NUS School of Design and Environment (SDE) celebrated its 50th anniversary at its SDE50 Gala Dinner on 2 October at Resorts World Ballroom. The event was graced by President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor Madam Halimah Yacob (Law '78). Close to 1,200 alumni and guests attended the dinner includingNUS Chairman Mr Hsieh Fu Hua (Business '74), NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science '85)and NUS Provost Professor Ho Teck Hua (Engineering '85).

To add icing on the cake, the newest SDE building SDE4, Singapore’s first new-build net-zero energy building, was awarded the WELL Certification at the Gold level by the International WELL Building Institute. This makes it the first university building in the world, and the first building in Singapore to achieve this prestigious certification in recognition of features that support and advance human health and wellness.

“The theme for tonight’s dinner is “Well and Green”. I am heartened that SDE and NUS have also moved beyond the focus on going “green”, to concurrently embrace “wellness” in your mission,” said Madam Halimah Yacob.

SDE started in 1969 as the Faculty of Architecture at the then University of Singapore, offering degree programmes in Architecture, and Building and Estate Management. Over the years, SDE’s more than 17,000 alumni have made significant contributions to Singapore’s nation building, and played important roles in innovative and iconic projects such as Kampung Admiralty and Our Tampines Hub.

As Dean of SDE Professor Lam Khee Poh said, SDE is earnestly pursuing the twin-prong “Well and Green” strategic approach in all its educational and research programmes to support Singapore’s national agenda of creating “an endearing home and a distinctive global city”. "As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I sincerely invite our alumni, staff, students, colleagues from other academic units and the health care and building industries to join in this next phase of our exciting and challenging journey, to continue to build a well and green future for our community,” said Prof Lam.

Several SDE alumni and staff were presented with tokens of appreciation for their contributions to SDE’s 50th anniversary celebrations. They are Mr Choo Meng Foo ('88), Professor Heng Chye Kiang, Associate Professor Hans Tan (’05), Dr Teo Ho Pin (’85) and Ms Tia Boon Sim (’79). Professional baritone Mr Alvin Tan (‘14)  serenaded the gathering with four operatic songs.

Submitted by Ms Genevieve Lee, SDE.