faculty of engineering annual report 2007
Engineerin g E xc el l e n c e
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34 38 Contents 4 A WORD FROM THE DEAN 7 DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 8 FACULTY BOARD 11 UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION It’s not just what we do; it’s the way that we do it! 23 GRADUATE EDUCATION Moving up the Ladder 62 29 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE Fostering Vibrancy 41 OUR PEOPLE Celebrating Excellence 53 ALUMNI Inspiring Success 61 OUTREACH Attracting the Best 66 FACTS & FIGURES Vision To be a globally-distinguished engineering school
Mission To nurture engineer-leaders with a global outlook and to provide technological leadership through high-impact research A Word from theDean It is my pleasure to present to you the 2007 Annual Report of the Faculty of Engineering. This report will give you a glimpse of what we have accomplished and affirms our position as a reputable global institution today. Our foundations remain strong as we continue to attract students of outstanding ability, talented faculty members, investment funds for research and development (R&D), resources for education, and provide a robust ecosystem for learning and innovation. Today there is a need to prepare our engineers better for the “With the backdrop of knowledge- and technology- globalisation and transnational intensive economy. To operations of companies, produce this technology-savvy ‘global orientation’ is a key knowledge asset, the Faculty aspect in our curriculum.” offers a comprehensive range of engineering programmes to give students a strong foundation The world is witnessing in engineering fundamentals unprecedented changes as well as a wealth of brought about by three forces opportunities to stretch their – mobility of talent, mobility minds. With the backdrop of of capital and mobility of globalisation and transnational knowledge. Globalisation, operations of companies, aided by technology and “global orientation” is a key conducive international trade aspect in our curriculum. and fiscal policies, is enabling Our curriculum is also evolving companies to span their to ensure that our graduates supply chains across countries will have the attributes while being able to respond expected of the University and quickly to market needs and the engineering profession. opportunities. Companies are Further, our graduates will realising a substantial portion have enhanced skills in critical of their revenues outside their thinking and problem solving home bases and in some cases, in the context of engineering trans-border transactions are design and practice in the larger than national economies. current business environment. There is a generation of They will understand the phenomenal amount of new importance and influence of knowledge, and an accelerated their work through a systems pace of innovation in products, approach and provide the processes and services. The leadership necessary for the human population has increased growth of Singapore as a key exponentially over the last three player on the world stage. centuries to cross the six billion mark, of which nearly half is set In 2006, the Institution of to live in urban areas. Growing Engineers Singapore (IES) A Word urbanisation has given rise achieved full signatory status to global challenges in clean to the Washington Accord. energy and water, security, This is a significant milestone from the as our more established healthcare, environment and sustainability. engineering programmes have been accredited by various Dean Photo courtesy of Mr Michael Ozaki international bodies and the and received international local Engineering Accreditation recognition. For example, the Board. A curriculum review is intercultural team of five NUS also underway to prepare the undergraduate students and two Faculty for outcome-based Mumbai University Institute of accreditation processes. The Chemical Technology students latter will demonstrate that our has won the prestigious Daimler- graduates have the necessary UNESCO Mondialogo Engineering knowledge and skills to succeed Award 2006-2007 for the contest in the engineering profession. which attracted more than 800 (L-R): Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman and CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited, The greater recognition of entries from 89 countries. We Dean Seeram Ramakrishna and Prof Choo our graduates’ academic recognise the need for constant Yoo Sang, Founding Director of the Centre qualifications translates into revitalisation of knowledge and for Offshore Research and Engineering, and Director of Offshore Engineering Programme, their employability and a higher expertise to stay at the forefront having a discussion at the 5th Keppel Offshore demand for them. of education and research. & Marine Lecture by Prof Andrew Palmer We carried out the largest recruitment exercise in the last engineer-leaders, recruit “We shall continue, among five years, recruiting more than high-quality faculty members, other efforts, to nurture 90 faculty members. In 2007 translate research outcomes engineer-leaders, recruit high- alone, 25 new faculty members, into dividends, and position many of them leading experts in quality faculty members, ourselves as a partner of choice their fields, were recruited from translate research outcomes for industries. I would like to all over the world. into dividends, and position thank the various advisory ourselves as a partner of choice The graduate student enrolment committee and board members for industries.” has reached more than 2,600 of who have provided their support which almost 56% are pursuing and encouragement that have their research degrees. As the brought us closer to achieving doctoral programme is the prime our objectives. Many of our To build and sustain its focus of our research degree alumni and friends of the Faculty technological advantage programmes, our doctoral have helped to support our in its next lap of economic students have already reached education, research and public development, Singapore an all-time high of about 1,200. service missions. I would also like has targeted R&D spending to thank all our partners for their Our total budget has increased of 3% of GDP by 2010. The contributions and look forward by 21% from S$163.4 million in Faculty recognises the critical to what we can accomplish FY2006-2007 to S$198.3 million roles R&D, innovation and together. in FY2007-2008. This increase is entrepreneurship play in due mainly to our grants from national strategic development, national funding agencies for and has taken on an active role R&D activities, and investment in national strategic research by industry. The Faculty has focuses such as Interactive and successfully attracted a total Digital Media, Environmental research funding of approximately and Water Technologies, S$85 million in the first eight Professor Seeram Ramakrishna Clean and Renewable Energy, months of FY2007-2008. This Dean, Faculty of Engineering Nanotechnology, Biomedical amount represents a significant Materials and Systems, Logistics increase of 56% over FY2006-2007 and Supply Chain Management, and 148% over FY2005-2006. and Offshore and Marine I am pleased to announce that
Engineering. A notable trend we attracted S$67.7 million worth in our research is the growing
of external grants. This includes research partnerships with a total of more than S$19 million leading international institutions for two projects awarded by the and industry players, which National Research Foundation. have led to securing of external These two projects focus on grants and the facilitation of advancement of membrane technology commercialisation materials and spintronics activities. materials. A WORD FROM THE DEAN Our students and staff have We shall continue, among produced high quality work other efforts, to nurture AR 2007 1 2 3 4
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DEAN’S 9 10 11 ADVISORY BOARD
1 prof Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya 7 prof Venkatesh Narayanamurti Head of Manufacturing Group John A and Elizabeth S Armstrong Professor of University of Warwick, UK Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean, School of Engineering and Applied 2 prof Chong Tow Chong Sciences, Harvard University, USA Executive Director, Science & Engineering Research Council, A*STAR 8 Mr Inderjit Singh Executive Director, Data Storage Institute Chief Executive Officer, Infiniti Solutions Pte Ltd Executive Chairman, Tri Star Electronics Pte Ltd 3 prof Don P Giddens Member of Parliament, Singapore Dean, College of Engineering Lawrence L Gellerstedt, Jr Chair in Bioengineering 9 Mr Soo Kok Leng Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Chairman of JTC Corporation, Singapore Georgia Institute of Technology, USA Technologies Electronics Ltd, Mt Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd 4 er. Lee Bee Wah Adjunct Professor, Division of Engineering & Principal Partner, LBW Consultants LLP Technology Management, NUS Managing Director, LBW Engineering Pte Ltd Member of Parliament, Singapore 10 er. Tan Seng Chuan President, The Institution of Engineers Singapore 5 prof Lui Pao Chuen President, The Federation of Engineering Chief Defence Scientist, MINDEF Institutions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Adjunct Professor, Department of Industrial & Director, CH2MHILL Singapore Pte Ltd Systems Engineering, NUS 11 prof Ian White 6 Prof Yoichiro Matsumoto van Eck Professor of Engineering Dean, School of Engineering Chairman of the Council, School of Technology, The University of Tokyo, Japan University of Cambridge, UK FACULTY BOARD
1 Prof Seeram RAMAKRISHNA Dean 2 aSSoc Prof ANG Kok Keng Vice-Dean (Outreach) 3 aSSoc Prof ASHRAF Kassim 1 Vice-Dean (Undergraduate Programmes) 4 Prof CHOU Siaw Kiang Vice-Dean (External & Industry Relations) 5 Prof CHOW Yean Khow Vice-Dean (Academic Affairs & Graduate Studies) 6 Prof KOH Chan Ghee Vice-Dean (Research) 7 Prof YEO Tat Soon Vice-Dean (Administration) 8 Prof ANG Beng Wah Head, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering 2 3 9 Prof CHAN Eng Soon Head, Department of Civil Engineering 10 Prof CHOW Gan-Moog Head, Department of Materials Science & Engineering 11 Prof LIM Seh Chun Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering 12 Prof Raj RAJAGOPALAN Head, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 13 Prof YEO Swee Ping Head, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering 4 5 14 Prof Colin SHEPPARD Head, Division of Bioengineering 15 Prof HANG Chang Chieh Head, Division of Engineering & Technology Management 16 Prof F Michael SAUNDERS Head, Division of Environmental Science & Engineering 17 Prof J N REDDY Head, Engineering Science Programme (till 30 November 2007) 18 Prof WANG Chien Ming Director, Engineering Science Programme 6 7 (from 1 December 2007) 19 Prof POO Aun Neow Director, Bachelor of Technology Programme FACULTY BOARD FACULTY
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The Faculty of Engineering research and specialised Programme (UROP), exchange is continually evolving its programmes in innovation and agreements were established programmes to prepare its technopreneurship. Students with some of the top universities graduates to be successful in who combine Engineering with in the world, including Imperial the changing workplace. Our Business can complete double College, UK; INSA Lyon and programmes are carefully degrees with Economics and Supélec, France; and National tailored to equip graduates Business Administration or a Taiwan University of Science with a competitive edge in second major programme in and Technology, Taiwan. These their specialised fields while Management (Technology). experiences provide invaluable retaining flexibility and knowledge of other cultures Students may choose to study relevance to a wider range of and prepare our graduates to in the familiar disciplines of employment opportunities. function effectively in the global Chemical, Civil, Electrical or Today’s professionals require economy. Mechanical Engineering or look excellent analytical and problem- at the emerging opportunities in Our students compete with great solving abilities, and these are Bioengineering, Environmental success in many international strongly developed as part of an Science & Engineering, Materials competitions including the engineering education. Science & Engineering, and Formula Society of Automotive Our students have a strong Industrial & Systems Engineering. Engineers race using cars foundation in the basic sciences A decision on the field of study designed and built by students, and engineering in the early need not be made until the end and have won top prizes in years of their study before of the first year. innovation and entrepreneurship pursuing specialised areas of challenges such as the Excitera The Faculty also provides exciting engineering in the later years. Innovation Challenge. Some of opportunities for international They are given opportunities our students have also climbed exposure through exchange to tailor their own learning Mt Everest! These experiences programmes, NUS Overseas experiences, through elective further develop strong Colleges, joint/double degree modules, projects, independent leadership skills in our students. and summer programmes study and special programmes. with some of the world’s best A particular feature is the universities. enhancement programme which provides opportunities Under the Undergraduate for industrial internships, Research Opportunities Prime Minister Lauds Research Engineer
Mr Mohamed Sharael (extreme left) and Assoc Prof Seah Kar Heng (third from left) showing Guest of Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his entourage one of the two NUS FSAE race cars on display at the Sengkang West National Day Carnival 2007
The NUS Formula Society At the carnival, NUS FSAE the admiration and respect of Automotive Engineers alumnus, Mr Mohamed Sharael of his team-mates. He also (FSAE) race car project is bin Mohd Taha had the turned out to be a good racer, spearheaded by the Department opportunity to explain to Guest specialising in the skidpad of Mechanical of Honour Prime and autocross events. After Engineering (ME). This Minister Lee Hsien Sharael’s graduation, Prof Seah project began in 2001, Loong about the persuaded him to work as a and since 2004, cars NUS FSAE project research engineer at NUS. Prof designed and built and the intricacies of Seah had preferred Sharael by NUS engineering its race cars. PM Lee over an external candidate undergraduates have was so impressed because he was adept at race been competing at the with Sharael’s depth car engineering, a specialisation annual international of knowledge and unavailable elsewhere in FSAE competition in enthusiasm that, Singapore. Also, Prof Seah the United States. in his speech at wanted someone capable of the Mendaki 25th working round-the-clock like On 12 August 2007, Anniversary Dinner, himself, as all those who have
12 the 2006 and 2007 he named Sharael passed through the ranks of NUS race cars went on as “just one of a FSAE are accustomed to such a display alongside Mr Mohamed Sharael bin Mohd Taha growing number lifestyle.
four foreign of Malays who are racers at the Sengkang West Sharael is now a research making a name for themselves”. National Day Carnival 2007. engineer in the ME Department The heartland-based event was Sharael was talent-spotted assisting Prof Seah in one of the many organised as a second-year ME student supervising the NUS FSAE team by the Singapore government by Faculty Advisor Assoc Prof in conceptualising, designing, to prepare the public for an Seah Kar Heng who, without fabricating and testing the 2008 important milestone in the field hesitation, put him in charge race car; and in teaching and of motorsports – when Singapore of the NUS FSAE’s race car preparing the new batch of NUS i on E ducat under g raduate hosts her first Formula One race engine. Sharael quickly became FSAE recruits in building the in September 2008. an engine expert and gained 2009 and 2010 race cars. AR 2007 NUS FSAE PRODUCING GRADUATES WITH DARE AND SPEED Women POWER in Engineering
(L-R): Ms Elaine Tan, Ms Xie Yuwen and Ms Sharon Poon Sok Min Ms Rao Tingting (not in photo) is currently overseas on a Masters programme
Once the domain of men, Ms Elaine Tan Ms Sharon Poon Sok Min engineering is now a domain shared by women. Many women Graduated from the Division Graduated from the Department engineers have been making of Bioengineering. Now a of Chemical & Biomolecular their mark on society, and many bioengineer with A*STAR’s Engineering. Now a Fuels more will come, judging by the Institute of Bioengineering and Marketing Retail Pricing Analyst growing population of female Nanotechnology. with ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. engineering students at NUS. Elaine encourages female students to take up engineering, Based on her personal experience, especially if they love physics Sharon shares, “An engineering and mathematics because education is not a one-way ticket of the practicality of the to the type of engineering jobs training it provides. Elaine says, where you may have to get your “Engineering trains one to think hands dirty. Rather, it trains you logically and sensibly.” with the skills and an analytical mind that can be applied to a myriad of occupations and Ms Xie Yuwen industries.” Among the many female high Graduated from the Department achievers in the 2007 batch of of Chemical & Biomolecular engineering graduates, four Engineering. Now an engineer Ms Rao Tingting stand out by clinching collectively with the Public Utilities Board. Graduated from the Department three Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Gold of Electrical & Computer Fulfilled in her desire to Medals and four Institution of Engineering (ECE). Served as ECE 14 play a part in caring for the Engineers Singapore (IES) Gold Club President. Now overseas on environment, Yuwen says, Medals. The LKY Gold Medal is a Masters programme with the “An engineering degree awarded to the best graduate Singapore-MIT Alliance. throughout the respective opens the door to an ocean of course of study, while the IES opportunities. Female students “Engineering has given me Gold Medal is awarded to the should consider their interests an insight into cutting-edge top graduating student in the and strengths before deciding technology, taught me the respective course of study. which area of engineering to importance of team spirit, and enter into, and then use their laid the solid foundation for These four women are now either education to play a part in my further studies and career furthering their engineering developing ways to overcome the development,” says Tingting. education or establishing their i on E ducat under g raduate multitude of problems mankind
promising and meaningful faces.” careers in related fields. AR 2007 WASHINGTON ACCORD IN TOWN Towards Outcome-based Accreditation
The Washington Accord will be in Singapore in June 2008 to conduct a workshop on accreditation matters. The Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) is the Singapore signatory to the Washington Accord with effect from June 2006. In May 2002, IES set up the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) to accredit engineering programmes that are delivered and awarded in Singapore. (L-R): Mr Manish Unnithan, Mr Saravanan Palaniappan and Mr Nantha Kumar A programme is eligible to be accredited only after it has Learning from graduated at least two batches of students. When a programme Natural Beauty is new with no graduate output, it may be considered for and Engineering Brains provisional accreditation. The Believing in the importance of a global experience, the Faculty has Engineering Science Programme numerous student exchange programmes with various universities was the first to seek such worldwide. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are internationally provisional accreditation and renowned as centres of academic excellence. They are reputed for was recommended a provisional their dynamic and relevant academic programmes, and for graduating accreditation of four years, students of outstanding calibre. The student exchange between the the maximum allowed by EAB, Faculty and the IITs in Bombay, Madras, Guwahati, Roorkee, Kanpur and in October 2007. The BEng Kharagpur is aimed at spawning a pool of talent for greater depth and (Industrial & Systems Engineering) diversity in research. programme was awarded full accreditation, while the BEng Attached to different IIT campuses in India between July and December (Bioengineering) and BEng 2006, three third-year mechanical engineering students experienced and (Materials Science & Engineering) learned from some of the world’s best brains in engineering and science. programmes have commenced “Ultimately, all the challenges I encountered made this experience one of work to seek accreditation from the most memorable in my life, and learning with the brightest in India was EAB. certainly refreshing and enriching.” In accordance with the Mr Nantha Kumar, student exchange to IIT Roorkee Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology’s “Although academic standards at IIT Madras are high, I found that most of (ABET) criteria on programme the students led balanced lives, playing as hard as they studied.” outcomes, EAB will follow an Mr Manish Unnithan, student exchange to IIT Madras outcome-based accreditation for all our engineering programmes “The beautiful sunrise and sunset over the nearby hills overlooking the with effect from 2009. IIT Guwahati campus made me wonder whether real beauty lies in the mere man-made structures that we encounter in our daily urban lives or in The Faculty is planning to Mother Nature.... Being an exchange student in IIT Guwahati has given me organise a workshop jointly with EAB and IES in February 2008 to the opportunity to make friends from virtually every part of India, to learn address key accreditation issues about their lives as well as to be an ambassador for Singapore to them. The and prepare staff to engage in experience has given me a much broader perspective of life.” the international accreditation Mr Saravanan Palaniappan, student exchange to IIT Guwahati workshop by the Washington Accord. Mr Vaibhav Tidke (left) and Mr Veerappan Swaminathan at the award ceremony with the organisers Mondialogo Engineering Award A Global Innovation Award Promoting Sustainable Development
The intercultural team of Yi Han, Mr Tan Huei Ming and undergraduate students from Mr Set Ying Ting, all from the the Faculty of Engineering, Engineering Science Programme NUS and Mumbai University (ESP); and MUICT students Mr Institute of Chemical Technology Vaibhav Tidke and Mr Darshan (MUICT) has won the prestigious Mehta. They developed a Mondialogo Engineering Award fruit processing method using for 2006-2007 and a prize money solar technology. This method, of 20,000 euros (S$42,000) which allows drying to be done
for their project Economic even at night and markedly (Extreme top left clockwise): Mr Tan Yi Improvement of Indian Farmers reduces drying time, provides an Han, ESP, NUS; Mr Tan Huei Ming, ESP, by Solar Processing of Agro- inexpensive way to extend the NUS; Prof Bhaskar N Thorat, Chemical
1 6 Engg Department, MUICT; Mr Veerappan Products. There were more than shelf life of fresh agricultural Swaminathan, ME Department, NUS; Mr 800 entries from 89 countries produce; thus helping farmers to Muhd Ibnur Rashad bin Zainal Abidin, ESP, NUS; Mr Darshan Mehta and Mr Vaibhav that registered for this year’s get a better price and earn extra Tidke, both from the Chemical Engg awards, twice as many compared income. Department, MUICT, at the award ceremony with the inaugural contest in The award, instituted in 2004-2005. 2002-2003, is an initiative by the The team comprises NUS German company Daimler-Chrysler engineering students and UNESCO to promote an Mr Veerappan Swaminathan “exchange of knowledge between (team leader) of the Department engineering students of different of Mechanical Engineering, and continents.” i on E ducat under g raduate Mr Muhd Ibnur Rashad, Mr Tan AR 2007 WIKI on the move Passion-Driven Engineer While at the NUS Overseas College in Stockholm, Sweden, Despite an interest in a financial Mr Sriram Krishnan and his career, Mr Andy Chin chose team-mates, Mr David Haddad to study in the Department and Mr Michael Frantzen, of Electrical & Computer from KTH - Royal Institute of Engineering because he strongly Technology, beat 90 other teams believed that the quantitative to win the Excitera Innovation and systematic problem-solving skills imparted by an engineering Challenge 2007. Sriram, from Mr Sriram Krishnan the Department of Electrical & Photo courtesy of SPH - The Business Times education would better equip Computer Engineering, had met him for the future. This decision his team-mates at an Internet The ‘Spontu’ mobile application has led Andy to achieve much. conference he co-organised will allow users in Facebook to At the end of his freshman in Stockholm. He was later spontaneously meet up in real year in May 2004, Andy was approached by Michael to be life. For example, mobile phone awarded the National/ASEAN part of the team via LinkedIn, a users could send an SMS to Undergraduate Scholarship for business networking website. update a designated ‘Spontu’ his outstanding academic merit number, highlighting the social and dynamic involvement in The ‘Spontu’ team, once known activity of the user. as ‘Attention!’, won the top co-curricular activities. prize which comprised S$40,000; The team is currently developing Placed in the NUS Overseas an offer of incubation space; the Facebook application and College at Bio Valley in 2006, and free telco infrastructure the company ‘Spontu’ will be Andy interned full-time in a support from a Swedish-based incorporated soon in Stockholm. start-up medical device company telecommunication provider, For his outstanding achievements, while pursuing coursework at Telenor, during the start-up’s first Sriram received an NUS Student the prestigious University of six months. Achievement Award 2007. Pennsylvania. Now in his final year towards achieving his BEng (Electrical Engineering) with a Minor Honing entrepreneurial skills in Technopreneurship, Andy continues to be thoroughly through Peak Time engaged in various co-curricular In May 2007, engineering activities at international level. students Mr Lawrence Ng As a member of the Singapore Weiguang of the Division of National Water-Polo Team, Bioengineering, Mr Adrian Zhou he competed in numerous An Rong of the Department regional championships such of Chemical & Biomolecular as Asian Championships and Engineering, and Mr Ramkumar Commonwealth Games, and was Shankar of the Department awarded the Singapore Sports of Electrical & Computer Excellence Award annually from (L-R): Mr Adrian Zhou An Rong, Mr Lawrence Engineering got together with 1999 to 2005. Ng Weiguang, Mr Brandon Lee Kai An and Mr Brandon Lee Kai An of NUS Mr Ramkumar Shankar achieved third place at Peak Time Business School, and headed for Riga, Latvia, to participate in Peak Time International Business Peak Time. Mr Andy Chin Student Competition, organised by the Stockholm School of Drawing from their valuable Economics, is the largest and entrepreneurial experiences most well-known international acquired during their first-year business student competition internships in USA and Sweden, in the Baltic States, attracting which were part of the NUS entries from the Americas, Overseas Colleges Programme, Europe and across Asia. the team went on to the finals, emerging third. Fanning a Spark of Talent
(Front row, L-R): Ms Chen Shunling, Creative Director, Nanyang Polytechnic graduate; Mr Nguyen Khanh An, Project Manager and Vietnamese Office Manager, NUS School of Computing graduate (Back row, L-R): Mr Wayne Chia, Manager of Business Development, NUS Faculty of Science final-year student; Mr Liu Rujie, IT Developer, NUS School of Computing graduate; Mr Leon Leong, Project Manager, NUS School of Computing final-year student; and Mr Rex Huang, Co-Founder, Project Manager and China Office Manager, ECE Department final-year student
Entrepreneurial roots run in his as well as in Southeast Asian The partners also capitalised family of business owners. Credit countries. At this point, Rex’s on the Faculty’s offer to start nature or nurture, Mr Rex Huang passion for IT was kindled, their development office in Rongjia of the Department of and he started Techsailor with Guangzhou, China. Electrical & Computer Engineering partners, Mr Yu Junde and Says Rex, “Techsailor is still a himself displays the same trait. Mr Xing Dongfeng, both from small player in the IT industry At the age of seven, at home the NUS School of Computing. with no global impact, but we in China, he sold fireworks are doing business globally to neighbourhood kids. On “Techsailor is still a small – our management team is in entering NUS, he began fuelling player in the IT industry with Singapore; development teams his enterprising ways with no global impact, but we are are in China and Vietnam; and Technopreneurship courses. Today, doing business globally.” clients are not only in Singapore this final-year undergraduate and China, but also in the United co-owns Techsailor, a web - Mr Rex Huang 1 8 States and Europe. We believe solutions business with an we have the right strategy and international team and clientele. A subsequent year-long NUS are heading in the right direction
From being an air ticket agent Overseas Colleges programme, to becoming a big company.” to foreign students in NUS involving internship with a US during his first year, Rex went IT start-up and a study stint at on to start a magazine called the University of Pennsylvania SNAG (acronym for Sensual inspired Rex so much that on New Age Guy) with a few his return to Singapore, the Technopreneurship course mates. three partners began ambitious With funding from NUS Venture expansion plans for Techsailor to
i on E ducat under g raduate Support, the publication grew hit half a million dollars in annual
to attract readership nationwide sales by February 2008. AR 2007 New Bachelor of Technology Programme Launched
Singapore’s increasingly service- based economy is raising demand for systems-level talents. In engineering, this translates into the demand for versatile engineers well-equipped to lead in a rapidly changing and increasingly knowledge-based economy. These engineer-leaders must possess a combination of broad-based fundamentals and specialised knowledge, including the ability to understand key drivers of industry and business performance, model transactional (L-R): Mr Sun Jinyang, ME Department; Mr Cheong Kah Meng, NUS School of Computing; Mr Alvin Sim Yixiang, ME Department; Mr Kenneth Tan Jiecong and Mr Wu Di both of the ECE processes, identify problems Department and opportunities, and develop balanced solutions accountable to diverse stakeholders’ conflicting goals. Pre-empting the demand surge Exoro Promotes for such talents, the part-time Bachelor of Technology in Youth Entrepreneurship Industrial and Management Engineering (BTech (IME)) “Exoro has successfully conducted ExoroGame™ sessions for over programme was launched by 1,000 students in secondary schools, junior colleges and universities” the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering with its In 2006, Mr Wu Di of the Department of Electrical & Computer pioneer intake in August 2007. Engineering and four NUS mates got together and co-founded Exoro The programme aims to graduate Pte Ltd, whose mission is to promote youth entrepreneurship through professional industrial and effective training, networking and opportunities creation. And so, the management engineers who company’s first product, ExoroGame™ was developed. possess strong systems mindset It is a simulation game which fuses realistic elements of real-life and foundation in relevant modelling and methodological company operations with high level of interactivity and fun while expertise, and are thus able retaining the company’s quality educational values. to contribute to the national Exoro has successfully conducted ExoroGame™ and global society through sessions for over 1,000 students in secondary innovation, enterprise and schools, junior colleges and universities. leadership. It organised the first-ever National Youth Building on existing knowledge Entrepreneurship Conference, together and experience, BTech (IME) with the First National ExoroGame™ Youth admits working engineers with Challenge, in Singapore on 7 July 2007. good polytechnic diplomas and is Exoro plans to expand its business globally and all set to accept two intakes promote entrepreneurship on a larger scale. The company per year. is also in the midst of developing an online business simulation game. INNOVATIVE TEAM EFFORT: Mr Low (second from right, holding the yarn) and third-year mechanical engineering students (from left) Mr Tan Wei Yong, Designing The Future Mr Willy Zhang, team leader Mr Nicholas Ang, and Mr Ang Kheng Wee with the changeable In economies such as Singapore, creative and innovative design gives slippers, the bamboo charcoal and the fabric in their hands. a competitive advantage (Not in photo: Mr Freddy Tan, Mr Tan Wee Lip, and Mr Chester Choo) Skills in design are a characteristic of a well-educated professional engineer. Design can be defined as “purposeful activity through which Photo courtesy of SPH – The Straits Times needs are met or problems solved through the application of existing knowledge, skills and experience”. In economies such as Singapore, creative and innovative design gives a competitive advantage. Last year, a group of third-year mechanical engineering students successfully designed and developed a prototype of wheelchair for physically-disabled athletes to play tennis. The prototype, which is aesthetically pleasing, has many advantages such as low manufacturing cost, easy to adjust to suit the user’s preference and comfort, and easy to manoeuvre. The special features include an adjustable seat and footrest, and a built- in anti-skid feature. The wheelchair is lightweight and can be easily converted from the sports mode to the normal mode with simple camber adjustments. Another group of seven NUS students seized on the chance to work with Greenyarn, a successful business in the United States, and spent six months developing new product ideas. Greenyarn manufactures fabric that has
20 minute particles of bamboo charcoal in its weave. Its CEO, Mr Robin Low, 32, an NUS engineering graduate who is currently based in Boston, has made his mark in the business of marketing innovative products based on nanotechnology.
The team made three inventions using the company’s fabric. One invention is a sleeping pack that combines the cumbersome essentials of a backpack and a sleeping bag for mountaineers. The other prototype is a pair of changeable slippers that allows consumers to create three different looks simply by adjusting the straps. Both inventions had appealed to Mr Low, and he is working with manufacturers in Taiwan and expects to market the products in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. i on E ducat under g raduate The group is hopeful to team up with another entrepreneur to develop their third invention, a hamster wheel that could reduce the odour
AR 2007 emitted by these popular pets. Commercially-Fortified Engineering Management Education
The Division of Engineering and Technology Management (D-ETM) has been busy bringing the Faculty closer to realising its mission of “nurturing engineer- leaders with a global outlook and providing technological leadership through high-impact research”. D-ETM incorporated the Centre for Management of Science and Ms Ang Lay Teng with her award Technology into its fold on 1 July 2007. The new division continues to offer coursework-based Masters (MSc) programmes to Outstanding Paper Gold Award engineering postgraduates and Ms Ang Lay Teng, an undergraduate of the Division of Bioengineering, the Minor in Management of received the Outstanding Paper Gold Award on 19 May 2007 at the 4th Technology (MOT) programme Scientific Meeting jointly organised by Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the to engineering undergraduates. Biomedical Engineering Society, Singapore. Her paper titled Cell Delivery Around the same time, to Electrospun Scaffolds by Coaxial Electrospinning was co-authored D-ETM’s MSc (MOT) programme with Dr Sambit Sahoo, Assoc Prof Goh Cho Hong and Assoc Prof Toh accepted its third intake and Siew Lok from the same Division. saw its first batch of 17 part- time students graduate, while Lay Teng’s work shows the feasibility of using coaxial electrospinning its MSc (Intellectual Property to fabricate cell scaffold-integrated constructs for tissue engineering Management) and MSc (Systems applications. and Design Management) programmes respectively saw their first batches of five and two full-time students graduate. First Runner-up In August 2007, the Second Major in Management Queen’s Entrepreneurs’ (Technology), established Competition through months of active collaboration between D-ETM Every year, Queen’s University and the NUS Business School organises the Queen’s for Engineering, Computing Entrepreneurs’ Competition, the and Science undergraduates, country’s longest-running business accepted its first intake of plan competition. The NUS team, 51 Engineering freshmen. “Team Nodens Health”, presented Under this second major their business plan from their programme, D-ETM offers Engineering Entrepreneurship class, three new undergraduate under the NUS Overseas Colleges modules – MT3001: Systems programme, and was named first Thinking and Engineering, runner-up after tackling gruelling MT4002: Technology Mr Adrian Zhou An Rong showing the questions in the two-round Management Strategy, and business plan competition. MT4003: Engineering Product Development – which are also The team comprised Mr Adrian Zhou An Rong of the Department of offered as electives under the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and Ms Alicia Li Jia’en and Mr engineering undergraduate Brandon Lee Kai An, both from NUS Business School. curriculum. hyflux.pdf 1/4/08 11:46:19 AM
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Be it in water, industrial manufacturing processes, specialty materials or energy (oil recycling and biofuel development), Hy ux seeks to improve lives through providing innovative environmental solutions.
We have built one of the world’s largest seawater desalination plants in Singapore. We are present in over 25 provinces in China. We are developing Saudi Arabia’s rst membrane-based oil recycling centre in Jeddah. We are in India and also in Algeria. Our international experience extends to design development; systems integration; engineering, procurement and construction management; operations and maintenance. We own the largest membrane and materials research centre in Asia, outside of Japan. All these have made us a one-stop, integrated environmental leader that the world seeks for innovative and e ective environmental solutions.
To nd out more, go to www.hy ux.com. Excellence in graduate education is a strategic mission of the GRADUATE Faculty of Engineering. We aim to provide our students with a high-quality educational eDUCATION experience infused with a Moving up the Ladder global outlook. We offer a vibrant and stimulating research environment in which students get to work with state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned professors. More than 50% of our faculty members and graduate students come from countries such as America, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, France, India, Iran, Russia and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Our PhD programmes are the strategic focus of the Faculty and PhD students account for 80% of the current total research students. Lectures on “Research Methodology and Research Ethics” have been introduced to develop thinking and questioning in graduate students and imbue in them a deep sense of social responsibility and high ethical standards. The MSc coursework programmes continue to be an integral part of our graduate studies. They provide well-trained manpower for our economy and help make Singapore an attractive place for foreign investments. In the strategic area of “Water”, we are planning a new Double Masters Degree Programme in Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management with Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. We continue to forge global partnerships in education with top overseas universities in the form of joint PhD programmes and double Masters degree programmes to prepare students for a globalised economy. We have just established a joint PhD programme with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras and have integrated and extended our double degree programme and joint PhD programme with École Supérieure d’Électricité (Supélec), France.
Committed to Excellence Global Partnerships in Graduate Education The Faculty has created exciting opportunities for students to embark upon joint programmes to venture, to learn from the best of both worlds, to gain exposure to foreign culture and to network with the best students at some of the best institutions around the world.
Joint PhD Programmes Double Degree Programmes University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA École Centrale de Paris Australian National University, Australia École Polytechnique Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay), India École Supérieure d’Electricité Indian Institute of Technology (Madras), India École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées École Supérieure d’Électricité, France École des Mines de Paris Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, The Netherlands Groupe des Écoles des Télécommunications Dual Masters Programme In the Pipeline Tsinghua University, China Double Masters Degree with Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands Brain-Controlled Wheelchair
Controlling objects or machines by thought is fast becoming a science and technological reality in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME). Ms Woo Xing Yi with her poster A working prototype of a Brain- Controlled Wheelchair (BCW) Second Award from is being developed at the ME Department. Installed with a AIChE P300-based brain computer At the American Institute of interface – a communication Chemical Engineers (AIChE) tool that interprets electro- Annual Meeting held in encephalographic (EEG) signals San Francisco from 12 to 17 to input text or commands into a November 2006, Ms Woo Xing Yi computer by thought – the BCW of the Department of Chemical & is designed for people unable to Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) use other interfaces such as hand won the Graduate Student joystick or gaze tracking and, in Award comprising a certificate particular, for patients suffering and US$500 for her poster titled from Amyotrophic Lateral Developing a Systematic Design Sclerosis. Approach to Tailor Crystal Size Targeted for use in hospitals Distribution for Mixing-Sensitive The Brain-Controlled Wheelchair (top) and homes, the system is safe, Crystallisation Processes under easily set up with minimal the Food, Pharmaceutical and infrastructure modifications and P300-based brain computer interface (below) Bioengineering Division. adaptable to individual user’s The year before, Xing Yi won preferences. The BCW is all the Graduate Student Award for geared up to help users regain a paper under the Separations some autonomy in their daily Division. Both of her works lives. were co-authored with her PhD advisors, Prof Richard D Braatz of the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and Assoc Prof Reginald Tan Beng Hee, ChBE Department, NUS. AIChE’s various Division Awards recognise individuals’ outstanding chemical engineering contributions in the named fields. Training with a World Leader in Microelectronics Dr Yu HongYu conducts semiconductor R&D for CMOS logic and memory devices at IMEC, a world-leading independent research centre in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology in Belgium. He returns to Singapore in 2008 to pass on his knowledge and skills to future generations of engineers and researchers as an assistant professor.
Dr Ren Chi works in Singapore to customise technology development at the United Microelectronics Corporation, a world-leading semiconductor foundry specialising in contract manufacturing of customer-designed ICs for high-performance semiconductor applications. “I believe our job is to train PhD students to be Prof Dim-Lee Kwong of the Department of Electrical & Computer innovators, and be able Engineering (ECE) co-supervised Dr Yu and Dr Ren during their PhD to create next-generation candidatures. Prof Kwong, then a Temasek Professor in NUS, is among technologies. The knowledge the world’s leading microelectronics researchers. Co-supervised and training gained through respectively by Prof Li Ming-Fu and Prof Daniel Chan, both of ECE the PhD experience provide Department, Dr Yu had worked on Advanced Gate Stake for CMOS an excellent foundation to Devices, while Dr Ren had worked on Metal/High-k Gate Stack, the heart help solve the great technical of next generation CMOS devices. challenges of our industry.” Both individuals attribute their successes today to Prof Kwong’s forward- thinking training. Besides leading them through their PhD research, - Prof Dim-Lee Kwong Prof Kwong encouraged and guided them to think for themselves from project conceptualisation, through research process, to technology enhancement. This has taught them not only work skills that have boosted their careers, but also life skills like self-confidence, persistence and lateral thinking.
Prof Kwong’s constant push for his mentees to benchmark themselves against the world’s best has challenged Dr Yu to constantly set higher standards for himself even today. Dr Ren believes Prof Kwong’s knack for pre-empting industry trends gives his students a career headstart.
Says Prof Kwong, “I believe our job is to train PhD students to be innovators, and be able to create next-generation technologies. The knowledge and training gained through the PhD experience provide an excellent foundation to help solve the great technical challenges of our Dr Ren Chi (top) industry.” 2 6 and Dr Yu HongYu (bottom) were Prof Dim-Lee Kwong’s All the same, Prof Kwong attributes Dr Yu’s and Dr Ren’s current former PhD students
successes and promising future to their impressive traits as they are hardworking, highly self-motivated, passionate and persistent in everything they do. i on E ducat g raduate
AR 2007 Award-Winning Innovations in Materials and Device Structure Mr Rinus Lee Tek Po and of the Institute of Mr Ang Kah Wee, both from Microelectronics, who co- the Department of Electrical supervises Kah Wee. & Computer Engineering The students’ projects delved (ECE), won the 2007 Taiwan into the development of next- Semiconductor Manufacturing generation semiconductor Company Limited Outstanding technology, essentially higher- Student Research Award (Gold) speed nano-scale transistors. in Taiwan on 29 June 2007. Rinus approached it from the Each received a trophy and materials angle while Kah Wee NTD 100,000 (S$4,700). approached it from the angle of Dr Yeo Yee Chia, ECE new device physics and design. Department, is the main As transistors are fundamental supervisor for Rinus and components in electronic Kah Wee, and Principal products such as computers Investigator leading research and mobile phones, both efforts in enabling more developments could pave the powerful electronic devices way for computationally more Mr Rinus Lee Tek Po (left) and Mr Ang Kah through the use of new materials Wee with their awards powerful electronic products. and new device designs. He collaborates with Dr Chi Dongzhi Both students are currently of the Institute of Materials furthering their efforts in their Research and Engineering, who respective award-winning co-supervises Rinus, and projects towards their PhDs. Dr Narayanan Balasubramanian
Paper on ACL wins Gold Award
It is widely known that athletes and soldiers commonly suffer knee injury, also known as anterior cruciate ligament failure. Bioengineering PhD student, Mr Yeow Chen Hua, and his team won a gold award at the 4th Scientific Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore) on 19 May 2007 for the paper entitled Mechanism of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Failure During Impact Compression of the Knee Joint. The paper investigated and provided several approaches to improving future prophylactic knee braces so as to reduce injury risk.
Mr Yeow Chen Hua with a knee model keppel.pdf 1/4/08 11:52:31 AM
Growing beyond the challenges of today
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Keppel Offshore & Marine - Employer of Choice Keppel Offshore & Marine distinguishes itself as the world leader in the design and construction of offshore rigs, shiprepair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. We have a global network of 20 shipyards serving the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Caspian Sea, the Middle East and the North Sea regions.
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Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited 50 Gul Road Singapore 629351 • Tel: (65) 6863 7200 Fax: (65) 6261 7719 • www.keppelom.com • Co Reg No. 199900642R RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT and ENTERPRISE Fostering Vibrancy
The Faculty of Engineering • S$24 million from the Public innovation and technology has played an active role in Utilities Board for Singapore- transfer. Most notably, GE Water national strategic research Delft Water Alliance at NUS & Process Technologies, a unit focuses, including Interactive and of General Electric Company, • S$13.2 million from EDB for the Digital Media, Environmental has committed to invest S$130 formation of Minerals, Metals, and Water Technologies, million over the next 10 years and Materials Technology Centre Clean and Renewable Energy, to establish the GE Water & Nanotechnology, Biomedical • S$8.12 million from Media Process Technologies Global Materials and Systems, Logistics Development Authority for R&D Centre. Other industry and Supply Chain Management, Interactive and Digital Media grantors include Neptune Orient and Offshore and Marine Programme Lines, BASF South East Asia, Engineering. Hitachi and Seagate Technology • S$5.37 million from A*STAR International. As a research-intensive faculty, and Maritime and Port Authority we have been highly successful of Singapore for Offshore The Faculty has been consistently in bringing in research grants. In Engineering Technology ranked among the world’s top FY2007-2008 as at 30 November Research Programme ten engineering schools by 2007, the Faculty has already The Times Higher Education • S$2.71 million from A*STAR attracted a total research Supplement for four consecutive (including its Research Institutes) funding of approximately S$85 years. This is indeed a credible for Science and Engineering million, which excludes research and compelling tribute to our Programmes scholarships of about S$18 million. relentless pursuit towards both This amount at eight months • S$2.4 million from the Defence fundamental and application- into the financial year represents Agencies for Defence Technology oriented research excellence. a significant increase of 56% and Systems Programme Another focus of the Faculty compared to the whole of Our research reputation is is to facilitate and support FY2006-2007, and an increase of manifested in many ways, technology commercialisation 148% compared to FY2005-2006. such as publication in high- activities among students Among the competitive research impact papers, invited keynote and faculty members. As an grants awarded by the National presentations, editorial enhancement programme of Research Foundation (NRF), memberships in top-tier the undergraduate curriculum, Agency for Science, Technology journals, international and the Faculty runs a business and Research (A*STAR), regional research awards, and incubation centre that provides Economic Development Board strategic alliances with leading amenities and a platform to (EDB) and other agencies, several overseas institutions. We also companies founded by students. notable ones include: have strong partnerships with industries in terms of research, (L-R): Mr Jan Groen, Managing Director, Delft Hydraulics; Mr Pim Kraan, Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands; NUS President Prof Shih Choon Fong; and Mr Khoo Teng Chye, PUB Chief Executive and EWI Executive Director at the SDWA launch
Singapore-Delft Water Alliance Singapore-Delft Water Alliance as test-bed findings on relevant A proposed MSc programme (SDWA) is a joint university-level real-world problems. This really in collaboration with the Delft
30 research initiative consisting of means that the research activities University of Technology will National University of Singapore, are both demand-driven and facilitate graduate students to PUB Singapore and Delft directly translated into real- acquire a strong understanding Hydraulics. world advanced applications. of the principles of integrated In such a fashion, SDWA intends water resources planning and Within SDWA, the three partners to establish itself as one of the management. synergistically combine their scientific and technological knowledge and experience in leaders in the world. SDWA also addressing a wide range of intends to develop state-of-the- water-related issues, including art software tools and, in the urban water systems, maritime long run, translate its research problems as well as issues related work into specialist consultancy to climate change. services. The main research objective In addition to research activities,
re s earch & de v elo p ment and E nter r is e of the alliance is to advance SDWA also actively pursues science and technology as well educational programmes. AR 2007
Gill Cells Keep Floating Structures in Shape
Mooring Loads dolphin
Floating structure
Watertight cells Slits/Holes in the bottom slab/plate of a gill cell
Led by Prof Wang Chien Ming of the Department of Civil Engineering, the Very Large Floating Structures (VLFS) research group, together with engineers from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd, have made a huge impact on the offshore and marine industry with their invention called gill cells – compartments within floating structures with holes or slits in their bottom surfaces to allow water to freely fill and empty from the compartments.
The invention has potential application in VLFS, mooring buoys, spars Prof Wang Chien Ming and semi-submersibles. Pontoon-type VLFS, already used elsewhere in the world, are sometimes more effective than traditional ways – building underground and land reclamation – to counter land scarcity. They are environmentally friendly, easily removed or expanded, not an issue to construct despite deepwater depth or soft seabed, and impervious to earthquakes. However, beyond certain dimensions (in super-large floating structures) and when heavily loaded in the centre, VLFS begin to deflect unevenly, resulting in large differential deflections that may disrupt on-board operations. The differential deflections may be 32 minimised by stiffening the structure with thicker top and bottom slabs, having a larger draft under heavily-loaded regions, and/or implementing Deflection surfaces of a floating a ballast system; but all these solutions add unwanted weight and costs container terminal without (left) and with gill cells to VLFS. By strategically positioning gill cells throughout a floating structure, buoyancy forces in high-stress regions are removed, thereby significantly reducing differential deflection and stresses with little effect on the structure’s stiffness. Many other benefits also ensue. An International Patent Cooperation Treaty Application for the invention was published on 19 April 2007. The research group also filed for a patent on offshore bunker supply base or a floating petrol kiosk. It could save bunkering costs for bunker suppliers and ship owners, and valuable anchorage space in Singapore waters. Proposed offshore bunker supply base re s earch & de v elo p ment and E nter r is e
AR 2007
Seabed Nanotech Paper NEW ENERGY STUDIES Highly Cited INSTITUTE Launched The paper entitled Fabrication of ZnO ‘Dandelions’ via Modified Kirkendall Process by MEng graduate Mr Liu Bin and Prof Zeng Hua Chun, from the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, was ranked “Hot Paper” in the Mooring Loads dolphin Journal of the American Chemical
Floating structure Society.
Towards Excellence in Inter-disciplinary Research
Watertight cells Slits/Holes in the bottom The Interactive and Digital Media slab/plate of a gill cell Institute (IDMI) was established in April 2007 at NUS. Its initial Prof Chou Siaw Kiang eight laboratories cover a range Prof Chou Siaw Kiang of the Department of Mechanical Engineering was of inter-disciplinary research appointed the Executive Director of the Energy Studies Institute (ESI), a activities, including IDM-inspired multi-disciplinary, autonomous research institute established within the arts and creativity, electronic National University of Singapore. Launched on 12 November 2007, ESI games, social robotics and mixed seeks to advance the understanding of local, regional and global energy reality, among others. Through issues through independent research and analyses aimed at addressing, start-up grants and some informing and influencing public opinion and policies. ESI’s research industry funding, early headway areas of focus are energy economics, energy security and geopolitics, has already been achieved, and energy and the environment. resulting in some visible project deliverables, particularly from the Mixed Reality Laboratory. The IDMI Principal Investigators have received more than Cost Effective S$13 million in research project Micro-machining Process funding from the first National Research Foundation’s call for IDM proposals. A planned R&D Mr Abu Bakar Md Ali Asad, centre – the NUS-Keio Research a graduate student of the Department of Mechanical Centre – is likely to be sited in Engineering, was awarded IDMI by April 2008. the Commendation Prize of a Additionally, as part of an certificate and S$1,000 cash in the incentive programme to facilitate Open Section at the Tan Kah Kee the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Young Inventors’ Award 2007. He (CAS) research presence in had developed a patent-pending micro-machining process that Singapore, a joint research improves the fabrication of high- collaboration with CAS is being Mr Abu Bakar Md Ali Asad (left) receiving the aspect-ratio micro-feature and finalised with about S$5 million Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award from funding support from the Media Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR makes it more cost-effective. Development Authority’s IDM Project Office. BCA’s Highest Honour for Going `Green´ Sustainable Construction of Compac Green Wall
Assoc Prof Wee Tiong Huan led the research on COMPAC GREEN Wall
In response to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore’s call for sustainable construction, and simultaneously The 210-unit Goodwood Residence on Bukit Timah Road clinched the BCA Green Mark (Platinum) Award for its high environmental standards. One of its winning ‘green’ features is the application to address the recent disruption of COMPAC GREEN Wall system for internal partitions. (Photo courtesy of GuocoLand) in sand and granite supply, Assoc Prof Wee Tiong Huan
34 and his research team from the granite fines, and possesses eco-friendly features, one of Department of Civil Engineering excellent performance that which is the use of COMPAC developed the COMPAC GREEN exceeds requirements. GREEN Wall internal partitions. Wall. This stems from their These walls can eventually be Taking this concept further, the earlier invention, the COMPAC demolished and recycled to COMPAC GREEN Wall uses 100% Wall System/Technology, produce new COMPAC GREEN recycled aggregates obtained developed under the earlier joint Wall, paving the way for a from waste concrete generated BCA and NUS R&D project. closed-loop up-cycle recycling from construction, renovation approach. The BCA Green Mark The COMPAC Wall System/ and demolition of existing (Platinum) Award is the highest Technology offers a process to buildings. produce, by extrusion, optimally- honour for any ‘green’ building Riding on this success, designed hollow-core wall panels in Singapore, awarded only for Goodwood Residence, an which are compact for strength the second time since its launch upcoming luxury condominium and robustness, yet lightweight. in 2005. by GuocoLand Group, won the re s earch & de v elo p ment and E nter r is e The technology, for which NUS prestigious BCA Green Mark has filed a patent, uses natural (Platinum) Award for its two aggregates sand and crushed AR 2007 Decomposition NRF’s Inaugural Technique Adopted Competitive Research by National Energy Programme Agencies
In its inaugural and high-profile Competitive Research Programme Prof Ang Beng Wah and his collaborators from the designed to support multi-disciplinary research teams in high-impact Department areas, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has selected six projects of Industrial which are awarded up to a total of S$60 million in funding. Out of & Systems these six projects awarded in Singapore, two are from the Faculty of Engineering have Engineering, NUS. pioneered work In one, a team led by Prof Neal Chung of the Department of Chemical & in decomposition analysis and Biomolecular Engineering will develop membrane materials for purifying developed a natural gas, syngas and hydrogen/carbon dioxide mixtures for efficient technique called and clean energy. The team includes Assoc Prof Hong Liang, an expert in the Logarithmic ceramic membranes; Dr Jiang Jianwen and Prof Raj Rajagopalan, experts Mean Divisia Prof Ang Beng Wah in computational physics and material design; and Prof Bill Krantz, an Index (LMDI) expert in transport phenomena in membranes. The team will also include method. other collaborators from the Department and foreign experts who will The LMDI can be used to factorise provide critical support for the programme. changes in aggregate energy use The other team led by Assoc Prof Ding Jun of the Department of Materials and track economy-wide energy Science & Engineering (MSE) aims to develop the potential of spintronics efficiency performance. National in data storage, quantum logic and other significant applications. The energy agencies like the Office of team includes Assoc Prof Adekunle Olusola Adeyeye and Assoc Prof Wu Energy Efficiency of Canada, US Department of Energy’s Office of Yihong, both from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Prof Chow Gan-Moog and Dr Chen Jingsheng, both from the MSE Energy, and the Energy Efficiency Department; as well as others from the Faculty of Science, Singapore and Conservation Authority of Synchrotron Light Source (NUS), School of Physical & Mathematical New Zealand have adopted this Sciences (NTU) and one collaborator from Chartered Semiconductor method. Manufacturing Ltd.
Core’s S$10 Million boost
NUS’ Centre for Offshore Research & Engineering (CORE) has received a S$10 million boost to realise its vision of becoming a leading offshore engineering centre in research, development and application of technology for the advancement of the offshore and maritime industry. On 22 March 2007, CORE launched the Offshore Technology Research Programme. Witnessed by Mr Peter Ong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Chairman of Maritime and Port Authority of (L-R): Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, Dean, Singapore (MPA), CORE signed an MOU with EDB, A*STAR and MPA. Faculty of Engineering; Prof Chong Tow Chong, Executive Director, Science & The EDB will support CORE through its Training and Attachment Engineering Research Council, A*STAR; BG Programme. (NS) Tay Lim Heng, Chief Executive, MPA; Mr Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing CORE will collaborate with its industry partners, Keppel Offshore Director, EDB; Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, NUS Senior Deputy President; and Prof Chan Eng & Marine Limited, SembCorp Marine Limited, Lloyd’s Register Asia, Soon, Executive Director, Centre for Offshore American Bureau of Shipping, WorleyParsons Pte Ltd, J Ray McDermott Research & Engineering Asia Pacific and Cameron International. M3TC Gets S$13.2 Million Grant from EDB The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Technology Centre (M3TC) is a newly established centre, operational since April 2007, as a result of a S$13.2 million grant from the Economic Development Board (EDB). M3TC’s vision is to become a world-class R&D centre capable of conducting relevant commercially-oriented R&D activities, while providing technical support and consultation services to industries and businesses in the mineral, metal, and material processing sectors in the region. Vision-driven, M3TC will address current and strategic engineering R&D needs of these industry sectors in the region and beyond by drawing together internationally-recognised multi-disciplinary expertise of various industrial sectors as well as major research and academic institutions from around the world. The M3TC plans to propose elective courses in relevant areas for engineering students, and professional development courses for practicing engineers and technologists in the industry. Although established only recently, M3TC is already at advanced stages of developing close linkages with major national and multi-national companies in the aerospace and marine industries on design and development of novel state-of-the-art composite materials. Loading of mined high calorific value coal In addition, M3TC is actively involved in multi-disciplinary R&D on onto barges from stockpile area innovative materials for flexible solar panels and coal conversion technologies including conversion of coal to methanol, hydrogen and other high-value products.
Recent visit by M3TC and EDB officials to a coal mine to view a large coal seam and loading of coal onto a dump truck Photos courtesy of Bayan Group Keppel Professorship Welcomes its Second Chair Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited on Arctic Offshore Structures, Ice and the National University of Engineering and Ice Mechanics on Singapore (NUS) have appointed 6 June 2007 at NUS. Prof Andrew Palmer as the second Backed by more than four Keppel Chair Professor with the decades of research, teaching NUS Centre for Offshore Research and industry experience in the & Engineering, Department of pipeline and offshore engineering Civil Engineering. Prof Palmer, field, Prof Palmer spoke about the 69, takes over from Norwegian vast opportunities for petroleum marine structures expert, Prof development in the Arctic Torgeir Moan, who held the first Prof Andrew Palmer (right) receiving the Seas, the challenges engineers certificate of appointment from NUS Keppel Chair between 2002 and encounter when working on President Prof Shih Choon Fong 2006. Prof Palmer’s tenure will be petroleum development beneath for a two-year period. the Arctic Seas, and how ice Marking his new appointment, influences the design and Prof Palmer delivered the 5th construction of offshore structures Keppel Offshore & Marine Lecture in harsh and deep waters.
World-Renowned LRET Chair Delivers Inaugural Lecture
The Inaugural Lloyd’s Register Centre for Offshore Research & cluster and offshore research Educational Trust (LRET) Lecture Engineering (CORE), the offshore engineering hub. was delivered by eminent and maritime community, and An expert in design work, Prof Prof Peter W Marshall on engineering students. CORE Marshall worked for Shell Oil 5 September 2007 to a full works with major industry for 32 years and had won many house at the NUS Engineering partners to advance engineering distinguished awards including Auditorium. research in order to give the Alfred Noble Prize given by Singapore the technological The Lecture, titled Offshore US engineering societies and, edge in a highly competitive Technology: Lessons Learned more recently, the Offshore offshore industry that is the Hard Way, was attended Technology Conference (OTC) experiencing rapid growth. by industry partners of the 2006 Distinguished Achievement Prof Marshall’s appointment as Award for his accomplishments. LRET Chair Professor in Offshore He had broken many world Engineering was a result of an depth records in the building of earlier S$3 million donation by offshore structures that led him the trust fund. In November to lead the initial design team 2005, the Ministry of Education for Bullwinkle, the present world and the Maritime and Port record fixed platform at 1,350 Authority of Singapore each feet water depth. matched the donation, resulting in a total of S$9 million, to (L-R) Mr John Stansfeld, President of Lloyd’s promote and help transform Register Asia; and Prof Peter Marshall, LRET Singapore as a maritime Chair Professor in Offshore Engineering Dr Daniel S Pickard wins the NUS Young Investigator Award
Dr Daniel S Pickard, a new faculty member with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and an Associate of the Engineering Science Programme, has been awarded an NUS Young Investigator Award (YIA) in December 2007 by the Office of Deputy President (Research & Technology). The award offers research funding to highly- promising young faculty members. Under the YIA, Dr Pickard will initiate a plasmonics research programme at NUS which exploits his expertise in plasmonics, low work-function materials and charged particle optics to explore new methods of imaging and probing plasmonic devices. The field of plasmonics is aimed at harnessing the unique properties of surface plasmon polaritons (i.e. collective charge oscillations excited on a metal surface) to mould the flow of light on the nanoscale, enabling radically new devices and functions. Potential applications of plasmonic devices span many disciplines including high-speed nano-scale interconnects, meta-materials, chemical and biological sensing, sub- wavelength optics and waveguides, near-field-optical molecule trapping, high-density data storage, and the enhancement of non-linear effects, to name a few. At the heart of Dr Pickard’s programme is a state-of-the-art photoemission electron microscope (PEEM), a multi-million dollar instrument which he has recently brought from Stanford University to NUS. With the support of the YIA, Dr Pickard will enhance this microscope’s capability to enable the imaging of plasmonic devices with unprecedented spatial and temporal Dr Pickard, shown here with his photoemission electron resolution. When the enhancements are completed, the PEEM microscope, wins the Young Investigator Award for his will be the only instrument of its kind in the world and will research on novel nano-scale imaging techniques of surface plasmons and plasmonic structures provide critical information needed for validation of plasmonic device functionality, comparison with theoretical models, as well as tremendous potential for new discoveries.
3 8 Groundbreaking Find for Reclamation Projects At the Main Meeting of the American Society of Testing for Materials (ASTM) International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock in Norfolk, Virginia, USA on 25 June 2007, Dr Muthusamy Karthikeyan, Prof Tan Thiam Soon and Assoc Prof Phoon Kok Kwang, all from the Department of Civil Engineering, received the C.A. Hogentogler Award 2007. ASTM International’s most prestigious technical award acknowledges the team’s meritorious paper on soil and rock for engineering purposes. The paper entitled In-Situ Evaluation of Radioisotope Cone Penetrometers in Clays by Dr Ganeswara Rao Dasari, Dr Muthusamy Karthikeyan, Prof Tan Thiam Soon, Dr Mamoru Mimura and Assoc Prof Phoon Kok Kwang appeared in the society’s Geotechnical Testing Journal, (L-R): Assoc Prof Phoon Kok Kwang, Dr Muthusamy Karthikeyan and Prof Tan re s earch & de v elo p ment and E nter r is e January 2006 edition. Thiam Soon with the C.A. Hogentogler Award 2007 from the American Society of Testing for Materials (ASTM) International
AR 2007 Committee D18 on Soil and Rock Assoc Prof Lee Fook Hou Heads New Centre for wins the NUS Young Investigator Award Hazards Research
The dawning of the 21st Century centre which can co-ordinate has brought many changes the development of technology Assoc Prof Lee Fook Hou introducing the Centre to conventional paradigms of and expertise to better for Hazards Research during its launch mankind’s existence. Amongst understand, monitor, model, the new watchwords in this mitigate and manage the risk The activities of the Centre Century is the term “hazards”. of natural hazards under one for Hazards Research will be Global urbanisation means that umbrella. The initial thrust of complemented by other centres the potential of any hazards the Centre for Hazards Research and institutes in NUS. Assoc Prof impacting upon properties and will focus on earth tremors in Lee Fook Hou of the Department human lives is correspondingly Singapore. Seed funding for this of Civil Engineering, who heads accentuated, and we are now aspect of the Centre’s activities the new Centre, says, “I hope assailed daily by news of loss has already been approved the Centre’s research will shed of human lives and properties by NUS, and discussions are new light on earthquakes. The due to earthquakes, volcanic underway with other agencies Centre also hopes to work with eruptions, flooding, inundation to initiate research projects. several government agencies, and other natural hazards. The objective of the centre including the Building and is not just to address specific Construction Authority, and the The initial thrust of the aspects of earth tremors, but Housing & Development Board, Centre for Hazards Research to examine the entire spectrum and construction companies to will focus on earth tremors of issues ranging from those examine the performance of our in Singapore associated with the Sumatran buildings against future earth faults to those associated with tremors and, where necessary, soil and structural conditions in It is in recognition of this that develop appropriate adaptation Singapore. NUS has decided to establish a measures.”
Hot on the Trail Towards Better Cancer Treatment
Cancer, one of the most dreaded agents travel from body entry make them ideal as in-vivo diseases, may be treated by point to targeted cancer cells. hyperthermia agent. hyperthermia therapy. Using Dr Bae Seongtae of the The team’s findings, touted elevated temperatures to kill Department of Electrical & as one of the hottest frontier localised or deeply-seated cancer Computer Engineering and research news by USA’s cells, it has significantly less his team made a possible Nanowerk Spotlight on side effects than chemotherapy breakthrough by developing 23 January 2007, have since and radiotherapy. However, chitosan-coated NiFe O been widely published in all hyperthermia techniques 2 4 magnetic nanoparticles whose Applied Physics Letters, IEEE introduced thus far have not very promising self-heating, Transactions on Magnetics, been maximally effective due to temperature-rising and superior Journal of Biotechnology and temperature loss and destruction biocompatible characteristics Journal of Nanoscale Technology. of healthy cells as hyperthermia
Self-heating temperature-rising characteristics of solid-state (left) and agar-state (right)
NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles are determined by applied magnetic fields at the fixed frequency of 40 kHz mediatek.pdf 1/4/08 11:55:46 AM
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Excellence will continue to glow at the heart of our activities in teaching, research, service and administration. Our people, both academics and non-academics, are the pillars of our institution’s strength. We applaud those who have made a mark and whose achievements have helped to sustain our institution to be a global choice for all. Over the past one year, the Faculty saw an overall increase of 12% in the number of academic staff (including other teaching and adjunct staff) and research staff from 699 in 2006 to 783 in 2007. The highest increase was in the number of research staff at 22.8%. There was also an increase of 5.5% in the number of full-time faculty members, which included three senior hires, namely Prof Dim-Lee Kwong, Prof Michael Saunders and Prof Bhatia Singh, whose areas of work in Microelectronics, Water & Environment and Data Storage respectively are of national interest. Staff profile The Faculty has built strong linkages with industry and research institutes by engaging adjunct staff to provide an exciting (as at 1 November 2007) dimension to teaching and research in the Faculty. Adjunct staff
numbers make up approximately 10% of the total academic and 304 26% Full-time Faculty research staff. Members Adjunct Staff 79 7% “Our people, both academics 56 5% Other Teaching Staff and non-academics, are the Research Staff 344 29% pillars of our institution’s Administrative Staff* 64 5% strength” Non-Academic Staff* 337 28% * Includes staff employed under grants Dean Seeram Elected Vice-President of IFEES Appointed Founding Chair of GEDC
With the strong support of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) formed the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) at (L-R): Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, Vice- the IFEES Global Engineering Education Summit held on 30 September President of IFEES and founding Chair of 2007 in Istanbul. Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, Dean of the Faculty of GEDC; Prof Hans J Hoyer, Deputy Secretary General of IFEES and Director of International Engineering, NUS, was elected the Vice-President of IFEES at this Programmes and Strategy, American Society meeting. He was also appointed the founding chair of the GEDC. for Engineering Education (ASEE); Ms Lueny Morell, President Elect of IFEES and Director, The GEDC envisions the enhanced University Relations Latin America, HP Labs, Hewlett Packard Company; Prof Javier Paez, capabilities of engineering deans to “...the GEDC will provide a former Vice-President of IFEES; Mr Xavier transform their schools in support forum for engineering deans Fouger, Director, Dassault Systemes Global Learning and PLM Academy, Vice-President of their societies in a globalised to exchange information, of IFEES; and Prof Krishna Vedula, Executive world. In keeping with its vision, discuss challenges, Director of the Indo US Collaboration for the GEDC will provide a forum for Engineering Education experiences and best engineering deans to exchange practices in leading an information, discuss challenges, engineering school” experiences and best practices in leading an engineering school. It will also provide a means for them to partner one another in innovation, collaborate with industry and other stakeholders, and build a network supporting engineering deans to play a leadership role in the development of regional and national policies for the advancement of economies. The first GEDC Executive Committee plans to meet in Paris, France in May 2008.
Prestigious International Award Named After Prof Arun S Mujumdar A prestigious award has been named after Prof Arun S Mujumdar of the Department of Mechanical Engineering for his outstanding contributions to drying R&D, mentoring younger generations and promoting drying research on a global scale. The first Arun S Mujumdar Medal was presented to Prof Czeslaw Strumillo of the Technical University of Lodz, Poland at the 5th Asia-Pacific Drying Conference held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong from 13 to 15 August 2007. The award
42 was in recognition of Prof Strumillo’s extensive Prof Czeslaw Strumillo (left) of the Technical pioneering contributions to research, service to the University of Lodz, Poland, receiving the first Arun S Mujumdar Medal from Prof Arun international community and mentoring of several outstanding researchers in drying. The Arun S Mujumdar Medal will continue to be bestowed on outstanding contributors to the field of drying over the next decade at our p eo le major international conferences devoted to drying R&D. AR 2007 Newly Elected Fellow ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology Prof Seeram Ramakrishna was elected Fellow of the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) at its Annual General Meeting held in Cebu, Philippines on 30 November 2007. His election adds to a total of nine AAET Fellows from Singapore. With eminent engineers, applied scientists and other allied professionals in academia, research, government and industry as its Fellows, the Academy is the authoritative body providing strategic research, study and advice for the advancement of engineering and technology in ASEAN for the benefit of ASEAN countries and its people.
Prof Seeram Ramakrishna
(Front row, L-R): Prof Michael Davies (Dean of Engineering, U of Auckland), Prof Soo-Won Kim (Dean of Engineering, Korea U), Prof Dianne Wiley (Dean of Engineering, U of New South Wales), Prof Seeram Ramakrishna (Dean of Engineering, NUS), Prof Graham J Davies (Head of Engineering, U of Birmingham), Prof Christopher Rudd (Dean of Engineering, U of Nottingham)
(Back row, L-R): Ms Robyn Horwood (Faculty Manager of Engineering, U of New South Wales), Mr Lin Qing (Vice- Dean of Engineering, Fudan U), Prof Chen Liangyao (Dean of Engineering, Fudan U), Prof Jannie van Deventer (Dean of Engineering, U of Melbourne), Prof Brendon Parker (Director, Special Projects, Faculty of Engineering, NUS), Prof John Hancock (Dean of Engineering, U of Glasgow), Prof Klas Malmqvist (Deputy Dean of Technology, Lund U), Ms Patricia CC Duncan (Faculty Secretary of Engineering, U of Glasgow), Mr Neil Robinson (Faculty General Manager of Engineering, U of Melbourne), Prof Stephen Walker (Executive Dean of Engineering, Physical Sciences & Architecture, U of Queensland)
U21 Engineering Deans Meet NUS is a member of Universitas engineering education and organisational structures, 21 (U21), an international research. At this meeting, eleven research assessment and network of twenty leading U21 partners were represented, changing budget models. research-intensive universities with Korea University present for The deans noted that their earlier spanning thirteen jurisdictions. the first time. The welcome and collaborative initiative on Water U21 facilitates collaboration opening addresses were given had been taken up by U21 and and cooperation among by Prof Tan Eng Chye, Deputy was developing strongly. They member universities, and President (Academic Affairs) decided to work towards a creates opportunities for them and Provost, and Prof Seeram second initiative on Energy which to cooperate in agreed projects Ramakrishna, Dean, Faculty of would be open for collaboration by pooling their resources and Engineering, who chaired the by all U21 engineering faculties. talents. meeting. The inaugural meeting of The Faculty hosted the 8th During the meeting, each this initiative will be held in Meeting of Engineering Deans dean presented an overview Birmingham in 2008. It is hoped from 21 to 22 May 2007. of activities at the respective that the next Engineering Deans Seventeen Deans of Engineering universities, and discussed meeting will be scheduled and Faculty Managers met common themes including to coincide with the Energy to discuss issues relating to attracting quality students, meeting. Public Administration Medal, Gold Prof Low Teck Seng of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and currently the Principal Prof Michael and CEO of Republic Graetzel Prof Low Teck Seng Polytechnic, was awarded A Distinguished The Public Administration Medal, Gold (Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Visiting Professor Emas) in his capacity as Principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic. The Medal was awarded by the President of the Republic of Singapore as part of the National Day Honours 2007. The Public Administration Medal, Gold is given to individuals “for their outstanding efficiency, competence and industry”. Prof Low has played major roles in Singapore’s education over the last two decades. He set up the Magnetics Technology Centre, the Prof Michael Graetzel directs the Laboratory of Photonics and predecessor of the Data Storage Interfaces at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and Institute (DSI). In that capacity, he is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Department of Materials contributed significantly to the Science & Engineering (MSE). Prof Graetzel discovered a new type of development of Singapore’s data storage industry by developing solar cells, also commonly referred to as Graetzel cells, based on dye- a platform for technology sensitised mesoscopic oxide particles. Besides that, he pioneered the use development and initiated of nanocrystalline materials in electroluminescent and electrochromic extensive collaborations between displays as well as Lithium ion batteries and bioelectronic sensors. DSI and industry. Prof Low was Prof Graetzel authored over 500 publications and two books, and is Dean of Engineering in NUS prior an inventor with more than 50 patents to his name. With over 40,000 to his appointment to establish Republic Polytechnic. citations, he ranks amongst the most highly-cited scientists worldwide. According to a recent Institute for Scientific Information survey, Prof Graetzel was named the most highly-cited author on solar cell Assoc Prof Lai Man On research. In 2005, he was selected by the Scientific American as one of receives the SAC the 50 top researchers in the world. Distinguished Award Prof Graetzel has received numerous prestigious awards, including the European Millennium Innovation Award, the Faraday Medal of the Assoc Prof Lai Man On of the British Royal Society of Chemistry, the Dutch Havinga Award, the Italgas Department of Mechanical Prize and the Gerischer Award. He was also awarded the Harvey Prize in Engineering received the 2007. 44 Distinguished Award from the Singapore Accreditation Council As a Distinguished Visiting Professor, he collaborates with the MSE (SAC) in 2007 for his dedicated faculty members to establish a globally competitive solar energy service for the past 14 years. technologies centre focusing on new generations of cost-effective thin His role as chairman of the film photovoltaic cells such as high efficiency solid state dye-sensitised Technical Committee for solar cells. Building on Singapore’s strengths in the semiconductor
our p eo le Mechanical Testing is to ensure industries, namely, manufacturing technologies and nanotechnology, that international standards the Clean Energy programme has a high potential of establishing a new are met by the local mechanical high-tech industry sector in Singapore. AR 2007 testing laboratories.
First Asian President Elect of the Public Administration Medal, Silver IMarEST Prof Andrew Nee Yeh Ching of Prof Choo Yoo Sang, Founding Director of the Centre for Offshore the Department of Mechanical Research & Engineering (CORE) and Director of Offshore Engineering Engineering and Programme, Department of Civil Engineering, has been named the current Director of the new President Elect of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Office of Research, Technology (IMarEST). was awarded The Public Administration IMarEST is an international Medal, Silver (Pingat professional membership body Pentadbiran Awam, and learned society for all marine Perak) by the President professionals, with members in 101 of the Republic of different countries. It promotes the Singapore as part development of marine engineering, of the National Day Prof Andrew Nee Honours 2007. science and technology, provides opportunities for the exchange of Prof Nee is a well-rounded ideas and practices, and upholds individual who has made the status and knowledge of significant contributions in all marine professionals by organising three areas of teaching, research conferences and seminars, and and service. He has provided highly committed and dedicated publishing books and specialist service to the Department, Faculty marine journals. Since being and the University throughout the founded in 1889, it counts Rt Hon past 30 years, working tirelessly Lord Kelvin and HRH Prince Philip, for long hours to advance the the Duke of Edinburgh, as illustrious interests of the University and Prof Choo Yoo Sang (right) with IMarEST past presidents. Beginning his term inspiring others to do the same. current President Dr Wyn Williams after the 2007 Council Meeting held at IMarEST in March 2008, Prof Choo is the first headquarters Asian and second individual outside the UK to serve as president. Exemplary Service Award Education Prize in Control Theory and Applications Prof Hang Chang Chieh of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering was selected as a winner of the 2007 Assoc Prof Phoon Kok Kwang receiving the Asian Control Association Wook award from Dr John E Anderson, President, Hyun Kwon Education Prize, Geo-Institute of ASCE which honours outstanding Assoc Prof Phoon Kok Kwang contributions to education in of the Department of Civil control theory and applications Engineering has been serving in the Asia-Oceania region. Only as an editorial board member two winners, Prof Hang and Prof of the American Society of Shimemura (Advanced Institute Civil Engineers’ Journal of of Science and Technology, Geotechnical and Japan), were selected from the Geoenvironmental Engineering outstanding pool of nominees. since 2004. For his exemplary They each received a certificate service in this capacity, the Geo- and US$1,000 cash award at the Institute of the American Society Prof Hang Chang Chieh Society of Instrument and Control of Civil Engineers honoured him Engineers banquet in Kagawa, with the Editorial Board Member Japan on 19 September 2007. Exemplary Service Award for 2005-2006 on 21 February 2007. Two Prestigious Awards for Quality mANAGEMENT & Applied statistics Prof Goh Thong Ngee of the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) was named the 2007 recipient of the William G Hunter Award. The award, established in 1987 by the Statistics Division of the American Society for Quality in honour of its founding chairman, is presented annually to encourage the creative development and application of statistical techniques to problem-solving in the field of Prof Goh Thong Ngee (left) receiving the quality. This is the first time the award is presented to a recipient from 2007 William G Hunter Award from Prof Douglas C Montgomery, Chairman of Hunter Asia. Award Committee. This award was given by the Statistics Division of the American Society Earlier, Prof Goh was the inaugural recipient of the for Quality at the Fall Technical Conference Walter E. Masing Book Prize of the International 2007 held from 11 to 12 October 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA Academy for Quality in recognition of his contribution in co-authoring the most noteworthy book in quality management as adjudged by a panel of peers. The prize-winning book titled Six Sigma: Advanced Tools for Black Belts and Master Black Belts (published by Wiley) was co- authored by Assoc Prof Tang Loon Ching of ISE Department; and Mr Yam Hong See and Mr Timothy Yoap, both formerly with Seagate Technology.
HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, COLIN! A special commemorative session on confocal microscopy was held in celebration of Prof Colin Sheppard’s (Head of Division of Bioengineering) 60th birthday at the 3rd Asian and Pacific Rim Symposium on Biophotonics in Cairns, Australia on 11 July 2007. The speakers were Prof Gert von Bally, University of Münster, Prof Colin Sheppard (centre) celebrating his Germany and Associate Secretary 60th birthday with (from extreme left) Prof of the International Commission Kishan Dholakia, University of St Andrews, Scotland; Dr Chen Nanguang, National for Optics; Dr Martin Booth, Oxford University of Singapore; and Prof Gu Min, University, UK; Prof Satoshi Kawata, Swinburne University, Australia Osaka University, Japan; Dr Huang Zhiwei, National University of Singapore; Prof Gan Xiaosong, Swinburne University, Australia; and Prof Gu Min, Swinburne University, Australia and Conference Chair. At the session, Prof von Bally described Prof Sheppard’s role in the early
4 6 development of the confocal microscope. Prof Kawata presented ten of his favourite choices among Prof Sheppard’s papers. Dr Booth spoke about the historical items (microscopes and displays) remaining at Oxford University’s Engineering Science Department while Prof Sheppard was there from 1974 to 1989. Prof Gan remembered his time as Prof Sheppard’s first graduate student at Sydney University, and Prof Gu spoke of his time as our p eo le Prof Sheppard’s research fellow at Sydney. AR 2007 Young Scientist Award 2007 Chief Editor Appointed Dr Ng How Yong of the Division to New of Environmental Science & Engineering was the sole recipient IES Journal of the Young Scientist Award (YSA) Series Prof Wang Chien Ming 2007 in the Physical, Information and Engineering Sciences category. In June 2007, the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) The YSA is organised by the appointed Prof Wang Chien Ming Singapore National Academy of of the Department of Civil Science and supported by A*STAR. Engineering, the Chief Editor of It recognises young researchers The IES Journal Part A: Civil and who are actively engaged in Structural Engineering. R&D in Singapore, and who have shown great potential to be world- The publication is one in the new Dr Ng (right) receiving the award from class researchers in their fields of journal series that showcases Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry expertise. local and overseas research and development in the various Incorporating nanotechnology, Dr Ng has developed a new generation engineering disciplines, and is set of membranes for forward osmosis, which will enhance water to attain global recognition with productivity and reduce water reuse cost. The sought-after speaker leading international academic at international conferences has also developed an efficient microbial publisher, Taylor & Francis Group fuel cell system for producing electricity directly from wastewater – a at its helm. groundbreaking technology in an era of increasing energy cost and global warming. In recognition of his expertise, he has been invited to be an Associate Editor of Water Research, a top-tier journal in the field. Recognition for Contributions to Student Exchanges with Germany
Spurred by his belief in ASMI Gold Award broadening his students’ education through international exposure, Assoc Prof Liong Prof Poo Aun Neow of the Shie-Yui of the Department of Department of Mechanical Civil Engineering has been making Engineering received the valuable contributions to student ASMI Gold Award 2007. exchanges, particularly those The award was presented between Germany and Singapore, to him by the Association mutually benefiting students of Singapore Marine from the countries involved. For Industry (ASMI) for his this, Prof Liong was awarded valuable contributions the Bundesverdienstkreuz (also and outstanding service in known as Order of Merit of the raising workplace safety Federal Republic of Germany) on and health standards in 11 January 2007. the marine industry. He is a member of the National Workplace Safety and Health Advisory Committee.
Prof Poo Aun Neow (left) receiving the ASMI Gold Award 2007 from Mr Michael Chia, President of ASMI on 19 October 2007 at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
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1 Palani BALAYA PhD (University of Hyderabad, India) Assistant Professor, Engineering Science Programme Associate/ Department of Mechanical Engineering Research area: Nano-ionics for Energy Systems 2 michael BEER Dr.-Ing. (Dresden University of Technology, Germany) Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Research areas: Structural Reliability, Uncertainty Modelling and Robustness 3 BHATIA Charanjit Singh PhD (University of Minnesota, USA) Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Research areas: Magnetic Data Storage, Tribology, and Nanostructures 4 cHUI Chee Kong PhD (University of Tokyo, Japan) Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Research areas: Medical Engineering and Robotics, and Simulation Games 5 jeffrey Lee FUNK PhD (Carnegie Mellon University, USA) Associate Professor, Division of Engineering & Technology Management Research areas: Technology and Innovation Management, and Entrepreneurship 6 HUI Hon Tat PhD (City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR) Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Research areas: Antennas and Propagation, Wireless Communications and Wireless Signal Processing 7 Hui-Chih HUNG PhD (The Ohio State University, USA) Welcome Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering Aboard Research area: Operations Research 8 9 10 11
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AR 2007 8 KIM Hoon 17 SUN Ying PhD (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and PhD (Carnegie Mellon University, USA) Technology, Korea) Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Computer Engineering Research areas: Medical Imaging and Computer Vision Research area: Lightwave Communication Systems 18 SZETO Wai Yuen 9 Sangho KIM PhD (The Hong Kong University of Science and PhD (Drexel University, USA) Technology, Hong Kong SAR) Assistant Professor, Division of Bioengineering Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Research areas: Hemorheology, Microcirculation, Research areas: Dynamic Traffic Assignment and Microfluidics, Cell Mechanics and BioMEMS Network Design/Reliability 10 Dim-Lee KWONG 19 Ping TAN PhD (Rice University, USA) PhD (The Hong Kong University of Science and Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Technology, Hong Kong SAR) Engineering Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Research areas: Nanoelectronics, Si Photonics and Computer Engineering Bioelectronics Research areas: Computer Vision and Computer 11 LEE Poh Seng Graphics PhD (Purdue University, USA) 20 TEO Chiang Juay Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) Engineering Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Research areas: Microfluidics, Microscale Heat Transfer Engineering and Thermal Management/Electronics Cooling Research areas: Fluid Mechanics, Propulsion and 12 NG Tsan Sheng, Adam MEMS PhD (National University of Singapore, Singapore) 21 XUE Jun Min Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial & PhD (Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Systems Engineering Academy of Science, China) Research areas: Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science Operations Research Applications & Engineering 13 Daniel Shawn PICKARD Research areas: Biomedical Materials and Nanoscaled Materials PhD (Stanford University, USA) Assistant Professor, Engineering Science Programme 22 YANG Hyunsoo Associate/Department of Electrical & Computer PhD (Stanford University, USA) Engineering Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Research areas: Nanophotonics, Plasmonics and Computer Engineering Advanced Imaging Technologies Research areas: Spintronic and Optoelectronic Devices 14 QIAN Xudong 23 YAN Shuicheng PhD (National University of Singapore, Singapore) PhD (Peking University, China) Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Research areas: Fracture and Fatigue of Steel Computer Engineering 15 QIU Anqi Research areas: Computer Vision and Machine Learning PhD (Johns Hopkins University, USA) Assistant Professor, Division of Bioengineering 24 evelyn YIM Research area: Computational Functional Anatomy PhD (Johns Hopkins University, USA) 16 f Michael SAUNDERS Assistant Professor, Division of Bioengineering/ Department of Surgery PhD (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA) Research areas: Tissue-engineering, Nanotopography Professor and Head, Division of Environmental Science and Cell-biomaterial Interaction & Engineering Research areas: Bioprocess Systems; Environmental 25 ZHOU ZhiYing, Steven Engineering PhD (National University of Singapore, Singapore) Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Research areas: Mixed Reality, Human Computer Interaction, and Interactive Digital Media makino3.pdf 1/4/08 11:54:26 AM
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LEADER OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES FOR STATE OF THE ART APPLICATIONS WORLDWIDE
Makino Asia, a global brand in the Precision Engineering industry since 1973, is a fully integrated manufacturing company with its R&D, engineering production and business administration under one roof. Over the years, Makino Asia has made progressive improvement to its advanced engineering processes in the manufacturing chain. Committed to produce innovative and competitive total solution to the elds of electronics, medical, automotive as well as aerospace, Makino Asia continuously develop CNC talents and products to meet worldwide demands. alumni Inspiring Success
Alumni are an important part of the Faculty of Engineering’s extended family. Today, the extended engineering family is not only just the largest in NUS, but it also counts cabinet ministers and chief executive officers among its 33,000-strong community. November 9, 2007 was a significant milestone for the engineering alumni. The Faculty rallied and engaged alumni from different fields and industries to revitalise the Engineering Alumni Singapore (EAS) which had been dormant since 1993. Some 60 alumni - among them a handful of “life” members - gave their hearty endorsement for the new Executive Committee of EAS at the Annual General Meeting held at the Raffles City Convention Centre. In this segment of the annual report, we profile just a few of our alumni who have transformed their engineering education into successful careers that range from the engineering profession to the interestingly unusual, and made a name for themselves in the process. These engineers, businessmen and even a violin maker bear witness to the versatility of an engineering education at NUS. One of them, Mr Lai Kim Seng, was conferred the Distinguished Alumni Service Award 2007 and four others, Mr Sevugan Alagappan, Mr Stefen Chow E-Fung, Mr Peter Ho Yew Chi and Mr Tan Aik Hong, were conferred the Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2007. Mr Teh Bong Lim Award-winning Engineer-Leader Takes Company From S$180,000 to S$1billion
Mr Teh Bong Lim, a 1980 mechanical engineering honours graduate, is the founder and Group Managing Director of MMI Holdings Ltd, a Singapore public-listed multi-industry contract manufacturing company. What began in a rented factory space with just two machines, ten staff and S$180,000 as initial investment in July 1989 now boasts 13 manufacturing plants manned by over 10,000 workers in Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China, with sales of US$511.3 million in 2006. In April 2007, the company announced that Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., the US private equity giant best known for its 1998 takeover of RJR Nabisco, would be paying just over S$1 billion for it. The deal was completed in July 2007 with Mr Teh continuing as the CEO of the company. MMI Holdings directly owes its success to Mr Teh’s strong leadership which earned him the Best CEO of the Year for companies with market caps under S$500 million at the 2007 Singapore Corporate Awards. The award is a testament to Mr Teh’s ability to radically transform a business and grow shareholder value on a sustained basis while ensuring good corporate governance. Mr Teh and MMI Holdings have also won many other accolades
54 including the Enterprise Award at the Singapore Business Awards in
1999, the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Faculty of Engineering in 2000, the Grand Entrepreneur Award at the NUS Centennial alumn i
Entrepreneurship Awards in 2005, and being among 19 Singapore firms on Forbes Asia’s 2006 list of top 200 listed companies in Asia Pacific with sales below US$1 billion. AR 2007 Six Sigma Programme for Global Business sustainability
Today’s hypercompetitive economic environment necessitates operational excellence for business sustainability, and the Six Sigma programme addresses this aspect of business. Dr Orlando O Atienza has been leading Six Sigma implementations since acquiring his PhD from the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS, in 1999. From mentoring 25 Six Sigma Black Belts across USA and Europe with Textron, to being hired as Corporate/Enterprise Master Black Belt at Ingersoll Rand (IR), Dr Atienza now chairs the latter’s Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Council. Being a multi-brand commercial-products manufacturer serving customers in diverse global markets, IR’s different business sectors inevitably practised their own versions of the LSS programme. “Dr Atienza and his Council aims to take their LSS On being appointed LSS Council Chairman in early 2006, Dr Atienza programme to the next level revitalised the Council; established a standard enterprise-wide LSS training and certification programme which has since trained more by developing systems that than 600 Green and Black Belts; and initiated the Master Black Belt will help users better identify certification programme aimed at developing candidates’ leadership and prioritise projects, and business acumen in addition to technical skills. and to encourage high belt Looking ahead, Dr Atienza and his Council aims to take their LSS utilisation” programme to the next level by developing systems that will help users better identify and prioritise projects, and to encourage high belt utilisation.
Dr Orlando O Atienza Success Rooted in NUS Ties “In whatever circumstances, we should be confident about our future and persist in what we strive for.” - Dr Jeffrey Wang
Jointly organised by the Faculty of Engineering and the Students’ Business Incubation of Global Organisations (BINGO), the NUS Entrepreneurship Dr Jeffrey Wang Awards (NEA) promote entrepreneurship among NUS students and rewards outstanding established and upcoming entrepreneurs among NUS alumni. Amid impressive competition, Dr Jeffrey Wang, Managing Director of Tritech International Holdings Pte Ltd, won the Best Entrepreneur Award under the Faculty of Engineering category for his company’s sustainable competitive advantages, the result of remarkable knowledge management, management philosophy, innovations, capacity and market presence. The award was presented at the 2nd instalment of the NUS Entrepreneurship Awards on 3 September 2007.
The visionary grew Tritech from “Dr Wang banks on one a start-up in 2001 to its current true sustainable competitive comprehensive engineering group advantage – having a with an audited turnover of over dynamic enterprise culture S$30 million per annum as of March of cohesiveness, alertness 2007. Its R&D develops cutting-edge and agility so that the technologies that support Tritech’s company can constantly gain expansion and diversification, giving new distinctive advantages the company its revolutionary whatever the external competitiveness. Still ever mindful environmental factors” of the fast changing competitive environment, Dr Wang banks on one true sustainable competitive advantage – having a dynamic enterprise culture of cohesiveness, alertness and agility so that the company can constantly gain new distinctive advantages whatever the external environmental factors. To this end, Dr Wang staffs his company with quality talents – many of Tritech’s directors are PhD holders from NUS.
Dr Wang believes his success stems from his eight years of study and research to acquire his second PhD in the geotechnical field under the dedicated supervision of Assoc Prof Lee Fook Hou and Prof Tan Thiam Soon both from the Department of Civil Engineering. The experience has sharpened his knowledge, methodologies, ethics, vision, courage and perseverance, thus empowering him to face difficulties, solve problems and provide better customer service leading to business growth. It has also acquainted him with NUS classmates who have, of late, become Tritech’s keystones.
5 6 Moreover, whenever needed, NUS has always lent Tritech its full
technological and expert support. For these, Dr Wang conveys, “I am proud of NUS. I am proud of being an NUS alumnus.” alumn i To would-be entrepreneurs, Dr Wang has this to share, “In whatever circumstances, we should be confident about our future and persist in
AR 2007 what we strive for.” Tenacity to Fight a rare musical career. Barely completely certain he wanted against the a year after graduating from to be a full-time luthier (French the Department of Mechanical for violin repairer). The unusual odds Engineering in 2003, Mr Tong career posed unchartered founded AmberCraft Violins, risks, but Mr Tong saw it as an a company that provides opportunity as it also meant maintenance as well as sells lesser competition in Singapore violins. and in the region. In Year 2, when he became After understudying a couple the NUS Symphony Orchestra’s of masters - a bow repairer president leading a team and and a violin repairer - from managing orchestra matters, a culturally-vibrant New York career in music struck a chord. City, Mr Tong boldly established Realistic about the odds of AmberCraft Violins. Led by his becoming a soloist, he aimed fierce commitment to delivering upstream to be a master violin international standard quality, maker. He constructed his first the business quickly gained the violin during the weekends over trust of the stringed community a period of four years. He also in Singapore for his products and visited local violin shops while maintenance services. on an exchange programme to In all these, Mr Tong says his McMaster University, Canada. The engineering education has played violin masters shared with him Mr Tong Ming Xi a major role. It trained him to their business start-up experiences solve problems in a structured and teething problems. Little could Mr Tong Ming Xi manner, and helped him run have known that his engineering By the time he returned to his business efficiently and education would lead him to Singapore, Mr Tong was sustainably.
In our extensively global mechanical engineering class High Flyer economy, exposure and of several hundred students, adaptability to different cultures winning many prizes such as Prefers and environments are critical to the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew a sustainable career. This strongly Gold Medal, Institution of Premium Local prompts most students to jump Engineers Singapore Gold Medal, at any opportunity to study ExxonMobil Medal, Professional Education overseas, especially when offered Engineers Board Gold Medal, a scholarship. and Institution of Mechanical Engineers Frederic Barnes Not Mr Anthony Chor Xingyou Waldron Prize for his academic though, who chose to study excellence, outstanding co- locally despite being offered an curricular activities and public overseas Singapore Armed Forces service records. (SAF) scholarship. He did this for good reasons – a degree from During his final year, he was a premium institution like NUS selected for the gruelling task was highly prized, and it enabled of leading the NUS FSAE race him to remain close to his family car project team in the design, and friends. Furthermore, fabrication and testing of the overseas opportunities abound 2007 race car, as well as leading at NUS with its various platforms the team at the annual inter such as the NUS Overseas varsity FSAE competition in USA Colleges programme, Student in May 2007. Exchange Programme and Currently, Mr Chor is working as Overseas Industrial Attachment a Military Engineering Officer Programme, among many others. with the SAF (Army). Mr Chor has since graduated as the top student in his Mr Anthony Chor Xingyou Mr Sevugan Alagappan (left) receiving the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2007 from Mr Wong Ngit Liong, Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees Trailblazing Enterprise In recognition of his professional FriarTuck produced the achievements, which have workforce optimisation inspired all graduates of NUS, software which contributed “It boasts National Mr Sevugan Alagappan received to the successful landing of Aeronautics and Space the NUS Outstanding Young the Rover on Mars. It boasts Administration (NASA) as Alumni Award 2007. National Aeronautics and Space one of its key customers” Administration (NASA) as one of Mr Alagappan, a 2002 its key customers. graduate from the Department of Electrical & Computer Mr Alagappan’s enterprising Engineering (ECE), is the CEO of spirit and dedication towards FriarTuck, a spin-off company promoting entrepreneurship has from its NUS-based origin. deeply inspired fellow alumni It specialises in developing and students, and his passion software solutions that allow and dedication is a source of enterprises to deploy and pride for many within NUS and manage their workforce the alumni community. It is optimally. Unlike other poignant to note that this ECE approaches that rely on time- alumnus is an exemplary role consuming manual processes or model for young adults aspiring simplistic, rules-based software, to be trailblazers in today’s FriarTuck employs breakthrough increasingly knowledge-based mathematical techniques that economy.
5 8 rapidly synthesise and process
complex workforce factors to automatically create optimised
alumn i schedules.
AR 2007 Passion for ALMA MATER Mr Lai Kim Seng received the alumni body of NUS from 2001 NUS Distinguished Alumni to 2005 and participated actively Service Award 2007 in in the Bukit Timah Campus recognition of his outstanding Alumni Appeal Committee that service and dedication to NUS led to the return of the Bukit and the alumni community. Timah campus to NUS. When Mr Lai graduated from the Mr Lai is presently a member of Faculty of Engineering in 1971, the NUS Alumni Advisory Board, Mr Lai Kim Seng he never really left his beloved and chairs the project committee alma mater. He has a long- overseeing the soon-to-be- When NUS was commemorating standing record of involvement completed Alumni Complex, its 100 years, Mr Lai sat on the and service to NUS, with a a joint partnership between Centennial Celebrations Advisory consistent and sustained level NUS and NUSS. As President of Committee and Centennial of close interaction with the NUSS, he and his management Campaign Advisory Board, both University in various ways and committee colleagues helped of which saw the University capacities over the past decade. to strengthen ties and realise through a series of celebratory synergies between NUSS and the events and a capital campaign. He served as the President of University through collaborative National University of Singapore initiatives aimed at benefiting Society (NUSS), the largest the entire alumni community.
Reciprocating With a Warm Heart Mr Tan Aik Hong returns as a volunteer to promote harmonica music
Mr Tan Aik Hong, a 2006 graduate from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, is working in the banking industry. Also an accomplished musician, he was presented the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2007. The award is a tribute to his passion and dedication to the promotion of harmonica music at NUS, and to his success in raising the profile of Singapore via his achievements in international harmonica competitions. Mr Tan won 6th place in the Solo Harmonica category at the World Music Festival Competition held in Trossingen, Germany in November 2005, and was also the Champion in the Solo Chromatic category at the Singapore- Malaysia harmonica competition held in Kuala Lumpur in June 2006. Mr Tan credits, and is grateful to NUS for supporting the development of both his academic and musical skills. He also attributes his achievements to the NUS Centre for the Arts for nurturing his interest in harmonica, and for giving him several opportunities to explore and excel in his interest and passion for the harmonica. Today, Mr Tan continues to return to NUS to promote harmonica music and volunteers as a senior demonstrator for the NUS Harmonica Orchestra. mmi.pdf 1/4/08 11:56:52 AM
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Strength from Diversity
Our vision is to be the leading Contract Manufacturer in electro-mechanical systems in the Asia Paci c region, providing world-class precision engineering and manufacturing solutions through a full range of electro-mechanical manufacturing services.
Our value-added services include turnkey design, manufacturing integration solutions in precision engineering components, subassemblies, and modules, to complete nished products, capital equipment and systems.
29 Woodlands Industrial Park E1, #01-16, Northtech Building, Lobby 3, Singapore 757716 Tel : 6767 8276 • Fax : 6762 7768 • www.mmi.com.sg OUTREACH Attracting the Best
In just two years of existence, the Faculty of Engineering’s Outreach Office has achieved much. All because we believe in the constant evolution and improvement of the programmes and activities we offer to keep them fresh and fascinating. We have thus been successful at nurturing the interest of potential students in engineering, and at impressing upon them that engineering is the foundation for exciting, sustainable and rewarding opportunities. One of the AY2006-2007 highlights was an event called “Women in Engineering” (WiE). This exclusive event was to champion females into engineering. Other outreach activities included the Ministry of Education- NUS Amazing Lab Race, Engineering Quest, research mentorship programmes and outreach talks. For the year 2007, the total number of students who had participated in these events and programmes (excluding talks and fairs) showed a significant 80% increase as compared to 2006. Ingenium, the Outreach newsletter, was published in 2007, and it aims to intrigue readers about engineering by introducing basic foundation in science and mathematics through exciting facts and interactive activities. Science Research Programme for Junior College Students
Mr Seah Yi Lin making an evaluation after testing the flexible armour material at the Impact Mechanics Laboratory
The NUS Science Research professors on possible projects, research has definitely given Programme (SRP) was initiated Yi Lin decided to investigate me invaluable experience that two decades ago for first-year whether the ballistic resistance I could never have obtained Junior College (JC) students of flexible armours is affected from classroom lessons or from to experience research in a by the way their high strength books.” laboratory in NUS. Each year, fabric layers are stacked before it admits 80 students into its being stitched together. year-long programme. Under this Yi Lin found the experience scheme, the faculty members act exceptionally fulfilling. Through as mentors to guide and nurture his impressive commitment and the students’ research interests. perseverance, his supervisor,
6 2 Mr Seah Yi Lin, a highly Assoc Prof Vincent Tan of the motivated Jurong Junior College Department of Mechanical student, worked on a project Engineering felt that “at JC involving the use of high level, there are students who are strength fabric in bullet proof capable of and passionate about vests in the Impact Mechanics research”. Mr Seah Yi Lin (left) and Assoc Prof Vincent Tan testing flexible armour materials at the OUTREACH Laboratory (IML). Through On his experience in NUS, Yi Lin Impact Mechanics Laboratory brainstorming sessions with IML says, “Being able to conduct AR 2007 Fields of Opportunities
Some 1,300 Secondary 4 students had the opportunity to attend one of the three talk-cum- dialogue sessions by Prof Hang Chang Chieh, who is Head of the Division of Engineering & Technology Management, and former Executive Deputy Chairman of A*STAR from 2001 to 2003. The sessions were held at Hwa Chong Institution on 20 July and 19 September, Raffles Institution on 19 October and Dunman High School on 29 October 2007. A WiE participant trying her hand at the “3D Story Cube” game Citing many chief executives in the private and public sectors who were trained as engineers, Prof Hang illustrated how an engineering education has provided them with analytical, creative and systems thinking skills. These skills have, in turn, in Engineering contributed to the development of their successful careers either as conventional engineers, senior ...the event aimed to dispel the notion that engineering is management in engineering boring and only for men or large organisations, or entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs include those who have created In an effort to promote and raise the awareness of engineering and new successful companies as well its profession among the female community, the Outreach Office put as those who have established together an exclusive “Women in Engineering” (WiE) event to champion themselves as enterprising females into engineering. leaders in existing organisations. Targeting female Junior College Year 1 (JC1) students, the event Prof Hang also explained that aimed to dispel the notion that engineering is boring and only the emerging knowledge- for men. Through motivational talks by female academic staff and based economy in Singapore outstanding alumna, simple and fun games and demonstration of has created many new jobs for exciting technologies, the students brought back with them a changed engineers in R&D, high-end perspective about engineering. manufacturing and technology- The inaugural event was attended by about a hundred top female JC1 enabled service sectors, Science students from fifteen junior colleges filling the venue almost including logistics and finance. to capacity. Encouraged by this turnout, the Outreach Office plans to Indeed, engineering has organise a bigger and better annual event from 2008. become an enabling education for knowledge creators and managers. Such individuals will continue to remain well in demand for many years to come. 25
The expanding world of engineers In response to a Think piece on Singapore’s success in the ranks of each engineering cohort. ed sectors while others venture into Women are active in all areas of engi- the service sector. An engineering edu- reducing its reliance on manufacturing to grow the economy, neering. Currently, some engineering cation, with its positive attributes, the dean of engineering at NUS, Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, courses of study have female student could increasingly come to be seen as enrolment of nearly 50 per cent. Their the “liberal arts education” of today gives his views on the changing face of engineering. overall proportion in engineering con- and tomorrow. tinues to increase, which is an encour- Throughout history, engineering has IN TODAY’S world, systematic and manage large-scale projects/mega de- aging trend. This year, four female NUS been driven to meet the human need critical thinking minds attract a pre- velopments, design early-warning students topped their classes in vari- for food, water, shelter, health, commu- mium. In the Singapore context, this systems against natural catastro- ous disciplines in chemical, environ- nications, defence, energy and even the is a direct result of an engineering phes, and complement banks, securi- mental, electrical and bioengineering. provision of entertainment and infor- tertiary education which, through its ties fund managers and investment They won the Lee Kuan Yew and IES mation. (Institution of Engineering) gold curriculum design and pedagogical firms in making decisions. The great challenges of the future awards at the recent graduation cere- approach, trains the mind to system- Thus, the traditional scope of engi- await engineering – global warming, atically analyse complex sets of infor- neers has been broadened considera- monies. An engineering education is so flexi- the increasing need for clean water, en- mation and to apply systems think- bly to encompass the service sector, ergy, food and security. Their solution ing in designing solutions. where engineers now contribute sig- ble and diversified that many engineers will, in all likelihood, not be limited to But, for many, it is not uncommon nificantly to its overall growth. are also recruited by large corpora- just one country. to still think of engineers as the peo- Globalisation continues to fuel tions in banking, finance, logistics and ple who build high-rise buildings, un- the need to process more informa- commerce. This need not be viewed as For Singapore, it is most heartening derground tunnels and shopping tion at an even faster pace and to a problem but a tribute to the versatili- to see that engineers are contributing malls. Since the early part of the last make decisions within shorter time- ty and attraction of an engineering to the growth of not just its service sec- century, engineers have been in- frames. Hence, both the manufactur- training and education. tor but also to the resolution of these volved in the making of cars, aero- ing and the service sectors have be- Globally, as the world economy di- new challenges. The island nation is planes and other forms of transporta- come more and more knowledge- versifies, career choices will inevitably well poised to provide regional and tion. and technology-intensive. also widen. As expected, a majority of world leadership in engineering. More recently, engineers are Companies, organisations and engineering-trained graduates will take thought of as the people who design even nations need a workforce that up jobs in manufacturing and associat- The opinions expressed are the writer’s own. and manufacture electronic goods does not “fear” technology but em- such as TVs, computers, cellphones, braces and thrives on it. This is Article courtesy of SPH - The Straits Times and also medical devices and hospi- where an engineer’s training helps to tal equipment. Engineers are also systematically analyse complex infor- identified with the refining of petro- mation and apply a holistic (system- chemicals and the bulk manufacture atic) approach in designing solu- of generic drugs. All these sectors tions. This is also where and when are generally grouped under manu- such professionals become highly facturing. sought after and with which comes However, with the advent of a the commanding of a premium. services-oriented economy, engi- Some 40 years ago, Singapore pro- neers are now also highly sought af- duced a handful of engineering grad- ter to design and manage health-care uates. Today, on a national level, ter- systems, run data and information tiary institutions educate and train management systems, design and nearly 4,000 engineering graduates run complex logistics and supply annually for the workforce. The field chain systems, run transportation was once considered the bastion of systems, manage efficient distribu- males but there are now notable tion of water and energy supplies, numbers of female students among 4 TOP STORIES The Business Times, Monday, July 23, 2007 The top earners are – engineers Most highly-paid sole holder of a degree in public administration. corporate chiefs of The others have not stat- listed firms have ed, either in their compa- engineering degrees nies’ annual reports or web- sites, what first degrees By MICHELLE QUAH they hold. The findings should as- [SINGAPORE] Finance, suage the fears of those banking, law and account- who worry that engineer- ancy are often tipped to be ing may be less lucrative the university courses than other professions. which students hoping for Such concerns arose a lucrative career should when the government pub- take. lished the benchmark to Too often have we heard which civil service pay will parents and peers alike ex- be pegged. The median sal- tolling the fiscal benefits of aries of the top eight earn- earning one’s livelihood in ers for six professions used the financial and legal sec- to compute the salary tors. benchmark indicated that But now, a recent bit of the earnings of engineers research by The Business was a far cry from those of Times might suggest other- other professions. wise. Member of Parliament Our examination of the Lee Bee Wah addressed most highly paid chiefs of those concerns in parlia- listed companies here ment, pointing out some en- shows that it’s the engineer- gineers have gone on to do ing and hard science de- very well as CEOs of top grees that have stood these companies. Other than professionals in good those in the top 55 list, she stead. also said “that more than A BT check of annual re- 40 per cent of our current ports and corporate web- ministers and many more sites found that senior exec- top civil servants are engi- utives with engineering de- neers by training too”. And grees form the bulk of top “this shows the flexibility of earners from companies in someone with an engineer- the Straits Times Index ing background”. (STI). Prime Minister Lee Hs- This list of the 55 ien Loong picked up on Ms best-paid executives of STI Lee’s remarks, saying: “Lee companies gained fame Bee Wah did us a favour ex- when it was distributed by plaining that engineers Prime Minister Lee Hsien have done very well and Loong in Parliament in lots of bright students April - to illustrate the earn- ought to go and study engi- ing power of the private sec- neering.” tor, during the debate over Of the engineers, the the increase in ministerial most highly paid is Keppel pay. Corp’s executive chairman An updated version by Lim Chee Onn, who took BT shows how much these home between $7.25 mil- executives - mostly CEOs, lion and $7.5 million in the executive chairmen and financial year just ended. managing directors - earn. Mr Lim is a science degree Their annual pay packets holder with a doctorate in range from above engineering. $250,000 to more than $9 The trio from Venture million. Corp - all engineers - also And engineers feature featured prominently. prominently among the big Chairman and CEO Wong earners. Seventeen of the Ngit Liong took home be- 55 executives - that is, 30 tween $4.25 million and per cent, the most of any $4.5 million for the year profession - graduated with ended Dec 31, 2006. He engineering degrees. holds a first class honours Science degree holders degree in electrical engi- were the next best achiev- neering from the University ers, with 12 of them mak- of Malaya. ing the top 55 list. It is possi- He was followed by fel- ble that some of these also low executive directors Soo specialised in engineering - Eng Hiong and Tan Choon with most engineering de- Huat, who were paid be- grees being bachelor of sci- tween $1 million and $1.25 ence - but further informa- million in 2006. Mr Soo has tion was not available. a degree in electronics As a group, accounting, from the University of business administration, Southampton in the UK, economics and commerce and Mr Tan has a degree in graduates made up 11 of electrical engineering from the top 55. Others, like UOB the University of Liverpool Of the engineers, the most highly paid is Keppel Seventeen of the 55 chief Wee Cho Yaw and in the UK. DBS Group Holdings chief SembCorp Marine Corp’s executive chairman Lim Chee Onn, who took top-earning execs – operating officer Frank group president and CEO Wong, have not said what Tan Kwi Kin and ST Engi- home between $7.25 million and $7.5 million in the that is, 30 per cent, first degrees they hold but neering CEO Tan Pheng are well-known bankers Hock - both engineering financial year just ended. the most of any here. graduates - also received Arts graduates took two impressive pay packages profession – positions on the list. Dr Lim last year. ed from the University of gapore Airlines CEO Chew gineering from the Universi- Class Honours degree in Cheok Peng, managing di- But it isn’t just engi- Singapore with a civil engi- Choon Seng each took ty of Singapore. Civil Engineering from Im- graduated with rector of Parkway Hold- neers working in an engi- neering degree and is a reg- home between $2.75 mil- Genting International’s perial College, London and ings, is the sole doctor - he neering-related field who istered professional civil en- lion and $3 million in executive chairman Lim Singapore Press Holdings’ engineering is a cardiologist. City Devel- are among the top earners. gineer. He was the FY06. Dr Fam has a first Kok Thay holds a Bachelor CEO Alan Chan holds a opments executive chair- Many others have made fifth-best paid executive on class honours degree in en- of Science degree in Civil Diplome d’Ingenieur from degrees. man Kwek Leng Beng is the good in other industries. the list, with a pay packet of gineering from the Universi- Engineering from the Uni- the Ecole Nationale de sole law graduate. And To- Property giant Capita- $5.14 million in 2006. ty of Western Australia, versity of London, Keppel l’Aviation Civile in France, tal Access Communication Land’s president and CEO Fraser & Neave chair- Perth. Mr Chew has first Land’s managing director which is equivalent to an en- CEO Sigve Brekke is the Liew Mun Leong, graduat- man Michael Fam and Sin- class honours degree in en- Kevin Wong holds a First gineering degree.
Article courtesy of SPH - The Business Times Facts & Figures Global Standing
Times Higher Education Supplement-Quacquarelli Symonds (THES-QS) World’s Top 15 universities for Technology • The Faculty is second among Asian Rank Institution Country universities for Technology. 1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA • The ISI Essential Science Indicators 2 University of California, Berkeley USA rated NUS in Engineering in the world: 8th for Papers and 12th for 3 Stanford University USA Citations (November 2007). 4 California Institute of Technology USA • Approximately 300 editorial 5 University of Cambridge UK positions in international journals.
6 Imperial College London UK
7 Carnegie Mellon University USA
8 Georgia Institute of Technology USA
9 University of Tokyo Japan
10 National University of Singapore Singapore
11 University of Toronto Canada
12 University of Oxford UK
13 ETH Zurich Switzerland
14 Princeton University USA
15 Harvard University USA
Budget
Budget FY2006 R&D (including scholarships) S$ 72.5 million 45%
Tuition + other fees S$ 43.2 million 26%
Direct Govt Allocation S$ 47.7 million 29%
Total budget S$163.4 million
Budget FY2007 66 R&D (including scholarships)* S$104.2 million 53%
Tuition + other fees S$ 46.0 million 23%
Direct Govt Allocation S$ 48.1 million 24%
Total budget S$198.3 million S & F IG URE FACT * Period reported: 1 April to 30 November 2007 AR 2007 Milestones
Faculty of Engineering was constituted Professional under the engineering University of education Singapore commenced in with three University of departments Dept of Postgraduate Engineering Malaya at Bukit - Civil, Electrical Chemical School of Division of Science Timah Campus and Mechanical Engineering Engineering Bioengineering Programme 1956 1969 1979 1990 2002 2006
1968 1972 1980 1995 2005 2007 First batch Dept of National Bachelor of Dept of Division of of Singapore Industrial University of Technology Materials Engineering Polytechnic & Systems Singapore Programme Science & & Technology graduates Engineering Engineering Management received the BEng Division of degree from the Environmental University of Science & Singapore Engineering
Students AY2006 AY2007+
Semester Average* Total Enrolment (FTE) 7,647 7,733 Undergraduate 5,741 5,781 Graduate Coursework 657 646 Graduate Research 1,249 1,306
Total Enrolment (EFTE) 5,953 5,956 Weighted Undergraduate 4,047 4,004 Graduate Coursework 657 646 Graduate Research 1,249 1,306 Class of 2007
+ Figures for Semester 2 are projected BEng 1,384 66% * Average of Semesters 1 and 2 Graduate Diploma 13 1% FTE - Full-Time Equivalent EFTE - Effective Full-Time Equivalent MSc and MTD 441 21% Graduate students EFTE = FTE MEng 95 5% Full-time = 1 Part-time = 0.5 PhD 145 7%
Faculty of Engineering undergraduate students EFTE = ∑ module MC taken in the Faculty + 0.2 ∑ module MC taken outside the Faculty ∑ module MC taken in the year
Students from other NUS faculties EFTE = 0.8 ∑ module MC taken in Faculty of Engineering ∑ module MC taken in the year Students Staff
Staff profile+ Full-time Faculty Members 304 26% undergraduate Student Adjunct Staff 79 7% Enrolment* Other Teaching Staff 56 5% Mechanical Engineering 1,328 23% Research Staff 344 29% Chemical Engineering 1,058 18% Administrative Staff* 64 5% Civil Engineering 390 7% Non-Academic Staff* 337 28% Electrical Engineering 1,549 27% * Includes staff employed under grants Environmental 177 3% Engineering Engineering 144 3% Bioengineering 276 5% Computer Engineering 366 6% Industrial & Systems 278 5% Engineering Materials Science 134 2% Full-time Faculty Members+ & Engineering Professors 73 24% Engineering Science 78 1% Associate Professors 131 43% Programme Assistant Professors 97 32% Senior Lecturers 3 1%
All full-time faculty members are PhD degree holders.
68 Graduate Student Enrolment* Non-Academic and +
Administrative Staff PhD 1,195 45% Non-Academic Staff* 337 84% MSc 1,141 43% Administrative Staff* 64 16% MEng 306 12% * Includes staff employed under grants S & F IG URE FACT
* Figures as at 4 September 2007 + Figures as at 1 November 2007 AR 2007 Research
Research grants and scholarships Breakdown of research grants awarded in FY2007-2008 awarded in FY2007-2008 (S$104,177,173) (S$85,051,980)
External Research S$67,669,742 65% Industry S$ 3,098,578 4% Grants Education Ministry S$17,382,238 20% External Research S$ 1,180,911 1% A*STAR S$ 6,182,947 7% Scholarships NRF S$26,034,216 31% MOE Research S$17,944,282 17% Scholarships Defence Agencies S$ 1,904,846 2%
MOE Research S$17,382,238 17% Other Government S$30,449,154 36% Grants Agencies
Period reported: 1 April to 30 November 2007 Period reported: 1 April to 30 November 2007
total research grants awarded to Entrepreneurial Activities at the faculty of engineering Faculty of Engineering (excluding Research Scholarships) (As at 15 September 2007) Figures are cumulative Period reported for FY2007-2008: 1 April to 30 November 2007 200
2002 and before 175
100 2003
150 2004 FY2007-2008 S$85,051,980 2005
80 125 2006
2007
FY2006-2007 S$54,648,701 60 100
75 FY2004-2005 S$38,388,741 40 FY2005-2006 S$34,475,208 Amount S$ in millions
50 FY2003-2004 S$25,841,251
20 25
0 0 Spin-off Companies Commercialised Products/ Inventions Patented Licensed Technologies Research
World’s Top 15 Institution Rankings in Engineering by Citations
Rank Institution Total Citations
1 MIT 34,670
2 Univ Illinois 34,223
3 Univ Calif Berkeley 34,157
4 Stanford Univ 28,995
5 Univ Michigan 24,030
6 Univ Texas 22,658
7 NASA 22,063
8 Georgia Inst Technol 21,115
9 Univ Calif Los Angeles 19,825
10 CALTECH 18,069
11 Purdue Univ 18,014
12 (20)* Natl Univ Singapore 17,775
13 Univ Tokyo 17,711
14 Univ London Imperial Coll 17,385 Sci Technol & Med
15 Russian Acad Sci 16,657
* Ranking based on last year’s results
number of citations (in 5-year intervals)
6000 2003-2007 2002-2006
5000 2001-2005
4000 2000-2004
3000 1999-2003 70 1998-2002 Times cited Times 1997-2001
2000
1000 S & F IG URE FACT
0 AR 2007 Citing Years The Annual Report Team
PROJECT DIRECTOR Assoc Prof Ang Kok Keng
PROJECT MANAGER Maureen Kwee
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION TEAM Maureen Kwee Deborah Chew Devi Asokan Espallela Wasion Tris Huang FACULTY OF ENGINEERING National University of Singapore 9 Engineering Drive 1 Singapore 117575 Tel : 6516 2101 Fax: 6777 3847 www.eng.nus.edu.sg/ar/2007 Company Registration No: 200604346E