FORGING NEW FRONTIERS

Welcome to the new College of Design and Engineering

Welcome to the NUS College of Design and Engineering

Our vision is to be a leading college uniting creative minds to build a better future. To meet the needs of a rapidly-evolving and complex world, we have imagined and created a future-focused, interdisciplinary learning and research programme.

By fusing NUS' world-class Faculty of Engineering and School of Design and Environment, we aim to advance explorations, applications and professions in the fields of engineering and design.

This is where we forge new frontiers.

News Highlights

The latest news and happenings at CDE.

Researchers at CDE develop energy-efficient, cost-effective method to convert waste carbon dioxide emissions into a wide range of chemical feedstocks.

Fellowship of world's oldest and most esteemed scientific academy recognises Prof Lim’s invaluable contributions to science.

CDE researchers say groundbreaking design for ammonia-fueled marine engine could mark a significant leap forward in sustainable shipping.

Safer, cheaper batteries for renewable energy storage

Research at CDE led by Assoc Prof Palani Balaya unlocks the potential for high-power sodium-ion batteries.

Semiconductors ‘as vital as air’ for modern life

As part of the CDE Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series, Prof Yeo Yee Chia delved into the crucial role of semiconductor research and its profound impact on the global economy.

MOU signed with Army Safety Inspectorate

Agreement between CDE and ASI will support development of innovative solutions and technologies to enhance safety across the Army.

Nature-inspired 3D-printed alloy redefines material strength

Alloy developed by CDE researchers demonstrates unprecedented strength and resilience for use under harsh conditions.

Exploring the metamaterials revolution

Theoretical physicist Professor Sir John Pendry, famous for his development of a Harry Potter-style invisibility cloak, delivers a guest lecture at CDE.

Awards and Achievements

tHEMEat Company selected as a finalist for Liveability Challenge 2024

The CDE and FoS food tech startup beat over 1,000 submissions from more than 100 countries.

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CDE Awards and Recognition Ceremony 2024

The ceremony this year saw seven categories of awards and recognition handed out.

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Team Bumblebee places first at Singapore AUV Challenge 2024

The team navigated a series of challenges, taking home the grand prize of $3,000.

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CDE student teams win big at International Space Challenge

Three teams of students from CDE have clinched awards at the recent International Space Challenge (ISC) 2024, with one team taking the competition’s $10,000 Grand Prize.

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Asst Prof Pieremanuele Canepa wins ACS award for battery study

Paper recognised for outstanding influence in the field of materials chemistry, highlighting importance of collaborative efforts across disciplines in advancing science.

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Book on Singapore’s modernist architecture wins Colvin Prize

“Everyday Modernism” by Assoc Prof Chang Jiat Hwee (Dept of Architecture) commended by jury as an “invaluable and lasting work of reference”.

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NUS students take third place in synthetic biology competition

Inter-disciplinary team of NUS students, including six from CDE departments, emerge as top Asian team in Paris competition.

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IDentif.AI team presented with IES and ASEAN Engineering Achievement Awards

IDentif.AI is an AI-based platform that rapidly prioritises drugs and drug combinations for pandemic preparedness.

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Clarivate names 21 CDE faculty among World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds

Faculty from seven CDE departments named on annual list of Highly Cited Researchers who contribute disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge.

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CDE researchers named among Asia-Pacific top young innovators

Asst Prof Denis Bandurin and Asst Prof Iris Yu honoured in the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific 2023 list.

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tHEMEat Company selected as a finalist for Liveability Challenge 2024

The CDE and FoS food tech startup beat over 1,000 submissions from more than 100 countries.

Read More

CDE Awards and Recognition Ceremony 2024

The ceremony this year saw seven categories of awards and recognition handed out.

Read More

Team Bumblebee places first at Singapore AUV Challenge 2024

The team navigated a series of challenges, taking home the grand prize of $3,000.

Read More

CDE student teams win big at International Space Challenge

Three teams of students from CDE have clinched awards at the recent International Space Challenge (ISC) 2024, with one team taking the competition’s $10,000 Grand Prize.

Read More

Asst Prof Pieremanuele Canepa wins ACS award for battery study

Paper recognised for outstanding influence in the field of materials chemistry, highlighting importance of collaborative efforts across disciplines in advancing science.

Read More

Book on Singapore’s modernist architecture wins Colvin Prize

“Everyday Modernism” by Assoc Prof Chang Jiat Hwee (Dept of Architecture) commended by jury as an “invaluable and lasting work of reference”.

Read More

NUS students take third place in synthetic biology competition

Inter-disciplinary team of NUS students, including six from CDE departments, emerge as top Asian team in Paris competition.

Read More

IDentif.AI team presented with IES and ASEAN Engineering Achievement Awards

IDentif.AI is an AI-based platform that rapidly prioritises drugs and drug combinations for pandemic preparedness.

Read More

Clarivate names 21 CDE faculty among World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds

Faculty from seven CDE departments named on annual list of Highly Cited Researchers who contribute disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge.

Read More

CDE researchers named among Asia-Pacific top young innovators

Asst Prof Denis Bandurin and Asst Prof Iris Yu honoured in the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific 2023 list.

Read More

Research and Impact

Explore some of the key areas of research at the College of Design and Engineering
Data and Information Systems
Design, Environment
and Society
Digital Twin
Energy
Systems
Engineering in
Medicine
Healthy and
Liveable Cities
Infrastructure
Management
Materials and
Artificial
Inteligence
Next Generation
Microelectronics
Next Generation
Port
Ocean
Infrastructure and
Renewables
Quantum
Engineering
Research by
Design
Robotics &
Machine
Intelligence
Satellite
Technology
Urban Solutions &
Sustainability
Data and Information Systems
Design, Environment
and Society
Digital Twin
Energy
Systems
Engineering in
Medicine
Healthy and
Liveable Cities
Infrastructure
Management
Materials and
Artificial
Inteligence
Next Generation
Microelectronics
Next Generation
Port
Ocean
Infrastructure and
Renewables
Quantum
Engineering
Research by
Design
Robotics &
Machine
Intelligence
Satellite
Technology
Urban Solutions &
Sustainability

CDE Events

Form Follows Climate: Designing Climate-Resilient Schools

Research in science and technology over the past century have led to improvements in the overall quality of living, from better public health services, alleviating food precarity to enhancing human comfort within our built environment. The key attribution here is a more profound appreciation of our relationship with the natural and built environment, through exercising […]

Emergent Systems: An Exhibition of Design 6 Studio Works

  “Emergent Systems: An Exhibition of Design 6 Studio Works” is a public exhibition of the BA(Arch) Year 3 student’s Design 6 Studio works. This year, students are invited to re-evaluate the role of systems in the increasingly complex field of architecture where a siloed approach is becoming irrelevant. The exhibition will display the works […]

Living Heritage through Religious Architecture and its Transformation

  The Living Heritage through Religious Architecture and Its Transformation Exhibition is presented to you by Dr Imran Tajudeen, together with NUS Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation (MAArC) students, as part of their course module – AR5958D: Critical Heritage Approach to Conservation and Place. This exhibition comprises four religious sites in Singapore: The Cathedral […]

TGIF@CDE Presents: Pursuing Net-Zero Built Environments

Asian Deans’ Forum 2024 – The Rising Stars Women in Engineering Workshop

  Organised by Asia’s top engineering schools, the fifth edition of this workshop aims to bring together young women professionals in engineering disciplines from around the world. This includes scholars, researchers, and engineers interested in exploring and advancing careers in academia. The workshop will facilitate scientific and career-oriented discussions relevant to the development of women […]

NUS Chemical Engineering Students’ Perspectives

In this dialogue session, you’ll hear first-hand about what it’s like to be a Chemical Engineering student at NUS. Your seniors will share about our programme’s curriculum, campus life, overseas opportunities and other exciting experiences available to our students, giving you a comprehensive view of what our programme has to offer. You can also ask […]

Chemical Engineering Alumni Insights

Are you curious about the prospects of a Chemical Engineer? Join us and hear from our alumni about our Chemical Engineering programme at NUS. The session aims to provide you with insights into the program and the experiences of past graduates. The session will feature alumni who will share their experiences of studying Chemical Engineering […]

Forum with the Head of Department of Chemical Engineering

This dialogue session aims to provide an interactive platform for students who are interested in the NUS Chemical Engineering programme to engage with our Head of Department. During the session, you can ask any questions you may have, such as the programme’s learning outcomes, the potential for internships and industrial experience, the career prospects of […]

Introduction to Robotics for Classroom Teaching Workshop

This is a workshop to equip secondary and pre-tertiary educators with STEM or non-STEM backgrounds with basic Arduino training. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software that can be used to develop simple everyday electronic devices and systems. Through this workshop, educators will have the opportunity to build simple robots […]

CDE Summer School 2024

  Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you a problem solver? Then CDE Summer School is for you! The 3D2N experience will allow you to experience design and engineering through inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops. Event Details Date: 5-7 June 2024 Time: 9am to 6pm Location: NUS College of Design and Engineering Registration Fee: $30 (Non-refundable) […]

Distinguished Leaders Lecture: Translating Semiconductor Research to Impact the World

MArch Grad Show 2024

Testimonials

Some words from CDE's community of future-focused thinkers and doers, including our students,
faculty, alumni and industry partners.

Taskforce_Cheong Koon Hean

Dr Cheong Koon Hean

Chairman of the Centre of Liveable Cities
Singapore Ministry of National Development

“We need a new generation of engineers, designers, urban planners, architects and built environment professionals who can work collaboratively across disciplines to find effective, integrated urban solutions that will secure and raise the living standards of Singaporeans and the global community. ​

The new interdisciplinary approach undertaken by the CDE will make a significant contribution towards this vision.”​

Taskforce_Prof Wong Mun Summ

Prof Wong Mun Summ

Co-Founding Director of WOHA
Professor in Practice at Department of Architecture

“Climate change is the greatest threat to cities and humanity. Technology is shaping the future of design and innovation. ​

​It is therefore timely that NUS introduces an integrated curriculum through the CDE that allows students who aspire to be city-makers of tomorrow, to build bridges between design objectives, inspiration and technology. ​

​This, in time to come, can stimulate a fundamental mindset shift in the entire creative industry.”​

Taskforce_Cheong Chee Hoo

Mr Cheong Chee Hoo

Chief Executive Officer
DSO National Laboratories

“Engineering is a key driver of innovation. This​ new College, designed in consultation with​ the industry, will create stronger synergy and​ capabilities in our science and technology​ ecosystem. I am confident and look forward​ to its graduates in developing impactful​ technologies and solutions for the community and the nation.”​

Alumni_Veerappan

Veerappan Swaminathan

Director at Sustainable Living Lab

“Employees with an interdisciplinary education will be in a better position to be innovative as they will have learned the skill of making connections between two or more different fields of knowledge.”​

Alumnus_Kok Su Ming 1_Corporate Headshot

Ar Leong-Kok Su Ming

Managing Director, BCA Academy

“An interdisciplinary education brings greater flexibility & adaptability, bespoke thinking, collaborative leadership & yet a keen awareness of core disciplinary focus​"

Alumnus_Xu Hong Tai 1_Corporate Headshot

Mr Tai Xu Hong

Director & Co-founder of Momentus Research Pte Ltd and WOW
Kampung Pte Ltd

“In this age of uncertainties and rapid change, employers are not just looking for adaptive solutions, but a certain degree of risk taking and foresight as responses to future needs. Interdisciplinary education would provide flexibility in perspectives and approach. To allow a response instead of reacting to future uncertainties.”​

Student_Chris Lum 3

Christopher Lum

Civil Engineering Student

“The new College’s key benefit will be that it distinguishes itself from the individual schools of Engineering and Design and Environment respectively, and that will mark a fundamental change in mindset that engineering, and design is different.”​

Student_Pranati Rajagopal 2.jpg

Pranati Rajagopal

Electrical Engineering Student

“The very fact that engineering and design form the cornerstone of CDE is extremely exciting since the two disciplines are highly intertwined.​

​I believe that my interdisciplinary education is one of the primary reasons I have been able to juggle my role as Project Manager alongside being involved with the technical aspects of the NUS Rover Team.”​

Student_David Ng_Corporate Headshot

David Ng

Industrial Design Student

“By exposing freshmen to different topics that may not be in their focal field of studies, it helps them to step out of their comfort zone and explore untapped areas. This gives them the opportunity to uncover new sets of knowledge that can be used as supplements for their work while broadening their horizons, providing them with a holistic education.”​

Student_Rishab Patwari_Corporate Headshot

Rishab Patwari

Computer Engineering Student

“Freshmen who are generalists and are still figuring out their main area of interest will really benefit from this College as it significantly broadens their exposure beyond their major and truly gives them an interdisciplinary education which in turn tends to spur self-initiation and innovation.”​