FSAE team leader graduates • INSIDE • COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL

August 2009 FSAE team leader graduates
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING student Tan
Weiliang has reached a finishing line at NUS -graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering. He and his Formula race car
team at the University had also performed
brilliantly at another finishing line -- at the
Formula Society of Automotive Engineers
(FSAE) intervarsity race at Michigan, USA.
Their car ranked 19th overall, out of a total of
119 competing teams worldwide, pushing
their previous ranking up by 10 positions.
Connections posed him some questions at his
new crossroad in life:
Q: How did you become interested in cars and
what were some of the challenges?
A: My interest in cars started after mixing
with some car-crazy friends in the army and it
just caught on from there. Most of the articles
on cars in magazines and on the Internet are
very generic. However, FSAE being an
engineering project required a much deeper
understanding on the different systems of the
car. So I had to turn to books. There are
tonnes of such books at the Central Library
and the steep learning curve was challenging.
Q: What’s the toughest thing in pursuing this
passion?
A: Probably the opportunity cost
involved. We had to give up our holidays
and there was no chance to go on
student exchange programme.
Q: What’s the most enriching thing about
pursuing this passion?
A: I learned much more than I could ever
ask for. Special thanks go out to the
technicians who have gone out of their
way to help us build the race car. It was
an amazing feeling as they shared the
same passion and pride.
Q: Could you describe one very special
moment in your life?
A: That would be at the recent
competition in Michigan. Because of the
H1N1 breakout, the trip was initially
cancelled. It was a miracle that we
managed to get all the logistics back on
track when the University gave us the
green light eventually. While in Michigan,
everything somehow fell into place. I’m
really proud of each and every team
member for working their butts off to
ensure the car is in tip top condition. The
most special moment was when the car
•
INSIDE
•
Commencement
1-6
Tan Kah Kee Award /
Eco Car
7
Airbus Contest
8
Summer Programme
9
Engineering Weddings 10
Alumni Career Talk
11
Promotions &
Appointments
12 - 13
crossed the finishing line of the
endurance race with our Electrical
Engineering driver Alan behind the
wheel.
Q: Does your family and friends
support you in your passion for
building race cars?
A: My family is very supportive of
the project and never complained
even during crazy periods where I
just went home to sleep and left the
next morning. Most of my friends
regard me as their automotive
consultant now, haha. I appreciate
those around me who have been
tolerant of my erratic schedule.
Q: What does NUS mean to you?
A: A place with special memories.
The NUS FSAE team: (From left) Lim Chin Khiong, Tan Wei Liang, Tan Yew Siang, Jarrod Tan, Mohd Naeem, Alan Khor, Teng Jun Yuan, Yew Chung Hwa and Geoffrey Khoa.
COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL
Arriving in style
COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL
Engineering Class of 2009 graduates
ENGINEERING FACULTY saw some 1,880 students
graduating this year. They were from the NUS-Eindhoven
University of Technology Joint Degree Programme, French
NUS Double Degree Programme, Bachelor of Technology
Programme, TLI-AP Georgia Institute of Technology Double
Degree Programme, NUS-University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign Joint Degree Programme, Bioengineering, NUS
Nanoscience and Nanotechology Initiative, NUS-Supelec Joint
Degree Programme, Civil Engineering, NUS-University of
Melbourne Joint Degree Programme (1st cohort), Materials
Science and Engineering (Bachelor’s degree, 1st cohort),
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,, SingaporeMIT Alliance and the NUS-United States Naval Postgraduate
School Collaboration. Five ceremonies were held over three
days (8-11 July) at the University Cultural Centre.
Star Poly grad receives Master
of Engineering degree
Electrical
Engineering
grad gets job
at DSTA
Opportunities in the
finance industry beckoned
but he turned them down
for a job in Engineering
instead. Mr Raymond Tan
(shown here with his supervisor, Assoc Prof Tan Kay Chen)
who graduated with a Degree in Electrical Engineering (1st
Class Hons) now works for Defence Science and Technology
Agency as an engineer. A top student from the Anglo Chinese
School and Hwa Chong Junior College, Raymond was the
valedictorian for his class. “In uncertain times, I think the
Engineering field offers more stability,” said Raymond.
All in the Engineering Family
He is one of the few with a Poly diploma who went on to do
his Master of Engineering after completing his degree in NUS.
Today, Mr Vincent Lin (shown here with his wife, who is
graduating with Master’s Degree in Business Administration) is
flying the NUS flag high at Ho Lee Construction Pte Ltd where
he works. Based on his excellent results from Singapore
Polytechnic, Mr Lin enrolled in NUS Department of Civil
Engineering in 2004 and completed it in just two and a half
years with 1st Class Hons to boot. He completed his Master of
Engineering degree within 15 months, having written four
international journal papers and two conference papers. “My
dad was in the renovation and construction line. From young, I
have always liked to design and build things,” said Vincent,
explaining his passion for Civil Engineering.
Quite the darling of her
class, Ms Seah Yi-Xin
walked up the stage to
receive her degree in
Mechanical Engineering,
amid much cheering and
wolf whistles. Said dad,
Assoc Prof Seah Kar Heng,
FSAE guru at the Faculty of
Engineering: “Yi Xin has
done well even without my
keeping track of her
performance. In class, I
treated her just like any of
my students. Yi Xin's three
younger siblings are also
planning to study in NUS,
probably in Engineering
too. In fact, my two sons,
one in NS and one in JC,
have already taken two
modules each in NUS at
H3 level.”
Yi‐Xin and dad, Assoc Prof Seah at her graduation. ●2●
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000-2009 Rand Kruback
Reproduced with Permission, Courtesy of Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Editors’ Note
Three Weddings and one Commencement… That’s not a
movie title, but the spotlight of this issue. Besides featuring
profiles of graduates stepping out, we also want to share the
joy of another type of new beginning – weddings.
Recently, three Engineering couples held their wedding
shoot at the Faculty, the place where it all began.
If you have any new beginnings – whether in your research,
in your working or social life – please drop me a line at
tienyin@nus.edu.sg
Remember, you are the ones who make
Connections tick.
●3●
ENGINEERING NEWS
Engineering band hits the high notes
THEY SPRANG from NUS TalentQuest, the same platform which has propelled singers such as Kelly Poon (Project Superstar) and
Maia Lee (Singapore Idol I Top 5) to fame. Watch out -- Yap Shi Li (lead vocals), Adi Rachmadian (vocals, keyboard) and Lin
Hanrong (drums) may yet hit your screens at home.
The three are Engineering graduates, Class of 2009 – Shi Li and Adi from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering,
and Hanrong, Mechanical Engineering. Though they do not always play as a band – sometimes friends may join in or they may play
with other like-minded engineers – they had got together to give a short performance for the Faculty of Engineering’s
Commencement video. You might have caught this energy-packed trio at the Engineering graduation ceremonies in July.
Shi Li and Adi are now playing
regularly at Red Dot Brewhouse
at Dempsey Hill and Paulaner
Brauhaus at Marina Square. They
usually play in acoustic duo/trio/
quartet settings and are crowd
pleasers with a wide genre of
music ranging from pop, jazz,
R&B to rock.
In 2007, Shi Li and Adi won 1st
Prize with their original
composition, “Could This Be
Love” at TalentQuest, an annual
talent competition organised by
COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL
The band plays on
the NUS Student EScience Club.
Though there were other
memorable competitions, this
one was rather special to Shi Li.
“The love duet was inspired
when I was on a train ride. The
entire melody was magically
drafted out by the time I reached Class act by Engineering trio for the Commencement video. From left: Hanrong, Shi Li and Adi. my destination. However, it
would have meant nothing without Adi’s amazing arrangement. We were very grateful to have won the prize, and the song was
also featured in Kent Ridge Hall Musical production, It’s Your Choice in 2007,” recalled Shi Li.
“We pride ourselves as members and alumni of Kent Ridge Hall Rockers, which was where we met and had the opportunity to
play music together. We also take pride in being engineers who can have fun and let loose in music,” added Shi Li.
●4●
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL
Mr Magician
agician of Mechanical Engineering
graduates
GETTING HIS Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical
Engineering) was no hat trick. But Physics and Engineering do
have a lot to do with magic -- as magician Nor Syafiq B Supingi,
Class of 2009 (who also plays with a band) finds out and tells
Connections:
Q: As a magician, do you find any connections between magic and
Engineering?
A: Engineering and physics principles are behind many magic
tricks. Some tricks appear to defy the laws of Physics. But they
are usually based on sound Physics laws. I am currently planning
to build a stage prop for a levitation illusion and I am sure that I
would need to dig up all my Engineering notes to design it and
make sure it is structurally sound! I will remember to put in the
safety factor. Engineering principles are applicable to my music
as well. I was discussing with the sound engineer about sampling
rate and aliasing effects while recording the album with my
band. The funny thing was that I learnt these principles in a
module called Experimental Methods in Fluid Mechanics! You
never know when your engineering background may come in
handy.
Q: When did you find you have a flair for magic?
A: I was interested in magic ever since I was a young boy. I
love to watch the David Copperfield specials on TV. I would go
the National Library and borrow all the magic books I can find.
I also met several mentors who guided me in my magic. I
performed my first stage show when I was doing National
Service.
Nor Syafiq B Supingi graduates this year but hopes to continue performing magic. Q: Your first competition was Magic Unlimited 2006 where you won
first prize?
A: Magic Unlimited 2006 was opened to all magicians
throughout the island. About 50 magicians took part, many of
whom were veterans. Having watched a lot of magic shows, I
realised that many presented magic like a puzzle, something for
the audience to try and figure out. But I don’t really like this
approach. I want to entertain the audience with a magic routine
that has a storyline so that it would be like watching a movie
with special effects. So I came up with a routine introducing the
audience to the daily life of a magician. The judges and the
audience appreciated the concept and I won first prize.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I would prefer to work in the aviation industry having
specialised in the Aeronautical Specialisation. As students, we
cannot just study and not have a life outside our books. I
believe that is the same when we become employees. Having
interests and pastimes keeps one sane. The band is currently
working on new materials for a second album. We are really
excited about the new songs we are coming up with. So do
look out for that.
●5●
ENGINEERING NEWS
When 1+1= Wushu and Engineering
WUSHU AND Engineering do mix, as fresh graduate Tao Yi
Jun would tell you. A member of the Singapore National
Wushu Team, this former student of CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’
School has represented Singapore in numerous
competitions, including the 24th SEA Games in Thailand.
Connections catches up with this martial arts exponent who
was also voted into the Top 20 Team Singapore Sports Idol:
Q: Why did you want to take up Electrical Egnineering?
A: I have always been better at numbers and after my
first year at NUS I realised I like Electrical
Engineering most.
Q: What thoughts could you draw from Electrical
Engineering that could be applied to wushu?
A: Electrical Engineering (especially my Final Year
Project) has taught me problem-solving skills and to
look at a problem objectively and come up with the
best solution to solve it. It has helped me to assess
my strengths and weaknesses such that I can
improve my skills faster.
Q: How did you become interested in wushu?
A: I developed an interest in wushu at a young age,
ever since I started watching Jet Li action movies
and Dragon Ball comics. I admired the beauty and
agility of their moves. When I first took up wushu
in secondary school it was not a recognised CCA
in my school so I had to juggle studies, wushu and
my other CCA (gymnastics).
Q: What was your reaction when you got your first Gold in
Taijiquan?
A: I got my first Gold at the 6th Beijing International
invitational Wushu Tournament in 2005. I also got a
Bronze for Taijijian (sword). It was an assurance for
me but it was unexpected as anything can happen on
the competition ground.
Q: Describe your character in two sentences.
A: I have a positive outlook in life and I believe
perseverance is my strength.
Q: What do you hope to do next?
A: I hope to spend more time on my career while
maintaining my passion in wushu by teaching taiji in the
future.
Tao Yi Jun proves she can slay any dragons that hinder her passion in Engineering and Wushu. Q: What’s the most enriching thing about pursuing
wushu?
A: Being able to represent Singapore at international
competitions and getting to know friends from
different countries.
Q: Is your family also interested in the art?
A: My mother takes up taiji quan for health and fitness,
my father and elder brother are not really
interested in Chinese martial arts. My father is a
businessman and my mother works in the IT
industry. My brother has just obtained his PhD in
Engineering from NUS.
COMMENCEMENT SPECIAL
Ms Wushu
●6●
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING RESEARCHER Assistant Professor Lee Poh
Seng’s work on “heat sink” has won him the Tan Kah Kee
Young Inventors’ Award (Silver) in the Defence Science
Category. The Merit Award (Open Category) went to
Engineering PhD student Tan Swee Jin for his work on a
biochip for isolating cancer cells from the blood stream.
Dr Lee has filed a US provisional patent for his invention, a
“heat sink” which effectively takes the heat off electronics. His
invention would help to lower temperature of power
electronics in tanks operating in extreme and harsh
environment, besides other applications. The total effect
can enhance cooling by up to 80 per cent.
Swee Jin’s microchip is able to extract cancer cells from blood
physically with high isolation efficiency and purity. The isolated
cancer cells hold information on the development of the
disease. Studying their characteristics would also reveal the
progress of treatment and medication that the patient has
undergone.
KRUCE at Shell Eco‐marathon, Germany in April. Pic by Zhang Weisheng, Eco‐car 2009 team leader. Engineering achievers
KRUCE-ing into
receive Tan Kah Kee
HORIZONS
Young Inventors’ Award
KRUCE, NUS’ eco-car cruises into the news again. The Eco-car
team and their supervisor, Assoc Prof Lu Wen Feng,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, was interviewed by
Associated Press Television News (APTN) on 9 June for its
feature news service, HORIZONS. This news service is a 20minute daily bulletin of technology and lifestyle stories from
around the globe.
Ms Amy Lee, Executive Producer, Vision Asia Productions
(Singapore), commissioned by APTN for the filming, said KRUCE
(Kent Ridge Urban Concept Eco-car) caught her eye because it
is the first eco-car made in Singapore which runs on hydrogen
cell with zero carbon emission. It’s a great technology story for
HORIZONS to cover, said Amy.
Swee Jin (left) with his supervisor, Prof Lim Chwee Teck are inventors of a biochip which is able to extract physically, cancer cells from the blood. KRUCE returned from the Shell Eco-Marathon in Germany –
emerging 5th in the Urban Concept category. It also came in 4th
in the Fuel Cell Vehicle category and 5th for the CO2 Award
which measures the lowest level of carbon dioxide from “well to
the wheel”. Team leader Zhang Weisheng who recently
graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering,
said he was proud of his team’s never-say-die spirit. The team
reached the competition ground and assembled the car at the
eleventh hour when travel
restriction
was lifted as
the swine-flu
situation
stabilised.
Dr Lee receives the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award (Silver) in the Defence Science Category. ●7●
ENGINEERING NEWS
The team (from left) Louis, Vignesh and Muhammad receiving their prize in Paris.
WE HAVE heard of cars powered by solar energy. But planes? The idea is taking off. Just last year, the US has flown an unmanned
plane, Zephyr, powered completely by solar.
Recently, a team of Engineering students has explored the idea for long distance, passenger plane. The team called Solaire Voyage
comprising Louis Lee Wee Boon (team leader), a first year Masters student in Materials Science and Engineering, Muhammad Adil
and Vignesh Subramaniam, both second-year Mechanical Engineering students, has taken the idea to the finals of an international
competition in France (19 June), organised by Airbus called Fly Your Ideas. They took the 2nd prize of €15,000.
Supervised by Prof Joachim Luther, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) CEO, and SERIS Deputy Prof Armin
Aberle, the team was the only Asian team to compete in the contest, sparring with more than 220 teams from 82 countries.
As aircrafts are exposed to abundant sunlight at high altitude, it is natural to think of solar energy. “Solar cells could serve as an
auxiliary unit in powering some of the systems in an aircraft, reducing the load on the existing auxiliary power unit (APU) and
engine drive generators. Reducing fuel consumption will in turn, reduce greenhouse gas emission, improving the eco-efficiency of
aircrafts,” said Louis. Performance of the solar panels has been tested by NASA in an unmanned system in the HELIOS project in
USA, and by SolarFlight in the Sunseeker II, the first single-seat manned aircraft in the Switzerland powered by solar energy. In
addition, Japan has launched cargo ships which are propelled partially by solar panels. “Such endeavours have given us a strong
belief that the idea of solar cell technology can be implemented on a commercial plane to support the operation partially,” said
Louis.
The team feels that the implementation of the solar cells could be applied without radically changing the aerodynamics and
structure of aircrafts, making it suitable for both new aircraft designs and also mid-life upgrades. The solar cells will operate only
during sunlight hours in tandem with the drive generators to share electrical load. During non-sunlight hours, the drive generators
and APU will resume the full electrical load.
The team has done their homework. They have investigated the electricity demands of the various systems in an aircraft to
determine the requirements for solar installations on the aircraft body. They also looked into the design of the solar panels so that
they can take on great challenges – for example, they should not add too much extra weight nor hamper the aerodynamics of the
aircraft. They also need to endure adverse weather conditions and high speed.
“For a long-haul flight of 17 hours, it is anticipated that the solar cells would contribute to 2 per cent savings in energy. This figure
can be increased by considering irradiation at higher altitude and the potential of solar technology,” said Louis.
The group hopes to convince the aviation industry that their concept is worth the investment for further practical research and
development. However, there is a need to test the efficiency of solar cells under normal flight conditions, before prototyping can
be made, they added.
●8●
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
A ‘smashing’ good time at Engineering
at the same time. Kevin McMurdie, third-year Mechanical
Engineering student at Brigham Young, also said that learning
through design is something new to him. “It’s putting what you
have learnt into practice, and that’s great!” he said.
Ruan Jiren, a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering student at NUS
who participated in the Special Term Module, said he had in fact,
recently returned from a six-month exchange programme at
Tecnologico de Monterrey of Mexico. “Having been able to
compare our engineering courses with another university’s, I can
say for sure that I find that courses at NUS give more emphasis
to design and applications. As a result, I am able to grasp
underlying concepts better,” he said.
Prof Victor Shim demonstrating an impact principle.. GASPS AND murmurs of “awesome” filled the air as a
handphone was smashed and splintered into sections -- its
deconstruction recorded by high-speed video filming at 250
frames per second.
This was of course not the first handphone smashed at the
Faculty of Engineering’s Impact Mechanics Laboratory. A few
have come to a similar end at the Lab -- and for good reason,
the class was told. The Lab researches impact on appliances
and equipment so that engineers have the knowledge to
design products that are sufficiently robust to withstand
accidental drops and knocks. For example, the Lab has also
performed tests that simulate the G-force on a pilot’s head
during ejection from an aircraft. This is to investigate the kind
of neck injuries pilots might sustain and hence, help in the
design of better ejection systems.
The class was also treated to other demonstrations, such as
ballistic projectile impact on different tiles and materials. The
30-odd students comprising six from Penn State University, six
from Brigham Young University, and the rest from NUS’
Department of Mechanical Engineering were attending the
Faculty’s inaugural Special Term Module called “Fundamentals
of Product Development” with a focus on learning through
design.
Inaugural Engineering
workshop for teachers
IT WAS the start of the June school holiday, but 26 teachers
went back to school – and had fun learning how to teach Physics
in an entertaining way.
Hailing from 10 schools including Hwa Chong Institution,
Nanyang Girls’ High, NUS High, Raffles Girls School, Raffles
Institution and Yishun Junior College, the teachers had signed up
for the Faculty of Engineering’s inaugural two-day workshop,
Great Discoveries and Inventions. This initiative engineered and
facilitated by the External Relations Office of the Faculty, aims to
inject the fun element into Physics, as well as to relate it to
Engineering.
Teaching of Physics can go beyond formulas and technical
diagrams, said Assoc Prof Anjam Kursheed, who conducted the
workshop. A hands-on and historical approach would do the job
better in involving and engaging students in learning the
fundamentals of electricity and magnetism.
Class action, with Assoc Prof Anjam (extreme right) in the lead. Said Prof Wong Yoke San, who oversees the Design-Centric
Curriculum, being introduced to first-year Engineering
students this coming Academic Year: “The students from the
States were here for two weeks of intensive course. They
were divided into six smaller groups and each was assigned a
design project. They would need to present their final design
at the end of the course and submit their project reports via
email when they return home.”
Frank Wallace, a second-year student studying mining at Penn
State, said he found the programme “creative and theoretical”
●9●
Reliving happy memories at LT 7A – Darryl and Tanya. ENGINEERING NEWS
CALL IT precision engineering… Cupid’s arrows at
the Faculty are pretty precise. The Faculty has seen
three weddings this year. A couple from Class of
2006, Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, had their wedding pictures taken at LT6
in May. The other two couples: Mechanical
Engineering (Class of 2005) and Chemical
Engineering (Class of 2006) had theirs on 19 June, at
Lecture Hall (LT) 7A.
Why LT7A? Mechanical Engineering couple, Mr and
Mrs Lewis Lo said: “We wanted somewhere
meaningful, somewhere close to our hearts”. Their
romance started in Year 3 when Lewis picked up a
matriculation card belonging to his wife, Cheryl
(then just a friend) left in the lift. He called to
inform her about the card – and that was the start
of a beautiful friendship.
Ties formed at Engineering are binding, as Lewis and Cheryl found out. “We are both rather traditional when it comes to
public display of affection. We always joked about
this couple who held hands even during lectures.
Inspired by our thermodynamics lecture, we nicknamed this couple, thermocouple,” Lewis laughed.
They also remember the Engin Canteen with its
three levels referred to as "heaven", "earth" and
"hell". They were usually “banished” to the lowest
level “hell” because of the crowd.
“The University Cultural Centre also has a special
place in our hearts. We graduated and attended the
same convocation there,” said Lewis.
Tanya Tan and her husband Darryl Xu were introduced by mutual friends. “NUS is a wonderful place full of memories of our initial
steps into adulthood. Many lasting friendships were forged. It wasn’t easy getting through school given the level of competition and
rigor of the curriculum. We’re thankful for having company and help of our friends as well as support from members of the
faculty,” they said.
● 10 ●
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Engineers high on wow factor at
alumni career talk
FIVE ENGINGEERS combined their charms and
candour to make the forum informative and
interesting at the same time. In fact, the five, all
heavyweights in their respective industry, were so
well received that the organisers, the Engineering
Alumni of Singapore (EAS) had many requests to
hold similar forums again.
The forum held on 11 April as part of the Alumni
Career Talk Series – The Engineer Leader, discussed
topics such as how the financial crisis affects each
industry and recruitment opportunities. The NUS
alumni speakers were Mr Tan Seng Chai, Senior Vice
President of Human Resource, CapitaLand Ltd,
Mr Boey Yin Chong, Managing Director, Syndicated
Finance, DBS Bank Ltd, Mr Dave Tan, General
Manager, Hong Giap Construction & Development
Pte Ltd, Ms Irene Chua, a former CEO in a local
games development company and Mr Calvin Lee
Former President of Engineering Alumni Singapore, Mr Gan Cheng Chian (front row, who was Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche
extreme left) with the speakers, participants and guests at the Alumni Career Talk Telekom Asia Pte. Ltd. Mr Lee passed away on 2
Series – The Engineer Leader. August while competing in the 1.5km swimming leg
of the Osim Singapore International Triathlon 2009. The
He already showed his entrepreneurial side when he was a
engineering community was much saddened by his demise.
student in NUS when he started a company to bring in the
He obtained his honours degree in Mechanical and Production
fashion brand, Blue Q.
Engineering in NUS before earning his MBA from the
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Ms Chua has always been interested in CAD/CAM software
technology and has worked for Creative Technology and later
Mr Tan holds an honours degree in Civil and Structural
with Electronic Arts where she spent 12 years in various roles
Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Industrial and
and positions based in different Asian countries.
System Engineering from NUS. Mr Boey and Ms Chua also did
Civil Engineering at NUS while Mr Dave Tan’s field was
Their insights and experiences certainly made motivating and
Electrical Engineering.
inspiring stories for the audience which included students from
the Engin Club (the NUS students’ engineering club). Prof Chan
Mr Tan started his career with National Semiconductor
Eng Soon, the Engineering Dean, Prof David Chua, Faculty
Manufacturing Pte Ltd as a production supervisor where he
Alumni representative and other representatives from the
subsequently rose to become their human resource manager.
Engineering Alumni of Singapore, also interacted with the
He had also worked with Creative Technology Ltd. Now, with
students.
CapitaLand Group, he develops the Group’s talent pool.
Mr Boey has been with DBS for more than 19 years, having
considerable experience in corporate banking for both
Singapore as well as the regional markets. He has been
instrumental in developing DBS’ successful loan syndication
business in the region.
Mr Dave Tan took over his father’s construction business
after he graduated from NUS. He managed to turn the
business round in two years, doubling its revenue.
Said former President of Engineering Alumni Singapore, Mr Gan
Cheng Chian, Sales Manager with Bekaert Singapore Pte Ltd:
“Feedback from the students who attended the forum has been
very good. Everyone enjoyed the forum. They certainly took
something home with them. Another forum in the same
format is being organised in August. We are trying to get
another five high-powered speakers to come and share their
experiences with Engineering students in another session.”
● 11 ●
ENGINEERING NEWS
NEW ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS (Apr to Jul 2009)
Full-time faculty members
Adjunct staff
Dr Lee Dong-Yup
Assistant Professor, ChBE
Mr Guerin, Pierre Jacques
Adjunct Associate Professor, CE
Dr Teo Kwong Meng
Assistant Professor, ISE
Dr Wu Jer-Fang
Adjunct Associate Professor, CE
Dr Amit Jain
Assistant Professor, ETM
Dr Muhammad Faeyz Karim
Adjunct Assistant Professor, ECE
Dr Chui Ting Fong, May
Assistant Professor, CE
Dr Tan Eng Choon, Adrian
Adjunct Assistant Professor, ECE
Dr Dharmarajan Rajarathnam
Lecturer, ChBE
Mr Lim Wai Sing
Adjunct Associate Professor, CE
Dr Kuang Sze Chiang, Kevin
Lecturer, CE
Dr Tan Seng Ghee
Adjunct Assistant Professor, ECE
Visiting staff
Dr Ng Gee Wah
Adjunct Associate Professor, ME
Professor Watanabe, Chihiro
Visiting Professor, ETM
Promotion and tenure
Dr Page Susan Elizabeth
Visiting Research Associate Professor, CE
Professor Lim Chwee Teck
Full Professorship, ME
Professor Phan Hin Choi, Philip
Visiting Professor, ETM
Associate Professor Tong Yen Wah
Associate Professorship with tenure, ChBE
Professor Korsunsky, Alexander Michael
Visiting Professor, ME
University Awards 2009
Young Researcher Awards
Dr Akash Kumar
Visiting Fellow, ECE
Professor De Silva, Clarence Wilfred
Visiting Professor, ME
Associate Professor Mansoor bin Abdul Jalil
Associate Professor, ECE
Associate Professor Ng How Yong
Associate Professor, ESE
NEW NON-ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS (Apr to Jul 2009)
Miss Thant Yin Win
Mgt Assistant Officer, BIOE
Miss Irene Chin Chia Yin
Mgt Assistant Officer, Dean’s Office
Mr Tang Kang Wei
Mgt Assistant Officer, BIOE
Mr Chng Siow Tat, Frederick
Manager, CE Singapore Delft Water Alliance
Ms Teo Ah Poh, Mabel
Mgt Assistant Officer, ETM
Mr Koo Cheng Weng, Raymond
Mgt Assistant Officer, CE Singapore Delft Water Alliance
Ms Meri Lee Mei Mei
Senior Executive,
BTECH Programme
Miss Ang Siew Bee
Mgt Assistant Officer,
BTECH Programme
Miss Eileen Lim Wee Lee
Assistant Manager, ME
Miss Yong Pei Fang
Mgt Assistant Officer, ME
Assoc Prof Ng How Yong (left) and Assoc Prof Mansoor Bin Abdul Jalil (right) at the University Awards 2009. ● 12 ●