CEE Alumni Reunion Dinner Brings Together Classes of 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014

The NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) Alumni Gala Dinner was held on the evening of 24 October 2024 at the Conrad Centennial Singapore. The event brought together CDE faculty, alumni, students and staff to celebrate the exceptional achievements of CDE alumni. This year, 15 individuals and two alumni teams were honored with CDE Alumni Awards in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions.

To find out more about the event, please visit the CDE Alumni Relations website at https://cde.nus.edu.sg/alumni/awards/cde-alumni-gala-dinner-2024/

On 12 October 2024, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Dentistry celebrated its 95th anniversary with a lively carnival, welcoming about 300 attendees, including staff, alumni, students, and their families. Held across the Faculty building's 9th and 10th floors, the event marked a historic milestone, showcasing nearly a century of dedication to dental education and advancement.

Senior Lecturer Dr Chris Quek, who led the carnival’s organising committee, opened the festivities with an address honouring the Faculty’s rich history. Dean Professor Chris Peck followed with a welcome speech, highlighting the Faculty’s commitment to community health and the collaborative efforts with national dental centres, private practices, and industry partners that make these contributions possible.

The event featured a mix of commemorative and interactive elements, beginning with a cake-cutting ceremony led by current and former Deans and Acting-Dean, including Emeritus Prof Chew Chong Lin, Dr Loh Hong Sai, and Assoc Prof Wong Mun Loke. Attendees enjoyed a quiz hosted by Dr Ishreen Kaur, testing attendees’ knowledge of the Faculty’s history, allowing participants to engage with the Faculty’s achievements in a fun, educational way. The carnival continued with various games, refreshments, and performances by students, creating an inviting space for attendees to reconnect, network, and celebrate the Faculty’s legacy.

The event underscored a deep sense of unity among past and present Faculty members, honouring 95 years of excellence in dental education and community impact. The anniversary carnival not only highlighted the Faculty’s achievements but also reinforced its role as a central pillar in Singapore's dental healthcare landscape.

On 4 October 2024, NUS Alumni Network (Jakarta) hosted an exclusive “Dine and Network” event with His Excellency Mr Kwok Fook Seng (MPM '04), the Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia. The event gathered 50 NUS alumni, esteemed guests from the NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), the Ministry of Education, and the Singapore Embassy.

Generously sponsored by NUS OAR, Action Coach, and Pertamina Gas, the evening provided a unique platform for meaningful networking and discussion on diplomatic relations. Ambassador Kwok Fook Seng delivered an insightful address on “Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The Future of Singapore-Indonesia Relations.” He emphasised the enduring relationship between the two nations, touching on collaborative opportunities in education, trade, and sustainable energy. His remarks underscored the importance of continued partnership to drive economic growth and cultural exchange, shaping a prosperous future for both countries. The event reinforced connections among attendees, marking another step forward in fostering a collaborative Singapore-Indonesia alliance.

The Civil Engineering Class of 1974 (CE74) reunited on Monday evening, 30 September 2024, at the Civil Service Club Villa Changi to celebrate their 50-year milestone. Although not all could attend — some being overseas or tied up with other commitments — the event saw a remarkable turnout of around 40, with several travelling down from Malaysia just for the occasion.

Assistant Professor Dr Chew Soon Hoe (CE82), Deputy Head of External Relations & Development, NUS Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was in attendance. Special invitations were also extended to Professor Cheong Hin Fatt; Professor Paramasivam, P; and Professor Wong Ing Hieng; who, although unable to join, were remembered warmly by everyone.

Dr Chew shared insightful updates about the department, highlighting key challenges encountered in the built environment industry. Civil engineers have made significant contributions to nation-building over the past 50 years, and those gathered look forward to continuing this legacy. Dato Fong Tian Yong shared about traditional bridge and tower construction in China, including heritage buildings and bridges, while Er Teo Jyr Jong and Er Vashdev Khialani exchanged tips on maintaining health and fitness in their golden years.

A surprise came in the form of a special CE74-themed cake, complete with a helmet, ‘50’ topper and mini excavators – a perfect nod to their civil engineering roots. The celebration was further energised by music and singing, with a few classmates entertaining the group with performances. The spirit of CE74 was palpable, as their bond of unity, perseverance, and giving back remained as strong as ever. Their hope – to inspire more alumni to reconnect, contribute, and strengthen their alma mater.

Many classmates have expressed their thanks for this memorable event organised by Er Thia Lee Yong and the committee led by Chairmen Er Lee Yoon Moi and Er Rajan Krishnan. Great CE74 spirit, and great health and happiness to all in CE74.

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.

RV10: The Musical has taken the stage by storm, wowing audiences with its infectious energy, incredible talent, and a whole lot of heart. This wasn’t just any musical—it was a dazzling celebration of RVRC’s 10th anniversary, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the community and the priceless contributions of RVRC alumni. From the first word on the page to the final bow, this production was a true labour of love. It brought together a powerhouse cast of current students and alumni, each adding their unique flavour to the show. The result? A performance that felt like one big family reunion, with performers connecting across generations to create something extraordinary.

Lee Jie Xuan, a Year 2 student at RVRC and dancer in the show, summed it perfectly: “Being part of the RV10 cast was amazing! I was so grateful to meet so many RVRC seniors and alumni from different years!”

The casting process was a celebration in itself - a testament to RVRC’s strong sense of community. Alumni returned to lend their talent, experience, and passion, while current students took the lead in choreography, injecting the show with a dynamic energy that kept audiences on their toes. Original music composed for the production added a fresh, unforgettable touch, with catchy tunes that had everyone humming long after the curtain fell.

For director Loh Jean Way (RVRC alumna, Science ’24), the project was a deeply personal journey. She reflected, “This journey taught me the true meaning of dreaming big and believing in yourself, even when it felt like no one else did. It reminded me that trusting the process and persevering is key. Most of all, it showed me how the arts have this incredible power to bring people together and create something magical.”

The show’s success was only possible thanks to the tireless support and expertise of RVRC alumni. Whether in directing, choreography, or marketing, their dedication made RV10 a hit, drawing enthusiastic crowds from RVRC and the wider community. The buzz was real, and the show delivered, earning rave reviews and standing ovations. Chan Wan Ting (RVRC alumna, Design and Engineering '22), shared, “I loved how the plot was so relatable - it brought back so many memories for all of us!”

Ultimately, RV10: The Musical was more than just a performance - it was a jubilant celebration of RVRC’s 10 years of creativity, collaboration, and community. It was a shining example of what happens when talent, passion, and alumni connections come together to create something truly unforgettable. The show not only celebrated the past but also set the stage for the future, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.

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!

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila attended a reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy in Manila at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to celebrate Singapore’s 59th National Day and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

Approximately fifty-five alumni were present at the event, which followed shortly after the state visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines in August 2024. The alumni represented ten faculties and schools, including Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, Public Health, Public Policy, Science, Law, and Yale-NUS.

The short programme commenced at around 6.30pm, with Ambassador Constance See (Arts & Social Sciences ’97) emphasizing the strong, warm relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, and highlighting ongoing areas of cooperation between the two nations. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she has received since assuming her post last year. Joining her in the toast were Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Most Rev. Charles John Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Around 800 guests, including government officials, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the business community, and Singaporeans in Manila, filled the ballroom to capacity. The NUS Alumni Network Manila Committee officers were present to welcome the NUS alumni who came. They are Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Vice-Chair Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06), and Chapter Treasurer Ms Karla Hotchkiss-Rufino (Business ’10). At least half of the NUS alumni who attended the reception were first-timers.

The evening’s festivities featured a variety of entertainment and prizes. The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus delivered a stunning performance, setting a celebratory mood. Exciting giveaways, including round trip tickets to Singapore, kept the energy high, while guests enjoyed complimentary treats like Irvin’s Salted Egg snacks and Tiong Bahru Bakery croissants. Throughout the event, free-flowing wine, Tiger beer, and an excellent spread of Singaporean cuisine—including favorites like laksa and crispy pork—further enhanced the celebration.