On Wednesday, 24 April 2024, the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) Class Ambassador Network (CCAN) hosted an engaging and dynamic event aimed at fostering alumni connections and engagement. Held at the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House, the event brought together esteemed alumni and faculty members, for an evening filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Associate Professor Teo Chiang Juay, the Assistant Dean of CDE Alumni Relations. Professor Teo set the tone for the evening by emphasising the importance of alumni engagement and the pivotal role that CCAN plays in strengthening ties between alumni and the department. He highlighted upcoming events, provided updates on ongoing activities, and encouraged attendees to actively participate and contribute to the vibrant alumni community.

A series of enriching sessions followed, beginning with a comprehensive sharing session on Class Ambassador initiatives, upcoming events, and ongoing activities. Attendees were encouraged to link back to the department and connect on LinkedIn to stay updated and engaged. As the evening progressed, attendees enjoyed a delightful buffet dinner while engaging in networking sessions. The relaxed ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and the exchange of ideas.

The highlight of the event was a stimulating discussion on alumni engagement. Participants actively participated in brainstorming sessions, exploring innovative ideas for collaborations and initiatives that would further enhance alumni involvement. Alumni shared their experiences and insights, underscoring the importance of staying connected and giving back to the alma mater.

In his closing remarks, Professor Heng Chye Kiang, the Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the event. He highlighted the positive impact of the gathering in fostering new connections, extending networks, and strengthening the bonds within the alumni community. Professor Heng emphasised the significance of alumni engagement in driving the department's continued success and called for continued support and involvement from all alumni. Attendees departed with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of camaraderie, it was evident that CCAN's commitment to alumni engagement continues to resonate strongly within the community, promising a future filled with collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

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

In keeping with the upcoming season of art festivals in Hong Kong, we held an art jam cum dinner at Artjamming Studio. It was a balmy evening and we sat outdoors on a patio amidst the industrial buildings of Wong Chuk Hang in the south of Hong Kong. We ordered some food from HoHon Eatery. To get better value from our small budget, we did the food pick-up ourselves, ordered wine from a wine cellar, and bought chocolates, cheese and pate from the store. This allowed us to have a sumptuous spread. The artjamming session was very educational as the instructor is an architect who is passionate about art and painting and has a unique way of teaching complete beginners, which she calls “building a pizza”. Everyone had plenty to eat and drink, ended up with a piece of art they could take home (most chose to paint a tote bag which they could use!), and made some new friends. Overall, a successful event given the many thank you messages I received after the event!

Submitted by Diana Ng (Arts and Social Sciences '91)