The CDE Women Symposium 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of participants to celebrate the achievements of women from the NUS College of Design and Engineering.

The symposium, organised by CDE Office of Alumni Relations, also featured a captivating panel discussion and a series of inspiring sharing, urging participants to transform the motivation, knowledge, and connections gained into meaningful action. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to all attendees for being part of this remarkable event.

The College is immensely proud of our speakers—  Ar. Goy Zhenru (Architecture '09, M Arch '12); graduate Ms Anthea Foong (B.Eng (Biomedical Engineering) '21); Ms Er. Jee Yi Ying (MSc (Civil Engineering '08); and Ms Michelle Tee (MSc (Civil Engineering '08)—  whose insights and experiences left a lasting impact, inspiring participants to reach new heights in their design and engineering journeys.

We deeply appreciate the warm response from the floor, with non-stop questions and even attendees flying in from overseas to join us. You make our work worthwhile, and we hope you have been inspired and gained the courage to make your own mark.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila participated in the NUS Alumni Homecoming 2024 held at the University Town (UTown) of NUS Kent Ridge Campus.

Representing the Manila chapter were Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Euben Paracuelles (Arts & Social Sciences ’13), Zoe Villanueva (Engineering ’03), Simonette Santos (Science ’03), Dennis Capuyan (Business ’09), Jika David (Business ’09), Mariliza Villarosa-Kalaw (Policy’ 11), Christopher Daguimol (Arts & Social Sciences ’11), Zachary Dominguez (Engineering ’20), Jon Sanchez (Design and Environment ’21), Jeanette Aquino (Design and Engineering ’22), Leandro Cuevas (Design and Engineering ’22), Nicholas Canete (Computing ’23), and Steven Chua (Computer Science ’24). Joining them were Public Policy ’25 student volunteers Kenneth Dingal, Arvin Matias, and Carleen Reyes.

One of the key highlights for the Manila chapter was hosting the Manila Alumni & Friends Event. This gathering connected Filipino alumni currently residing in Singapore or alumni from other countries who wish to connect with alumni in the Philippines.

Held at the Stephen Riady Centre in UTown from 11:00 am to 11:45 am, the Filipino NUS alumni were warmly welcomed by Mr Tan, who expressed gratitude for their presence. He provided an overview of the Manila chapter’s formation, activities over the years, and significant engagements, including two visits by NUS Chief Alumni Officer (CAO) Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts & Social Sciences '89) during her first year in the role.

One of these visits was for NUS alumni to meet the University of the Philippines President Atty Angelo Jimenez (Public Policy’13) in August 2023. Another was for the inaugural NUS Innovation Forum (NIF), held in Manila in May 2024. Mr Tan also emphasised the chapter’s ongoing collaboration with the Singapore Embassy in Manila, including the alumni’s involvement in the embassy’s Singapore National Day reception and gatherings with the ambassador.

The highlight of Homecoming 2024 was the Homecoming Lunch, held at the Cinnamon-Tembusu College Dining Hall from 12.00nn to 2.30pm. In his keynote speech, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) reminded the alumni that NUS stands on the brink of its 120th year: “We can reflect with pride on our journey. Today, we are a leading global university with a strong reputation for research and education. I encourage all alumni to contribute to our vision of NUS as a leading global university, shaping the future. Consider opportunities for mentorship, volunteering through NUS Cares, creating internship placements, or speaking to prospective and current students”

In her speech, Ms Lim-Rajaram expressed appreciation to Mr Tan for his support and advocacy of NIF Manila, as well as his dedication in organising numerous alumni activities over the years: “Earlier this morning, the Manila Network hosted a gathering for alumni from the Philippines who are currently in Singapore, or who wish to connect with alumni in the Philippines. This is a beautiful example of the connectivity of our community and NUS’ reach beyond geographic boundaries. Thank you, Richard, for making the effort to be here today.”

The Manila chapter is excited about contributing to NUS120 and eagerly anticipates its participation in next year’s celebrations!