebrated not only the achievements of the award recipients but also the enduring bonds that define the CDE family. The CDE Alumni Gala Dinner 2025 was more than a night of recognition; it was a celebration of shared purpose, lifelong friendships and the collective spirit that continues to inspire, innovate and transform society.
