Associate Professor Stephen Tay En Rong (Department of the Built Environment) is reshaping education by helping in the transformation of students from passive recipients of knowledge into confident, active learners.
In recognition of his many achievements, he has received the Outstanding Educator Award at the NUS University Awards 2026. The Award recognises outstanding contribution to teaching, including instruction, educational design, assessment and feedback, as well as wider adoption of good practices in these areas through leadership and support of other colleagues.
“If the student fail to learn, then the teacher has failed to teach. This quote has deeply shaped my teaching practice as I aim to provide a safe space for students to explore, enquire, and experiment. My aim is for my students to gain meaningful perspectives for application after their graduation,” said Assoc Prof Tay.
His innovative framework, CLEAR (Contextualised Learning via Enquiring, Answering, and Reflecting), empowers students by engaging them in designing questions and developing answers for authentic, real-world scenarios.
The impact of this approach is significant; CLEAR led to an increase in learning and student agency. The method has secured grants for adoption by universities in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sweden.
His impact extends beyond the classroom. Assoc Prof Tay has involved both undergraduate and graduate students in real-world projects, including collaborations with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the National Parks Board (NParks), as well as projects exploring household energy efficiency.
Beyond his work with students, Assoc Prof Tay has also contributed to teaching excellence across the University through his roles as Acting Deputy Director (Continuing Education) at the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, and as an alumnus of the NUS Teaching Academy. In these capacities, he has mentored fellow educators, shaped curricula and supported professional development.
CDE is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of Assoc Prof Tay’s contributions to education and his lasting impact on students and the wider teaching community.
View Assoc Prof Tay's profile here.
Read more about NUS University Awards 2026 here.
