THE

FUTURE
IS HERE
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
 VISION
A LEADING ENGINEERING SCHOOL THAT
CONTENTS
INNOVATES FOR A BETTER FUTURE.
A WORD FROM THE DEAN 02
FACULTY BOARD 04
EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE 06
OUR PEOPLE: STAFF, STUDENTS, ALUMNI 20 MISSION
FACTS AND FIGURES 35
TO NURTURE ENGINEER-LEADERS AND TO ADDRESS
GLOBAL CHALLENGES THROUGH RESEARCH,
INNOVATION, INSPIRATION, AND INFLUENCE.
 02 / A WORD FROM THE DEAN
T
HE year 2015 has been
especially exhilarating
for all of us at NUS
Engineering. The Faculty
celebrated its 60th anniversary,
and participated actively in
SG50 as well as the University’s
110th anniversary celebrations.
Some of the events included a
major Science and Technology
exhibition helmed by the
Faculty, and a Gala Dinner which
brought together some 600 staff
and alumni. The Faculty also
contributed to the nation’s “The
Future of Us” exhibition held at
Marina Bay Sands – the capstone
event rounding up Singapore’s
SG50 celebrations.
There was much excitement and buzz on many fronts.
After almost four years of hard work, we launched the
University’s first two satellites into space, including a
nano-satellite that was fully student-designed and built.
We were also thrilled by the news that out of
11 researchers from NUS identified by Thomson
Reuters for its list of “World’s Leading Scientific
Minds” this year, five were from the Faculty.
Professor Lee Jim Yang, Associate Professor Liu Bin,
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna and Associate Professor
Yan Shuicheng, the “top minds” in 2014, were
back on the list, with Assistant Professor Zhang Rui
joining the ranks. They have earned this distinction by
publishing a large number of scientific papers ranked
among the top one per cent of the most cited in their
subject field and year of publication.
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Two NUS Engineering faculty members were also given
tributes at the EmTech Asia Conference organised in
association with the MIT Technology Review. Dr Raye
Yeow Chen Hua (Department of Biomedical Engineering)
and Dr Darren Chian Siau Chen (Department of Civil
& Environmental Engineering) were among the top 10
young Innovators in Asia.
Working towards the future of Singapore, the Faculty
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Land Transport Authority (LTA) to establish an NUS-
LTA Transport Research Centre. This collaboration will
help Singapore provide one of the best ecosystems
for public transport in the world. The Centre will
study areas such as active mobility, electro mobility,
self-driving vehicles, geotechnical engineering and
condition-based maintenance of the rail system.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Towards self-driving vehicles, our autonomous car, fondly
named SCOT (Shared Computer Operated Transport), has
finally hit the roads. The brainchild of a team from NUS
Engineering and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research
and Technology (SMART), it is taking part in one of the
first such trials approved by LTA – a 6-km route within
the One-North technology park. The trial presents new
challenges that accompany an uncontrolled environment
of real traffic, such as complex interactions at cross-
junctions and traffic lights. Unlike other driverless cars
which are retrofitted with expensive 3-D laser sensors,
SCOT relies on low cost sensors which you can get
off the shelf, to enable the car to drive autonomously,
independent of a Global Positioning System (GPS). This
unique feature allows it to drive in tunnels and places
where GPS signals are affected.
Besides land, we are tackling other modes of transport.
For the sea, we have a yacht powered solely by solar
energy and wind. This was designed by students from our
Design-Centric Programme (DCP) as well as those from
the University Scholars Programme (USP). The boat has
already sailed from Singapore to the island of Bintan in
Indonesia, carrying the team to a conference there. Even
as bigger plans are in store for the yacht, the same team
has put together a “personal” flying machine to conquer
the air. This innovation, targeted for short distance travel,
made it to the media headlines. It is not beyond anyone’s
imagination that one day, we shall be “flying” to work.
With an eye on the future, a research team has been
looking at the cooling of Singapore. Assistant Professor
Ernest Chua (Department of Mechanical Engineering)
has a vision of piping chilled air all over the island so that
offices, shopping malls and factories could tap the chilled
air for their air-conditioning system – a special system
incorporating a dehumidifying process. This cooling
system, invented by Dr Chua won him a Distinguished
Award at the Urban Sustainability R&D Congress.
A WORD FROM THE DEAN / 03
“And miles to go before I sleep…”
From Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening”
At NUS Engineering, we can also take a cue
from this line. We will not give up, but continue
to strive for sustainable solutions to make this
world better and transform lives positively.
To round off a year of good news, we now have a
mini Oxbridge at NUS Engineering. A new student
exchange agreement with Oxford has made this
happen, and complements an earlier agreement
with Cambridge. We now have two students from
Cambridge and one from Oxford at NUS Engineering
and vice-versa. NUS is the only university in the
world to have a student exchange programme with
both Cambridge and Oxford Universities. This is yet
another significant affirmation of the University’s
global stature. We are also happy to note that both
the Times Higher Education (THE) and QS have ranked
us the top Engineering school in Asia. QS has also
ranked us 4th in the world, while the THE rankings
have placed NUS Engineering 13th globally.
As we step over the threshold into the new year, a
line by the award-winning 20th Century American
poet Robert Frost comes to mind – “And miles to go
before I sleep…” (from his poem, “Stopping by the
woods on a snowy evening”). At NUS Engineering,
we can also take a cue from this line. We will not give
up, but continue to strive for sustainable solutions to
make this world better and transform lives positively.
There is even greater urgency now. Global warming
is thawing icebergs and snow at an alarmingly fast
rate. The future is here. We will continue to work on
much-needed solutions. There is no time to stop by
the woods.
PROFESSOR CHUA KEE CHAING
DEAN
04 / FACULTY BOARD FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FACULTY BOARD / 05

OUR DEAN & VICE DEANS OUR HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, DIVISION & PROGRAMMES

PROF CHUA KEE CHAING ASSOC PROF ASSOC PROF PROF LIM TENG JOON PROF JAMES GOH PROF HANG CHANG CHIEH PROF LEE JIM YANG ASSOC PROF LOH AI POH
Dean CHAU FOOK SIONG CHRISTINA LIM Vice Dean Head, Department of Biomedical Head, Division of Engineering & Head, Department of Chemical & Director, Design-Centric Programme
Vice Dean Vice Dean Graduate Programmes Engineering Technology Management Biomolecular Engineering
Administration Student Life (FROM 1 SEPT 2015)

PROF VICTOR SHIM PROF TEO KIE LEONG ASSOC PROF LANRY YUNG PROF PHOON KOK KWANG PROF QUEK SER TONG ASSOC PROF PROF TANG LOON CHING
Vice Dean Vice Dean Vice Dean Head, Department of Civil & Ag Head, Department of Civil & GANESH SAMUDRA Head, Department of Industrial
External Relations Research Undergraduate Studies Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering (FROM 1 SEPT 2015) Director, Bachelor of Technology & Systems Engineering
(TILL 1 SEPT 2015) Vice Dean, Graduate Studies (TILL 1 SEPT 2015) Programme

PROF JOHN THONG PROF TAY TONG EARN PROF WANG CHIEN MING PROF JOHN WANG
Head, Department of Electrical Head, Department of Director, Engineering Science Head, Department of
& Computer Engineering Mechanical Engineering Programme & Global Materials Science & Engineering
Engineering Programme
THE FUTURE IS HERE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 07

STRENGTHENING LINKS WITH COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY

AS FACULTY TURNS 60

THE Faculty of Engineering turned

60 this year. Besides this landmark
anniversary, the Faculty also
celebrated the University’s 110th
Anniversary and the nation’s 50th
Birthday. Joining hands with the
Faculty of Science and the School
of Computing, NUS Engineering
reached out to the community and
mounted an exhibition featuring the
University’s major contributions to
Singapore through the translation

EDUCATION
of research. Titled “Building
Our Nation through Science
and Technology”, the exhibition
The 4th Asian Engineering Deans Summit was hosted at the Faculty of Engineering
highlighted key innovations in
in May.
health, sustainability, digital and

RESEARCH
multimedia sectors, as well as the
Smart Nation initiative. Opening at
the University Cultural Centre, the
exhibition was taken to VivoCity
the potential and existing industries that can bring sustained and high
economic growth to Singapore’s economy, as well as to develop innovative
logistics and supply chain concepts and infrastructure that will strategically

ENTERPRISE
and Great World City. The exhibition
attracted some 3,000 visitors
through its three-week run.
The Faculty also hosted the
two-day 4th Asian Engineering
Deans Summit in May, with
delegates from Australia, New
Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Japan,
S Korea, Taiwan, India, Malaysia,
Philippines and Singapore. During
their stay in Singapore, participants
deliberated on key issues shaping
engineering schools today taking
into consideration emerging needs
of students, societies and economies.
Another major event marking
the Faculty’s 60th Anniversary
was the launch of the Centre
for Next Generation Logistics.
A collaboration with Georgia
Institute of Technology, the new
Centre signals closer collaboration
with the government agencies
and the industry to help Singapore
stay at the forefront of supply
chain and logistics innovation.
The Centre will help to identify
support the activities of these industries.
Towards sustainability in the area of energy, the Faculty’s Centre for Energy
Research and Technology (CERT) which was launched in 2014, has also
sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Institute of Power
and Gas (SIPG) and Singapore Test Services (STS) to nurture talents and
innovations in the area of energy storage technologies.
The Faculty also hosted the 13th International Conference on Carbon
Dioxide Utilization (ICCDU XIII) at the NUS University Town. The
conference, besides being held in Singapore for the very first time, also
tied in with the nation’s announcement of its intention to reduce carbon
emissions by 36 per cent from 2005 levels, by 2030.
Chemical Engineering students in their 2nd-year will also have a chance
to get a taste of the industry. Infineum Singapore, a world leader in the
formulation, manufacture and marketing of petroleum additives for fuels
and lubricants, has offered a three-week immersion programme, alongside
scholarships for 3rd and final-year Chemical Engineering students, valued up
to $200,000 over five years. The collaboration with the universities will help
nurture the brightest young talent, providing them with the necessary skills
for their future careers.
In the area of postgraduate studies, the Faculty signed an agreement with
Singapore University for Technology and Design (SUTD) in the country’s first
joint Doctor of Philosophy degree programme in Engineering between
local public universities. This inter-university collaboration will catalyse
fresh perspectives and research thinking that will create new opportunities,
technologies and possibilities for PhD students.
 08 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 09

NUS ENGINEERING
OXFORD SEALS DEAL FOR YEAR-LONG STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
IS TOP IN ASIA

THE NUS Faculty of Engineering has
been ranked top in Asia by both
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times
Higher Education (THE). In terms of
world ranking, NUS Engineering is
4th (by QS) and 13th (by THE).
NUS Engineering’s civil engineering
course is the third best in the world,
according to QS 2015. It leapt four
places from 2014, when it was
placed 7th. Other courses at the
Faculty also fare well. Chemical
Engineering is ranked 5th, Electrical
Engineering, 6th, Materials Science
& Engineering, 6th; and Mechanical
Engineering, 8th.
This year, four of the five faculty
members ranked among the
world’s leading scientific minds, are
listed again by Thomson Reuters.
They are Professor Lee Jim Yang,
FOR the first time, students from Oxford and Cambridge can compete under Professor Frank Wood, student
the same roof, the result of two separate agreements for a year-long student exchange coordinator of Oxford’s
exchange programme sealed by the NUS Faculty of Engineering with the two Department of Engineering
renowned British universities. Science commenting on why
they have decided to establish
The exchange programme with Cambridge started in 2010. The agreement an exchange programme with
with Oxford was finally sealed in 2015, after five years of negotiation. Each NUS Engineering, said: “Study
year, up to five NUS engineering undergraduates can study at Oxford, and abroad programmes provide a
up to two students at Cambridge – with the same number of Engineering wealth of cultural and academic
students from the British universities doing stints at NUS. opportunities. This is why
Oxford’s Engineering Science
Professor Victor Shim, NUS Faculty of Engineering’s Vice Dean (External Department has sought to expand
Relations) who was instrumental to initiating the exchange programme with its offerings. When it came to
the British universities (and himself an alumnus of Cambridge) noted: “The identifying a partner in the Far
clinching of both programmes showed excellent recognition of the stature East, the National University
that our Engineering Faculty has globally.” of Singapore was the obvious
choice. NUS is a recognised leader
Another cohort of civil engineering graduates ready for the world. Professor Gopal Madabhushi, exchange coordinator at Cambridge’s in engineering and Singapore
Department of Engineering, said: “The exchange with NUS provides students itself is ideally positioned as a
Associate Professor Liu Bin, Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, Associate an introduction to Asian engineering practices. Such an experience can stand physical, cultural, and economic
Professor Yan Shuicheng and Assistant Professor Zhang Rui. Out of the 10 them in good stead during their long careers.” link between east and west.”
researchers from NUS in Thomson Reuters’ 2015 list, five are from the Faculty
of Engineering.

Cambridge, Oxford and NUS

Engineering students will now
PAPER LISTED AMONG TOP 25 IN CHEMICAL have a chance to study together
ENGINEERING SCIENCE BY ELSEVIER under the same umbrella – for a
year. From left: NUS Engineering
students Rubegan Sondarajan and
A PAPER by Dr Praveen Linga, published in 2012, has been listed as Cassey Chua, who have done their
a “Top 25 most cited paper” in Chemical Engineering Science as of stints in Cambridge; Prof Victor
24 Feb 2015. This constitutes the top 1 per cent of more than 3500 Shim with Cambridge exchange
publications in the Elsevier’s Journal of Chemical Engineering Science. student Grace Beckham.

Dr Linga’s paper is related to gas hydrate formation pertaining to

energy recovery and carbon capture. Entitled Enhanced rate of gas
hydrate formation in a fixed bed column filled with sand compared
to a stirred vessel (Volume 68, pp 617-623), it has 49 citations and
is the 22nd most cited paper within the Journal.

“Natural gas hydrates are now considered a huge energy resource.

The observed ability of enhanced kinetics of hydrate formation
in sand due to inter-particle pore space in a laboratory setting
spurred detailed investigations to further design and evaluate
cheaper/lightweight materials for applying the hydrate technology
Dr Praveen Linga’s paper on enhanced
for carbon dioxide capture, an ongoing activity in our lab and
kinetics of hydrate formation, has been listed
worldwide,” said Dr Linga. as a top 25 most cited paper.
 10 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE
TACKLING A CARE PROJECT THROUGH MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
STUDENTS from different
Engineering disciplines in the
Design-Centric Programme
(DCP) have put their heads
together to come out with
wheelchair solutions to address
the needs of the elderly and
the needy. A collaboration
with the Central Singapore
Community Development
Council, this “NUS CARES”
effort was announced in
February at the launch of
the University’s 110th
Anniversary celebrations.
Since then, the team comprising
seven DCP students (and a
student from the Faculty of
Arts & Social Sciences), have
conducted many field trips and
interviews in Kampong Glam
and its neighbourhoods to
understand the problems faced
by wheelchair users. They have
identified several issues:
§ Frequent breakdown in key
parts, such as wheels, bearing,
and batteries
§ Unpredictable and
potentially long down-time,
leading to lack of mobility
§ High maintenance cost
§ Current wheelchairs that are
mostly designed for disabled
people or hospital patients,
which have different needs
from the elderly.
Led by Dr Andi Sudjana
Putra and Dr Yu Haoyong,
the team has designed a
prototype powered add-on
unit which can be attached
to a manual wheelchair.
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 11
MAKING A MARK IN SPACE
SINGAPORE 8.30pm, 16 December: NUS Engineering has just
sent two satellites, Galassia and Kent Ridge 1 (KR-1) into space.
They were among six that were shot into space, piggy-backing on
TeLEOS-1, the primary satellite by ST Electronics Satellite Systems
Centre. Launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra
Pradesh (in India) the event was the climax of a Memorandum of
Understanding signed between NUS Engineering and ST Electronics
at the Global Space & Technology Convention 2013.
KR-1 is a hyper-spectral imaging microsatellite designed to conduct
scientific experimentation and analysis of the Earth’s surface.
The other satellite Galassia, mainly a Design-Centric Programme
project, will test out a quantum-based communication concept
besides carrying a payload that measures the electron count in the
ionosphere above Singapore. The information obtained will help to
Just before the blast-off in India.
improve GPS navigation as well as radio communication.
Professor Goh Cher Hiang, Project Director
of the NUS Satellite Programme, Department
of Electrical & Computer Engineering,
said, “Creating a space-ready engineering
system goes beyond nuts and bolts. The
Galassia project brings together students
from various engineering disciplines to
apply what they have learnt in a real-life
setting, and challenges them to innovate
and push boundaries. The successful launch
of Galassia is a strong endorsement of NUS’
space engineering education and we hope
The DCP team (standing, from left): Felicia Tay Hui Ming (3rd year, Mechanical
that this will also inspire more talented
Engineering), Zhao Chenxu (3rd year, Electrical Engineering) and Zheng Yongjia (3rd
year, Mechanical Engineering). Front row (from left): Zhang Shuo (3rd year, Mechanical students who are passionate about space
Engineering), Xue Wenchang (3r year, Mechanical Engineering), Dr Andi Sudjana Putra R&D to pursue their interest in this field.”
and Dr Yu Haoyong. The DCP team also includes Ji Jiahao (3rd year, Materials Science
& Engineering), and Elton Koh Jia Jun (3rd year, Mechanical Engineering), and Mr Lim Moving on, his team is already planning
Hong Wee and Mr Hozefa S/O Husainee as technical advisers (not in picture). to develop the second generation of
Galassia and Kent Ridge 2, involving the
development of a six-unit nanosatellite with
Said DCP team member, Zhang Shuo, 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering student, enhanced capability such as propulsion and
“For the first phase of our project, we have developed a method to convert a attitude control together with an optical
manual wheelchair to a motorised one by simply adding a powered add-on unit. mission for high resolution imaging. The
This unit can be easily removed for maintenance and repair when necessary. This propulsion feature would have the potential
is much cheaper than buying a commercial motorised wheelchair.” Core members of the NUS Satellite Programme team (from left): Prof Goh to undertake interplanetary missions such as
Cher Hiang, Dr Luo Sha and Assoc Prof Soh Wee Seng with KR-1. flying a nanosatellite to explore the Moon.
Dr Andi added that the ultimate target of their project is to develop a more
holistic solution to the problems faced by the wheelchair users. This includes
educating users and care givers on the proper handling and maintenance of
their wheelchairs.
 12 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE
THE ART OF LEVITATION AND FLYING, COURTESY OF DCP-USP
Team FrogWorks with their flying machine and supervisors Assoc Prof Martin Henz (far right) and Dr Joerg Weigl (3rd from right).
Ms Zheng Xiaowen (in pilot seat), a Chemical Engineering student with the University Scholars Programme, was roped in for the
demo because she fits the size – currently, the machine can take a maximum load of 70kg. “Flying in the machine gives me a
great sense of freedom because it is open, unlike being in an airplane,” she said.
AN NUS team comprising Design-Centric Programme
(DCP) and University Scholars Programme (USP) students,
has mastered the art of levitation – and flying.
The team of engineering students took a year to design
and build Singapore’s first personal aircraft dubbed
Snowstorm. Combining their skills and expertise across
different engineering disciplines, the team called
FrogWorks built the machine from scratch – from the
physical frame to control and stabilisation systems. Three
rechargeable lithium batteries running independently,
power the 24 motors of the craft.
Said member of the team, Mr Shawn Sim, third-year
Mechanical Engineering student with the Design-Centric
Programme, “Designing and building Snowstorm was a
great learning opportunity for us. The toughest part of
this engineering challenge was ensuring a good thrust to
weight ratio to allow the craft to lift a person into the air.
At every stage of our design, we constantly had to balance
and consider trade-offs between the types of materials,
their characteristics and weight. In some instances,
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015
NEW NUS-LTA TRANSPORT RESEARCH CENTRE
NUS Engineering has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to establish a new transport
research centre in NUS. With Associate Professor Lee Der-Horng at
the helm, the centre will work with LTA to come out with sustainable
solutions to improve commuting experience in key areas like mobility
behaviour and green transportation.
One project that the Centre will be embarking on soon is the design
and development of a new community-based mobility system.
“The project aims to address the need of bridging the last-mile gap
for commuters. The system can be implemented in residential or
business enclaves,” said Prof Lee, Director of the NUS-LTA Transport
Research Centre.
The MOU was inked at the LTA’s Future Mobility Symposium
officiated by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister for Education
(Schools) and Senior Minister of State for Transport. Dean of the
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Professor Kishore Mahbubani
and Professor Lui Pao Chuen, Technology Advisor to LTA, delivered
keynote addresses at the Symposium.
we even 3D-printed parts, such as our landing gear mount,
just so we can have a customised and optimal fit.”
DCP supervisor for the project, Dr Joerg Weigl said they
built the machine primarily as a means to fulfil everybody’s
dreams of flying. Added Associate Professor Martin Henz
who is with USP and NUS School of Computing, “Recent
advances in motors and battery technology has made
it possible for us to literally take to the skies. We will
continue to fine-tune Snowstorm, working on mechanical
safety measures, propeller and motor configurations,
and control software and hardware to achieve the high
levels of safety, simplicity and performance required for Senior Minister of State for Transport Mr Ng Chee Meng (centre) with
Prof Lee Der-Horng (right), Director of the new NUS-LTA Transport Research
recreational use by the general public.”
Centre, visiting the NUS display at the LTA Future Mobility Symposium.
Prof Lee is also a faculty member with the NUS Department of Civil &
FrogWorks’ projects include a yacht powered by solar
Environmental Engineering.
energy through 825W solar panels placed over the cockpit
as roof. The team sailed off in great style to attend the
International Conference on Marine Development held in
Bintan (Indonesia) in November. Covering some 30 nautical
miles, they left no carbon footprints as the yacht was
powered solely by wind and solar energy.
EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 13
SCOT at One-North.
MAKING SCOT SMARTER
IN YEAR-LONG TRIAL AT
ONE-NORTH BUSINESS PARK
SCOT is now on a year-long trial – and
on the roads. The driverless car, SCOT
(Shared Computer Operated Transport), the
brainchild of a team from NUS Engineering
and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for
Research and Technology (SMART), is
taking part in one of the first such trials
approved by Singapore Land Transport
Authority (LTA) – a 6 km route within the
One-North business park.
The trial presents new challenges that come
with an uncontrolled environment of real
traffic – complex interactions such as cross-
junctions and traffic lights. SCOT, targeted
for Mobility-on-Demand transportation
services, was launched in January 2014.
Unlike other driverless cars which are
retrofitted with expensive 3-D laser sensors,
SCOT relies on low-cost off-the-shelf LIDAR
sensors which enable the car to drive
autonomously, independent of the Global
Positioning System (GPS). This unique
feature allows it to drive even in tunnels
and places where GPS signals are affected.
Associate Professor Marcelo Ang,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
and Director of the NUS Advanced Robotics
Center, said that they will now focus on
ways to enable SCOT to recognise road
signs, lane markings – and more.
 14 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TEAM DEVELOPS LIQUID-BASED
WEARABLE SENSORS
Conventional tactile sensors available today are rigid
and in solid-state form. Hence, they are restrictive and
bulky. The NUS team’s liquid-based microfluidic tactile
sensors address an existing gap in the market.
“Being thin and flexible, the sensor gives a better fit
when monitoring body movements. It is also small
and durable,” said Prof Lim.
In the area of real-time healthcare monitoring, their
microfluidic sensor may be incorporated into a skin
patch that could both sense and inject drugs at the
The NUS Engineering team (from left): Biomedical Engineering same time.
PhD students Mr Yeo Joo Chuan, Mr Kenry and Prof
Lim Chwee Teck, holding up their wearable liquid-based
The team has subject their device to rigorous testing,
microfluidic tactile sensors – a world’s first.
including running a car over it. Despite such extreme
forces, it has retained its uniformity and shown no
IN future, robots will be able to feel with their fingers. damage in function. Made from a flexible substrate
An NUS Engineering team led by Professor Lim Chwee like silicone rubber, it also uses 2-D nanomaterial
Teck, Department of Biomedical Engineering, has suspension (such as graphene oxide) in liquid
developed a wearable liquid-based microfluidic tactile form which is non-corrosive and non-toxic, as the
sensor. A world’s first, it is extremely suitable for sensing element.
helping robots to feel – for example, by adding touch
to robotic fingers. The team has filed a patent for their technology
and is exploring licensing partnerships in commercial
The novel device can also be used in wearable consumer development. “With the rapid advancement of healthcare
electronics, smart medical prosthetic devices, and real- and biomedical technologies as well as consumer
time healthcare monitoring. They also have the added electronics, we are optimistic about possibilities to
advantage of being simple to produce and cost-effective. commercialise our invention,” said Prof Lim.
CHEAPER WAYS OF PRODUCING BIODIESEL FROM WASTE GREASE
USING E COLI AND OTHER NOVEL CATALYSTS
RESEARCHERS at the NUS Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering have pioneered three new techniques to produce biodiesel
from waste grease. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel and gives better
combustion, compared to fossil fuel.
Some 30,000 tonnes of waste grease is discharged in Singapore
annually, from homes as well as food and beverage establishments.
Currently, by blending waste grease with pure oil, the high free fatty
acid content in waste grease can be reduced and made into biodiesel –
albeit at a high cost.
Biodiesel, renewable fuel that gives The team led by Professor Li Zhi has come up with more cost-effective
better combustion. methods using specially engineered magnetic catalysts and biocatalysts.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 15
These high-performance catalysts can be separated easily from the biodiesel The other methods involve
mixture at the end of the transformation process. They can also be reused the use of magnetic solid acid
multiple times without losing efficiency. nanoparticles as catalysts; and
specially engineered magnetic
One of three approaches uses Escherichia coli (E coli) enzymes cells, nano biocatalysts with the help of
expressed with a unique lipase derived from a bacterial strain extracted from an enzyme derived from a fungus.
the soil. This biocatalyst achieves a 97 per cent biodiesel conversion yield in These two methods can achieve up
72 hours. Prof Li explains that E coli biocatalysts can be produced in large to 98 per cent biodiesel yield in
quantities and at low cost. “Hence, high conversion efficiency of waste 24 hours; and 99 per cent biodiesel
grease to biodiesel can be maintained by simply adding more whole-cell yield in 12 hours, respectively.
E coli biocatalysts for every fresh cycle,” said Prof Li.
A “PIPE” DREAM FOR COOLING SINGAPORE
A NEW cooling system invented by a team led
by Assistant Professor Ernest Chua (Mechanical
Engineering Department and Engineering Science
Programme) will may well enable Singapore to be the
first tropical city in the world to be cooled efficiently
and economically – en masse. In future, chilled water
can be piped all round Singapore (like potable water)
and tapped by establishments like offices, factories
and shopping malls for air-conditioning using the
novel cooling system.
The team reckons that Singapore could cut $600m
off its annual energy bill should such a system be
implemented. It will also help to free up precious space
which would otherwise be needed to accommodate
individual chiller plants for air-conditioning. From left: Dr Ernest Chua (Project PI), Dr Bui Duc Thuan and
Dr Kyaw Thu, with part of their invention that aims to meet
Dr Chua’s invention is able to bring temperature Singapore’s challenge to improve energy efficiency and reduce
carbon emissions.
down faster than normal cooling systems and with
water chilled to just 13 to 18 degrees Centigrade –
unlike current cooling systems which need water of Waste heat generated in the process is channeled back
7 degrees Centigrade or less. This is possible because to power chillers to churn out water cooled to the
the system first dehumidifies the air using powder temperature desired.
silica and membranes to remove moisture.
Significantly, the system is able to recycle waste water of
The chilled water can also be economically distributed any kind to produce clean water with quality of about
via pipes as they do not require too much insulation 15ppm. The tri-generation system would be most suitable
(since it is of higher temperatures). Establishments for underground cities, added Dr Chua, as it generates the
using their novel cooling system can then tap into three essentials for sustainable living – electricity, water
the chilled water that is distributed Singapore-wide and air-conditioning.
through main pipes and feeders.
The project which started in 2013, is supported by a
Dr Chua said that the cooling system can be Competitive Research Grant. The team is already in discussion
extended to become a “tri-generation system” with corporations such as Jurong Town Corporation (JTC)
which simultaneously generates electricity, potable to test-bed their cooling systems on a bigger scale.
water and air-conditioning. Natural gas is used to
power the micro turbine to produce electricity. *PLEASE SEE STORY ON PAGE 23.
 16 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 17

NOVEL DEVICE TO HELP PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM
SWALLOWING DISORDERS
DYSPHAGIA is a symptom of swallowing dysfunction
that occurs between the mouth and the stomach. Most
patients are not diagnosed and do not receive any
treatment. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) which involves
the part of the pharynx between the soft palate and the
epiglottis, is a highly prevalent condition. It is associated
with aspiration, severe nutritional and respiratory
complications and even death.
OD places huge financial burdens on public healthcare
spending because it is very likely to lead to other
problems such as pneumonia, asphyxiation, depression
and death, which further increase healthcare costs.
The condition is also associated with old age, with
an estimated 30 per cent of the elderly population
suffering from a variation of it (known as presbyphagia).
Recognising this problem, and with Singapore’s
ageing population in mind, a Design-Centric
Programme (DCP) team at NUS Engineering has
come out with a novel solution, the Dysphagia
Rehabilitation Training Device (DRT) to help such
patients strengthen their muscles for swallowing.
This effort began in 2013 when the team spent time
at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to observe
patient and clinical needs.
“Our work will drive applications for research use, for the manufacturing of
stem cells, and eventually, to using these cells in clinical treatments,” he said.
Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, such
as bone or liver cells and taking up respective cell functions. Thus, human
stem cells can potentially be used to treat a wide range of diseases, including
cardiac disease and metabolic disorders.
“The key to realising this potential is the ability to grow them in the
laboratory to reach numbers that are sufficient for treatment and to preserve
their functionality,” added Assoc Prof Raghunath.
Human stem cells can be used to treat
The project will receive a grant of up to $300,000 per year in the five-year
a wide range of diseases.
strategic alliance.

Working closely with the SGH’s Speech Therapy

Department and Bioengineering Core, the team
comprising Mr Soh Eng Keng (DCP instructor and
team leader), Ernest Tan Xuan Hao (final year
Mechanical Engineering student), Shim Hee Youn and
Mark Chng Yuxuan (both final year students with
Biomedical Engineering), has filed a provisional patent
for their device this year.
The team has won a Silver award for Oral
presentation at the BES9SM (Biomedical Engineering
Society of Singapore’s 9th Scientific Meeting), and
had also presented their study at the 8th Asian-pacific
The team (from left): Mr Soh Eng Keng (NUS project lead), conference on biomechanics, in Sapporo, Japan.
Ms Lim Fang Ming (NUS teaching assistant), Ms Shim Hee
Youn (NUS final year Biomedical Engineering student), Mr Tan The team has started trials on healthy subjects to
Xuan Hao (NUS final year ME student), Mr Mark Chng (NUS validate the device, and will continue to reach out to
final year Biomedical Engineering student), Mr Daniel Tan medical professionals and industry partners for further
(SingHealth IP Manager) and Mr Goh Huai Zhi (SGH senior
development of the device and clinical support to
speech therapist/clinical lead).
conduct patient trial.
WORKING WITH THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC TO GROW STEM CELLS
SCIENTISTS all over the world Now, with a major boost from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Associate
are trying to grow stem cells in Professor Michael Raghunath, Department of Biomedical Engineering, will
numbers sufficient for treatment work with the company’s Cell Biology R&D team to develop novel processes
and to preserve their functionality. and methods for improving growth of human stem cells.
However, current cell culture
systems do not present an optimal Assoc Prof Raghunath, an internationally distinguished physician scientist in
microenvironment for stem cells, the field of matrix biology and skin wound repair, is also with the Department
resulting in deterioration of their of Biochemistry and the Principal Investigator, NUS Tissue Engineering
growth and functionality in vitro. Programme, NUS Life Sciences Institute.
‘MUSCLE TEAM’ SCORES ANOTHER FIRST WITH THEIR RESEARCH
ON ELASTOMER ACTUATOR
THOUGH research on electric active polymers took off in
NUS engineering just about three years ago, it has been
making ripples. Though this area of research dates back
to the 19th century when rubber was found to deform
under an electric field, little headway has been made
until the turn of the new millennium in 2000.
A team led by Assistant Professor Adrian Koh at the
Advanced Robotics Centre (ARC), comprising students
from Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science,
first made world news when they came out with artificial
muscles (acrylic-based dielectric elastomer actuator in
sheet form) that were able to carry a weight 80 times their
own, and able to extend to six times their original length. The “muscle” team at Advanced Robotics Centre. From left:
And now, they have demonstrated a tubular dielectric Teh Ying Shi, Goh Yu Feng, and Dr Adrian Koh.
elastomer actuator able to extend to more than three
times its original length, under an electrical stimulus.
Added team member, Teh Ying Shi, a 4th-year Engineering
This is the highest reported so far, for this tubular Science undergraduate with the Global Engineering
configuration. Their paper, large actuation of an Programme, “The primary characteristic of a dielectric
acrylic-based dielectric elastomer actuator in tubular elastomer is its similarity in performance to natural
configuration won the Silver Prize for the Most muscles. By fabricating it in a tubular form, we are able
Outstanding Paper in the IEEE International Conference to create a compact modular structure. Here, we are able
on Electronics, Information and Communication to expand the dielectric elastomer under an electric field,
(ICEIC 2015). to more than three times its original length.”
Said Dr Koh, “We used theory to inspire the design Another team member Goh Yu Feng, a postgraduate
of actuators. We show that theory provides a clue to Mechanical Engineering student pursuing a Master’s
the design of an optimal configuration for maximum Programme in Mechanical Engineering, said, “Our
performance, allowing researchers to tailor accordingly grand vision is to create high-performance, low-cost
for future development of artificial muscles.” and energy efficient robots for the next generation.”
 18 / EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE
NOVEL SOLUTION TO PREVENT COUNTERFEITING
HOLOGRAMS used for security purposes in
documents are extremely difficult to replicate.
However, using a mixture of pigments and base,
one can create a similar shiny multi-coloured look
which may pass cursory inspection.
Assistant Professor Qiu Cheng-Wei has demonstrated
the art of creating holograms which cannot be easily
replicated.
A SOCK INSPIRED BY CORAL TENTACLES TO PREVENT
BLOOD CLOTS IN LEGS
ASSISTANT Professor Raye Yeow
Chen Hua, Department of Biomedical
Engineering and his first-year PhD
candidate Mr Low Fanzhe, have
come out with a sock that can
improve survival rates of patients
suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT). Their work is in collaboration
with the Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine.
Each year, 600,000 to 800,000
people in the world, die from DVT, a
potentially life-threatening condition
caused by blood clots forming along
the lower extremity veins of the legs.
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
To prevent such counterfeits, Assistant Professor Qiu Cheng-
Wei has led a team at the Electrical & Computer Engineering
Department, to come up with a novel solution using optical
“sieves”. Their findings have been published in Nature
Communications (5 May 2015), entitled “Ultrahigh-capacity
non-periodic photon sieves operating in visible light”.
Dr Qiu stresses that their technology aims at higher-level
security measures rather than street-level counterfeiting.
The essence of his invention lies in the design of an “ultra-
capacity nano photon sieve” – a unique device with capacity
to incorporate more than 34,000 nanoholes (~300nm in
diameter) randomly distributed in its surface. This feature
enables the display of a high-pixel and high-quality
holographic image at a controlled position.
Said Dr Qiu, “Highly secured virtual information is stored
in the collection of these nano holes and they can only be
retrieved and read at a particular distance when a proper
polarised illumination is employed. Our device can be
customised for various applications as the dimensionality,
display distance, polarisation and wavelength dependence
can be tailored according to needs.”
Their revolutionary technology will open up a new optic
avenue for unparalleled security at nanoscale precision.
Assistant
Professor
Raye Yeow
Chen Hua (far
right) and his
PhD student
Mr Low
Fanzhe, at a
demo on how
their robotic
sock works.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENTERPRISE / 19
About 10 to 30 per cent of patients will die within The sock complements conventional ankle therapy exercises
one month of diagnosis. Patients who are 75 and and can also be worn for prolonged durations to provide
above, are more prone to DVT. robot-assisted therapy.
The team’s method was inspired by the natural role Said Dr Yeow, “Given the compact size, modular design and
of the human ankle muscles in facilitating blood ease of use, the soft robotic sock can be adopted in hospital
flow back to the heart. The patient wears a sock wards and rehabilitation centres for on-bed applications to
on the affected leg, connected to a soft artificial prevent DVT among stroke patients or even at home for
muscle (an actuator) that is made of silicon rubber. bedridden patients. By reducing the risk of DVT using this
The mechanism, mimicking the coral tentacle to device, we hope to improve survival rates of these patients.”
grab food and contract, performs a “push and
pull” movement. This promotes ankle joint motions, The team hopes to conduct trials across different hospitals
facilitating blood flow in the leg. The sock is also for better evaluation, with target to commercialise the
embedded with sensors to track the ankle joint angle. device in future.
NOVEL CERAMIC BATTERIES FOR STORING SOLAR ENERGY
NUS Engineering researchers are
coming out with batteries of super
strength, which will continue
to function even under extreme
heat. Safer than batteries available
commercially, it will in fact perform
even better under high temperatures.
This makes them perfect for storing
renewable energies, such as solar
energy and wind power as they can
be placed on roof tops alongside
solar panels or other features.
Said Professor Lu Li who is leading
the team at the Department of
Mechanical Engineering, “Current
batteries will fade quickly once
temperature goes beyond 55
degrees Centigrade. We are now
on our way to coming out with a
scalable model which can withstand The team (from left): Prof Lu Li, Dr Masashi Kotobuki, Jungo Wakasugi, Zheng Feng,
high temperatures of up to 100 Dr Song Shufeng and Lu Jia.
degrees Centigrade.”
The team is transforming their The choice of the most efficient electrolyte materials for batteries has
revolutionary concept to a tangible been an area of research for a long time, said Prof Lu. The ideal electrolyte
prototype. Currently, their prototype material would be one which allows repeated as well as rapid transfer of ions
is about the size of a mint sweet between anodes and cathodes over a range of conditions such as voltage and
with thickness of just a few 100 temperature. Ceramic-based electrolytes, being non-flammable, are extremely
micrometers. It uses ceramic-based suitable. They work well with all high potential cathode materials – unlike
electrolytes instead of those which liquid electrolytes. However, in the process of scaling up and in making them as
are liquid-based. Such a battery is thin as possible, they tend to crack. The team aims to come out with a battery
not available in the market yet. comprising sufficient layers of ceramic electrolytes to drive an electric car.
THE FUTURE IS HERE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Prof Neal Chung, receiving the PSTA from
OUR PEOPLE:
Singapore President Dr Tony Tan.
PROFESSOR Neal Chung, Department of
STAFF
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, was
accorded the 2015 President’s Technology
Award in recognition of his outstanding
research work on membranes, particularly
STUDENTS
in the field of water.
YOUNG RESEARCHER WINS INAUGURAL AWARD FOR CONVERTING
ALUMNI
SHELLS INTO VALUE-ADDED CHEMICALS
Dr Yan Ning at the award ceremony held at
the 3rd International Symposium on Green
Chemistry, in June 2015.
HIS research has contributed greatly to
keeping this world green. And for his
efforts, Assistant Professor Yan Ning,
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering, was awarded the inaugural
G2C2 Young Researcher Award.
OUR PEOPLE: STAFF / 21
ACCORDED SINGAPORE’S HIGHEST HONOUR
FOR MEMBRANE RESEARCH
Prof Chung’s research has set Singapore at the forefront of membranes
research for clean water and energy applications. His novel membrane
designs have been commercialised by various companies, including
an ultrafiltration membrane which he co-invented with Hyflux. This
technology has been adopted in Singapore’s water plants and worldwide.
The President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) are the highest
honours bestowed on exceptional research scientists and engineers in
Singapore for their excellent achievements in science and technology,
and outstanding contributions to the development of the research and
development landscape in Singapore.
Earlier this year, Prof Chung won the NUS Outstanding Researcher
Award. He also received the inaugural IChemE Underwood Medal
for Exceptional Research in Separations in February. Introduced in
2014, the Underwood Medal is awarded to individuals from academia
or industry who have made a significant sustained contribution to
research in the area of separations and generated impact within and
outside their specialised field.
The Award, for green chemistry researchers under the age of 35 who
have made an outstanding contribution to their field, was presented
at the 3rd International Symposium on Green Chemistry (ISGC) in La
Rochelle. G2C2 is a global collaboration between research centres
towards the furthering of the cause of green chemistry.
Dr Yan was selected as the only recipient of the award, out of 60
applicants. According to the G2C2 website, his achievements in
the field of green catalysis has set him apart from his peers. At
33, Dr Yan has already co-authored 60 peer-reviewed scientific
publications and one book chapter. His citations exceeds 1700 and
his h-index is 22.
Since joining NUS Engineering in 2012, Dr Yan has established the
Green Catalysis Lab, conducting diversified research covering a
wide scope of green chemistry. He soon discovered that Singapore,
being so fond of seafood such as chilli crabs, generates a lot of
chitin (a nitrogen containing substance forming the shells) wastes.
His group was among the first in the world to realise the potentials
in these chitin wastes, coming up with the world’s first series of
innovative systems to convert chitin directly into value-added
chemicals. Their works have been published in leading journals in
the field, and was highlighted by International Innovation in the
paper, Beyond the Boundaries of Biomass Production.
 22 / OUR PEOPLE: STAFF FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
HONOURED FOR HER PASSION AND COMMITMENT IN
CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY
ASSOCIATE Professor Ho Ghim Wei (Electrical & Computer Engineering Assoc Prof Ho has published
Department and Engineering Science Programme) received the honoree more than 80 scientific articles
award (Scientific and/or Technological Development) at the Junior mainly in the field of solar
Chamber International (JCI) Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) 2015 energy conversion technologies.
award ceremony. She is a recipient of the L’OREAL
UNESCO for Women in Science
TOYP finalists are stellar examples of how success can be achieved through Fellowship in 2014.
hard work and tenacity, regardless of where they started. Through their
enthusiasm, determination and commitment, they have made significant “This research field poses many
and meaningful contribution to society. This year, there were more than cross-cutting themes from the
200 nominees, of which 14 were finalists for honoree and merit awards of materials, conversion efficiency
different categories. to socio-economic impacts. Such
multi-facetted research involves
in-depth considerations that span
from fundamental understanding
to applied research that are
complex and interrelated. All
these require a well-thought
research strategy that enables
the development of a pragmatic
and highly efficient decarbonised
energy and environmental
system,” she said.
On home ground, Assoc Prof
Ho also won the IES Prestigious
Engineering Achievement Award
2015, with Mr Tan Chuan Fu
(Research Engineer) for their
research on an innovative and
contemporary multiple-renewable
solar and vibrational energy
Assoc Prof Ho Ghim Wei, shines in her enthusiasm, determination and commitment.
powered catalysis system.
ELECTED PRESIDENT OF FEDERATION FOR GLOBAL INTERESTS IN
MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
PROFESSOR James Goh, Head of NUS Biomedical Engineering Department, The IFBME founded in 1959
was elected President of the International Federation for Medical and is primarily a federation of
Biological Engineering (IFMBE) during the IFMBE General Assembly held in national and transnational
conjunction with the 2015 World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical organisations which represent
Engineering in Toronto, Canada. the national and global
interests in medical and
Said Prof Goh, “It’s a great honor. Looking forward, I hope to harness IFMBE’s biological engineering. The
global biomedical engineering network to influence the use of technology for Federation now has 60
human health and wellness.” affiliated member organizations.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: STAFF / 23
The objectives of the IFMBE are
scientific, technological, literary, and
educational. It aims to encourage
research and the application of
knowledge, and to disseminate
information and promote collaboration Former President,
in the field of medical, biological and Prof Ratko
clinical engineering worldwide. Magjarevic,
pinning the IFMBE
President’s badge
Prof Goh was also recently elected onto the jacket of
to the American Institute for Medical incoming President,
and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Prof James Goh.
College of Fellows. The AIMBE
College of Fellows represents the most
accomplished and distinguished medical
and biological engineers responsible for
innovation and discovery.
AWARD-WINNING COOLING SYSTEM THAT CUTS ENERGY
CONSUMPTION BY 50 PER CENT
MECHANICAL Engineering team led by Adjunct Professor Ng Kim Choon and Said Dr Chua, “In the tropics,
Assistant Professor Ernest Chua Kian Jon has won the Distinguished Award air-conditioning efficiency decreases
at the Urban Sustainability R&D Congress. His project, the world’s first air- dramatically when removing
conditioning system that works without a compressor, was showcased as part moisture from the air. We have
of the event. The Distinguished Award is the highest category of award to be evolved an innovative technology
conferred, with the other awards being “Merit” and “Special Mention”. to dehumidify the intake of moist
air using the novel membranes, and
then to cool the dehumidified air by
multiple-pass of indirect evaporative
cooling. The technology does not
involve the use of environmentally
harmful refrigerants for cooling.
This translates to a sustainable air
conditioner that is totally green!”
Their membrane systems is uniquely
designed so that the electricity
consumption is significantly
lower – to less than 50 per cent
conventional mechanically-driven
cycles. Patented, their cooling
technology serves to reduce carbon
and water footprints sustainably for
modern living in mega-cities.
The team also won the Asean
Outstanding Achievement
Award and the IES Prestigious
Dr Ernest Chua (far left) at the Urban Sustainability R&D Congress, explaining how their Engineering Achievement Award
system works.
2015 for their invention.
 24 / OUR PEOPLE: STAFF FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: STAFF / 25

Assoc Prof Ang’s favourite project, the driverless robotic car Assoc Prof Ang has been tinkering with
COMMITTED TO SHARING HIS PASSION IN THE has been in the news, a collaboration with the Massachusetts machines since he was a young boy and
SCIENCE BEHIND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Institute of Technology (MIT) through the Singapore MIT this has led to his interest in robotics.
Alliance for Research & Technology (SMART). The NUS- Other projects which Assoc Prof Ang
SMART car was converted costing only around $30,000. It has worked on included a ship welding
IF he had not become a scientist, he would probably have been a works without using the Global Positioning System and it robotic system. But working on the
high-school teacher, Assistant Professor Vincent Tan told the Asian can navigate indoors as well as underground. Besides being a mobility on demand system has been his
Scientist Magazine. This faculty member with the Department of boon for the handicapped and the elderly to get around, it is most satisfying project. It will be a legacy
Electrical & Computer Engineering (and the Faculty of Science’s also a solution for “first mile” and “last mile” transportation. to Singapore, he added.
Department of Mathematics), was featured by the magazine in a
monthly series called “Asia’s Rising Scientists”.

Hailing from the University of Cambridge (B Eng and M Eng

in Electrical and Information Sciences Tripos) and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (PhD in Electrical Engineering & Computer
Science), Dr Tan said he has always loved to teach and share his
passion with the younger generation of scientists, engineers and
Assistant Professor Vincent Tan, one of Asia’s
mathematicians. rising scientists.
His research interests include information theory, machine learning
and statistical signal processing. He is an associate editor for coding Said Dr Tan, “Looking forward, I hope
and communication theory for the journal IEEE Transactions on to work with my team of students and
Communications. He has also written a monograph on his work in research scientists to solve challenging
information theory. The monograph, titled “Asymptotic Estimates mathematical problems that have a direct
in Information Theory with Non-Vanishing Error Probabilities”, was or indirect application to communications,
published in 2014 by the Foundations and Trends in Communications machine learning and beyond. In addition,
and Information Theory. as an academic who has gone through the
Singapore education system, I hope to be a
Having won several awards for his work, including the A*STAR Philip good role model for students in secondary
Yeo Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Research in 2011 and the school, junior colleges and polytechnics to
NUS Young Investigator Award in 2014, Dr Tan hopes to push the take up a career in science and engineering.
frontiers in the understanding of optimal schemes for transmission I will continue to be active in reaching out to
and compression of data across noisy media. them should they need any career advice.”
APPLAUDED FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ROBOTICS
ASSOCIATE Professor Marcelo H Ang Jr was
presented the Capek Award at Innorobo
2015 in Lyon (France), for his exceptional
contributions to robotics. Assoc Prof Ang,
Director, Advanced Robotics Centre at the
NUS Faculty of Engineering, also gave a talk
on autonomous vehicles at the Conference.
Innorobo is billed as Europe’s only
international event 100 per cent dedicated to
robotics and all disruptive innovations from
around the world. It showcases technological
Assoc Prof Marcelo Ang receiving the Capek Award from Mr Bruno Bonnel, innovations that offer solutions to current
partner, Robolution Captial. and future societal challenges.
SOME OTHER NOTABLE STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr Chen Nan won Best Paper Award
in the IIE Transactions, the leading
journal of Institute of Industrial
Engineers, for the paper “Condition
Monitoring and Residual Life Prediction
Using Degradation Signals”.
Prof Choo Yoo Sang, Lloyd’s Register
Foundation Chair Professor, Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering
and Centre for Offshore Research &
Engineering, received the prestigious
Kurobane Award at the 15th International
Symposium on Tubular Structures (ISTS)
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is also
the recipient of the IES Prestigious
Engineering Achievement Award 2015 for
his research in offshore engineering.
Prof Chow Yean Khow was selected
by editor of International Journal
of Geomechanics as an American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2014
Outstanding Reviewer.
Dr Li Xue received the 2015 NAMS
Young Membrane Scientist Award held
in Boston.
Prof Liew Jat Yuen, Richard
was appointed as Honorary Professor
and elected fellow of the Academy of
Engineering of Nanjing Tech University
(NTU), China.
Prof Lim Chwee Teck was conferred
the Vladimir K Zworykin Award at the
opening of the World Congress on Medical
Physics and Biomedical Engineering 2015,
Toronto, Canada. He was the first in Asia
to receive the award, in recognition of his
outstanding contributions to research in the
field of medical and biological engineering.
He was elected to the American Institute
for Medical and Biological Engineering
(AIMBE) College of Fellows which represents
the most accomplished and distinguished
medical and biological engineers responsible
for innovation and discovery. In Dec, he
was also elected Fellow of the Academy of
Engineering, Singapore.
Dr Raymond Ong Ghim Ping was
selected by editor of Journal of Transportation
Engineering as an American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE) 2014 Outstanding Reviewer
on 30 April.
Assoc Prof Palani Balaya won the Global
Star Award from The American Ceramic Society
in recognition of his substantial contribution
to the success of the 2015 International
Conference on Advanced Ceramics and
Composites held in Florida, USA.
Prof Andrew Palmer was appointed a
Trustee of American University Sharjah.
Assoc Prof Rajasekhar
Balasubramaniam was appointed Editor
of the journal of Aerosol & Air Quality
Research, and elected to the Asian Aerosol
Research Assembly (AARA) Board of Directors
in recognition of his contributions to the field
of atmospheric aerosols.
Dr Ren Hongliang & Dr Yu
Haoyong won Best paper awards
at the 2015 IEEE CCECE (IEEE
Canadian Conference on Electrical
and Computer Engineering)
conference held in Halifax, Canada.
Prof Bhatia Charanjit Singh
was elected Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Fellow (2015), USA, for his
contributions to magnetic head-
media interfaces and tribology.
Prof Wang Chien Ming was
awarded the 2015 Alumnus of
the Year by Monash University at
Clayton Campus in Australia.
Prof Lawrence Wong was
elected 2015 IEEE Vice President,
Member and Geographic Activities.
Dr Raye Yeow was awarded the
Yamaguchi Medals for ‘Gait and
Kinesiology’ at the 8th Asian-Pacific
Conference on Biomechanics 2015.
Dr Zhang Rui won the 2015
Marconi Prize Paper Award, for
paper entitled “MIMO Broadcasting
for Simultaneous Wireless
Information and Power Transfer”
in IEEE Transactions on Wireless
Communications, Vol 12, No 5,
May 2013, pp 1989-2001.
 26 / OUR PEOPLE: STUDENTS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: STUDENTS / 27

SINGAPORE’S WATER POLO CAPTAIN GRADUATES IN
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
CAPTAIN of Singapore’s women water polo team, Her passion for
Ms Gina Koh, graduated this year with a B Eng water polo has
degree in Environmental Engineering. But she led her to far
hopes to continue scoring goals for the sport. She flung corners of
has helped the Singapore team to score a silver the world such as
medal at the SEA games held in Singapore this year. Khanty-Mansiysk in
Russia (for the FINA
Her final year project, coincidentally, is partly Women Water Polo
related to water – determining the distribution World Cup in 2014).
and identifying the taxonomy of antibiotic
resistant bacteria present in reservoirs, catchments Commenting on
and Singapore hospitals. Commenting on her how she managed
choice of discipline in Engineering, Gina said, to juggle studies
“I am always passionate about environmental and water polo, she
issues, mathematics and sciences. Environmental said. “I would think
Engineering fits my interest best.” it’s a mindset and
discipline that I have
As for water polo, she said she was exposed for myself. I will do Singapore’s water polo player, Gina
to the sport since junior college days. “It is my best in whatever Koh, graduated in July with a B Eng
in Environmental Engineering.
team-oriented, very different from swimming. that I’ve set out to
Every match is different and I like the constant do. No matter how
challenges of this sport,” said Gina who joined tough things are, I would give nothing but the best. This
the national team in 2011. way, I will have no regrets in the future,” said Gina.
A PASSION FOR PHOTONICS
Furthermore, we have world-class Currently, Lianwei leads a project to explore a novel hybrid frozen
experimental instruments which are open to matrix highlighting the transition phase between liquid and solid.
enthusiastic young students like me.” This is a world-first and has proven so far to be promising, paving
the way for further development in nonlinear optical material
Photonics is the science and technology of the which is the key to high power laser and photonic circuits.
emission and transmission of light through the
control of photons. Now under the guidance He and his team have fabricated a graphene-oxide-hybrid frozen
of Professor Hong Minghui, Director, Optical system – a new record that could lead to super performing devices
Science and Research Centre, Lianwei targets offering high resolution bio-imaging as well as advanced micro-
to bring next-generation photonics such as processing techniques. The team plans to form a startup by next
photonic computing into reality. year, to commercialise their technology.
BUMBLEBEE TEAM SHOWS THEIR COMPETITIVE STING AT ROBOSUB
NUS Bumblebee team proved their prowess once again – emerging 2nd at the Said Esther Tan, 4th-year
18th International RoboSub competition held in San Diego. They were 7th in Mechanical Engineering
2013 and 5th in 2014. At the 2015 competition, they were the only team that student who is overseeing
attempted active manipulation tasks successfully. No other team had displayed publicity and outreach for
the combined capability in computer vision and mechanical actuation when the team, “This competition
completing these hybrid tasks. has been an amazing
and inspiring educational
The team said they achieved their good results despite having a particularly experience for us. Not only
hard time – their electrical systems were falling apart during the competition – do we learn best practices
alongside issues such as limited thruster speeds, hard disks crashing and from other competing teams
boards failing. but by talking to like-minded
individuals, we are also
exposed to new concepts. We
are tremendously motivated
by their passion in robotics
and new technologies.”

NUS Engineering Programme graduate Chen Lianwei, RoboSub is organised

a recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate by the Association for
Researcher Award, has already written three Unmanned Vehicles Systems
scientific papers when he was still an undergraduate. International (AUVSI), a
Receiving his B Eng (Engineering Science) degree non-profit organisation
with first class honours in July, he found himself back that provides students with
at what he enjoys most – research. Now in a direct hands-on robotics activities
PhD programme at the NUS Graduate School for designed to fuel and sustain
Integrative Science and Engineering (NGS) he has their interest in science,
published a paper in Nanoscale, as the lead author. technology, engineering and
math. It challenges a new
Lianwei has been offered places by top American generation of engineers to
universities to pursue his PhD. But he has perform realistic missions in an
chosen to stay on in NUS. Commenting on his underwater environment.
decision, he said, “NUS offers a highly flexible
programme and I wanted to explore deeper
into what I have done for my final year project
Mr Chen Lianwei doing what he loves best – research. Standing by
where I was introduced by my supervisor into the The Bumblebee team with their AUV.
is his supervisor, Prof Hong Minghui.
colourful and interesting world of photonics.
 28 / OUR PEOPLE: STUDENTS
KNOWLEDGE AND GREAT TEAMWORK CLINCHED TOP PRIZE AND
BEST OVERALL TITLE
NUS ENGINEERING team clinched the top prize (university category) at the
Sembcorp-EMA Energy Challenge (11 June). Led by 3rd-year Mechanical
Engineering student, Mr Kevin Hadinata, the team won $1,000 and an
internship with Sembcorp. They also took the Best Overall Team title, winning
for themselves an additional $1,200.
The challenge which saw 88 participants from polytechnics, universities
and ITE, required participants to come up with a model for running a
power plant, maximising three parameters – profitability, environmental
The team (from left): Mr Johandy Tantra (Mechanical Engineering), Mr Fandy
Lamgabe Sihombing (Mechanical Engineering), Mr Bernard Nee from EMA, Mr
Jonathan Steven Mulia (Chemical Engineering) and Mr Kevin Hadinata (team leader).
CAROL’S INVENTION IS A “WANTED” MOBILE APP
THE Police is delighted with Ms Carol Cheng’s
mobile app called Speed Photofit. The app makes
sketching of suspects a breeze. Her innovation was
displayed at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Excel
Fest which was part of the annual programme,
SAFE (Security Awareness for Everyone).
Said Carol, a 3rd-year Electrical & Computer
Engineering student, “Usually, the witness must
recall the suspect’s facial features and then
describe the details to the artist who would then
sketch out the face accordingly. My app allows
witnesses to come out with the sketch themselves.
They can also do it anytime, anywhere.”
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
sustainability, and reliability of
the plant. Participants were
required to consider the impacts
of many factors, such as oil price,
weather condition and energy
demand to the power plant. These
unpredictable factors resulted in the
need to strategize right from the
start of the challenge.
Said Kevin, “We came well
prepared, armed with relevant
knowledge. But I also believe that
our winning was due to great
teamwork. My teammates were not
only able to communicate their ideas
well but also listened to each other’s
opinions,” he added.  just about 300g. Durable and extremely portable, it
This is Kevin’s first prize in an
engineering-related challenge. But
the musically-inclined student has
won prizes before in many music
and band competitions, both within
and outside NUS. He is an active
member in Tembusu College’s
band, The Elevated Pitch.
Carol Cheng’s
mobile app
makes coming
out with
sketches of
suspects so
much easier.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: STUDENTS / 29
The project was completed as part of the An alumnus from Temasek Junior College, her other interest
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme at was music. She had played with the JC’s symphonic band.
NUS. Perhaps her liking DIY and doodling contributed However, she thinks Engineering will be her profession when
to her interest in the project, she said. “My mentor, she graduates as she prefers something that is hands-on and
Professor Hari K Garg was looking for students to coming out with solutions.
work on the project. It sounds interesting so I signed
up,” she said. It took just five months to complete
though she was the only one working on the project.
PROVIDING PORTABLE WATER-FILTER SYSTEMS FOR USE
IN DISASTERS
ARMED with a vision that “no man shall face
prolonged thirst”, WateROAM formed by students
from the Department of Civil & Environmental
Engineering with a friend from the NUS School of
Business, has come up with a world’s first. Called
“Fieldtrate Lite”, it is a water filter system weighing
is customised for disaster relief operations – as well
as for rural areas which have no potable water.
Mr Vincent Loka, WateROAM’s Chief Operations
Officer, said, “One ‘Fieldtrate Lite’ is enough to
filter dirty water from water sources such as rivers
and wells, for a household of up to seven people.
The system, with regular simple maintenance of just
three simple steps, can last up to about five years.”
Their filtration systems have provided drinkable
water for nearly 1,000 people in places such as
Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bintan (Indonesia) where
they have seen kids in rural villages stunted in
growth due to the lack of nutrients and disaster
victims living in slums in urgent need of clean
drinking water.
“Fieldtrate Lite” makes use of ceramic filter From dirty water to drinking water in an instant. WateROAM
technology and does not require electricity. Costing team (from left): Mr Lim Chong Tee, 24, Mr Vincent Loka, 22,
and Mr David Pong, 26, with their invention, Fieldtrate Lite. The
$35 each, it can filter up to six to 10 litres of water
device consists of ceramic membranes which are more hardy
in just an hour. Looking forward, the team plans
and durable compared to other forms of filters, with pores of
to come up with a bigger system suitable for a
only 0.5 microns in size, small enough to filter off bacteria such
community of 200 to 300 people. as E Coli and other common ones causing illness. The ceramic
filters also possess “hydrophilic” quality which accelerates the
WaterROAM’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Lim flow of water, speeding up the separation process.
Chong Tee, reveals that they are looking at
expanding the use of their filter systems beyond
Southeast Asia, to countries like South American
and Africa. Currently, one of the team’s prototypes is
being tested by the Bangladeshi government.
 30 / OUR PEOPLE: STUDENTS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: ALUMNI / 31

RECOGNISED FOR HER WORK ON INTERACTION OF

HONOURING ENGINEERING ALUMNI
NANOMATERIALS WITH LIVING CELLS

RESEARCH FELLOW Dr Magdiel Inggrid Setyawati
(Department of Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering) is among 10 postgraduate students
recognised for their outstanding environmental and
sustainability research. She received the World Future
Foundation (WFF) PhD Prize in Environmental and
Sustainability Research, an award of US $10,000.
Dr Setyawati’s research sheds light on how nanomaterials
interact with living cells. Due to their small size, nanomaterials
could escape the endothelial cells barrier of the blood vessels,
resulting in a higher incidence of cancer metastasis. In addition
to explaining the health threat posed by long term widespread
nanomaterials exposure and use, the study also contribute
towards developing safer nanomaterials.

Scientists have seen in some animal studies that

nanomaterials introduced externally do accumulate in
significant amounts in internal organs. It is assumed that
these nanomaterials must have crossed protective cell barriers
to reach those internal organs. Until now, the scientific
community believes that nanomaterials cross cellular barriers
through the cells via a process called “endocytosis” where
cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.

However, the NUS team has found that nanomaterials could

Dr Magdiel Inggrid Setyawati, winner of the World
Future Foundation PhD Prize in Environmental and
Sustainability Research.
SOME NOTABLE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Abhra Roy Chowdhury won 1st Prize (PhD Thesis
Category), IEEE Industry Applications Society Chapters
& Membership Development Department (IAS CMD)
Graduate Student Thesis Contest 2015.
NUS FSAE car by Design-Centric Programme
team led by Pakata Goh Liang Hui was ranked 7th
worldwide. The team also took the World champion
for Cummins Inc. Applied Technology Award for the
innovative wireless telemetry system; 1st in the world
for Business presentation event; 2nd in the world
for Acceleration drag race; 3rd in the world for FEV
Powertrain Development Award (which recognises teams
for overall performance for acceleration, fuel economy,
cost and the 22km endurance race); and 4th in the
world for Bosch Engineering Design Drawing Award.
actually cause gaps to form between endothelial cells within
minutes after the nanoparticles exposure. They coined this
phenomenon “nanomaterials induced endothelial cells
leakiness” (NanoEL). This process is faster and easier than
the endocytosis path.
The findings of the study were published in Nature
Communications on 9 April 2013.
PD Loggers team comprising Electrical & Computer
Engineering students Daniel Lee, Teo Yew Shen and Mikos Val
put their heads together for a wearable monitoring device for
patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. They took first prize
at the Intel Singapore Invent 50 Competition.
Teh Ying Shi won the Silver Prize for Most Outstanding
Paper at the IEEE International Conference on Electronics,
Information and Communication (ICEIC 2015) conference.
Zhang Hong was awarded the First Paper Award for his
paper, “Hencky bar chain model for buckling and vibration of
beams with elastically restrained ends” in the International
Conference on Advanced Materials, Structures and Mechanical
Engineering (ICAMSME 2015) held at the Incheon National
University, South Korea.
Ready to celebrate 60 years of engineering, with Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim (centre)
blowing out the candles. Joining in the big moment (from left): Former deans, Prof Andrew Nee, Prof Goh Thong Ngee, Prof Poo
Aun Neow; NUS Chairman, Mr Wong Ngit Liong (on Minister’s right); Dean of Engineering, Prof Chua Kee Chaing (on Minister’s
left); former dean, Prof Chan Eng Soon and Vice Dean (External Relations) Prof Victor Shim. The 60th Anniversary bash was held at
the Shangri-La Hotel on 16 Oct, with more than 600 guests.
NUS Engineering alumni were honoured at the The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award
Faculty’s 60th Anniversary gala dinner held at the was conferred on Dr Shahzad Nasim, Group Executive
Shangri-La Hotel (16 October). Mr Seah Cheng Chairman of Meinhardt Singapore Pte Ltd. Dr Nasim
San (Civil Engineering Class of 1982) received the graduated with a Master of Civil Engineering degree
Engineering Alumni Service Honours. Director in 1976, and grew Meinhardt, establishing 42 offices
of 3Fleur Pte Ltd, an investment holding company, around the globe, which carry the Singapore brand.
he led a group of alumni to establish a faculty-level Projects led by him include landmark buildings in
endowed bursary fund in 2009, providing financial Singapore such as The Sail @ Marina Bay, One Raffles
assistance to needy full-time undergraduates. He also Quay and the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Overseas,
initiated the inaugural NUS Engineering Charity Golf building that carry his stamp include The Dubai Mall, The
event and raised more than $400,000. River in Bangkok and the Bank of China in Hong Kong.
From left: Engineering Dean, Prof
Chua Kee Chaing; recipient of
Distinguished Engineering Alumni
Award, Dr Shahzad Nasim; Minister
for Communications and Information,
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim; NUS Chairman,
Mr Wong Ngit Liong; recipient of the
Engineering Alumni Service Honours,
Mr Seah Cheng San; and Vice Dean
(External Relations) Prof Victor Shim.
 32 / OUR PEOPLE: ALUMNI FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUR PEOPLE: ALUMNI / 33

“My project is hence to develop a

ECE ALUMNUS INVENTED THE WORLD’S FIRST SMART CUSHION
BAD back pains during his PhD days at NUS Engineering led Dr Hu Junhao to Dr Hu and his staff talked to
come out with the world’s first smart cushion that monitors sitting habits. Now, many people who had to sit
some four years later, the graduate from the Department of Electrical & Computer in the office for a long time,
Engineering (ECE) is founder and CEO of Darma which develops the smart cushion listening to their complaints
in Silicon Valley. before coming up with their
idea. It was also hard at first to
Said Dr Hu, “When I was a PhD student, I suffered seriously from back pain very recruit talents for his startup.
often after being seated for a long time. My experience motivated me to start
thinking about how to address this issue. I found out that we can develop a “In Singapore, many talented
device to track our posture throughout the working day. I realised there could be students prefer to do banking
a great demand for such a product and that my product has lots of potential.” and consulting, while others are
in semiconductor companies.
We were just a small startup
and could not pay high salaries
initially. We also needed to
convince people that we were
doing great things. Fortunately,
our team now has about 10 full
time members, and we are still
growing,” he said.
rigorous mathematical method that
could determine the ground state
and also prove that the ground
state obtained is the true state. This
is really an exciting project for me
because it requires me to integrate
different aspects of knowledge I’ve
learnt in mathematics, computer
science and materials science.”
He added that while solving
problems, he has also picked up
new knowledge and skills. This
bright young man has been picking
up many bouquets as well. For
example, one of his supervisors
has commented that Wenxuan has
provided a “deep and fundamental
approach towards the problem” NUS GEP alumnus Mr Huang Wenxuan (centre, holding the bouquet) was conferred
and that it works “like magic”! MIT’s First Year Graduate Exceptional Performance Award.

Dr Hu Junhao develops a smart cushion which can track postures through the day.
GOOD SHOW BY GEP GRADUATE AT MIT
AFTER completing his B Eng in three
years, Global Engineering Programme
(GEP) graduate Huang Wenxuan
(Class of 2010) went on to do his
PhD at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT). Now, he is still
shining brightly as a 3rd-year PhD
student with MIT.
He was conferred the First Year
Graduate Exceptional Performance
Award by MIT. For his course work
which comprised four core courses,
Wenxuan scored ‘A+’ for two
courses, and ‘A’ for the other two.
Scoring ‘A+’ is indeed a rarity at MIT.
Looking forward, Dr Hu is
DR KOH FOUNDED STARTUP TO SIMPLIFY A COMPLEX WORLD
aiming to build a global
company. “Developing a product
that is really loved by customers NUS Engineering alumnus, As to why he chose the
Dr Koh Niak Wu founded a area of robotics, Dr Koh
is my goal,” he said.
startup that deals with data said it was exciting to work
fusion and operational analytics. in a field that can either
His goal? To simplify decision- implode the world economy
making processes in a world or help drive economic
that could do with a little growth. After many years
less complexity. His approach of studying the evolution
involves an in-depth knowledge of supply chains through
of business processes – a large industry projects, Dr Koh
Commenting on why he has chosen GEP in NUS as the pathway to
proportion of which revolves now applies his engineering
success, Wenxuan said, “GEP offers students excellent opportunities
around building harmony. training to the field of
for overseas exposure at topnotch universities. GEP is also an
operations management,
accelerated pathway which enables students to complete their
Dr Koh (Class of 2007), has an area of management
engineering degree in just three years instead of four. This enables one Full of drive: Dr Koh Nia Wu, CEO and Founder
never looked back from the concerned with overseeing,
to stretch and realise one’s potentials.” of Cosmo International Pte Ltd and Cosmo Sense
days he took up engineering. designing, and controlling
SD Bud (www.cosmiqo.com).
Having done his Bachelor of business processes.
Over at MIT, Wenxuan is developing a method to determine the exact
Engineering in King’s College,
ground state (lowest energy state) of a lattice model. For 20 years,
London and taking a year out When it comes to running Cosmiqo (now two years old), Dr Koh believes in
exact ground state determination remains an unresolved problem. The
upon graduation to experience providing an enriching and fulfilling experience for his team while innovating
“Monte Carlo” method is currently the only tool in resolving exact
the industry, he continued and building meaningful solutions.
ground state problem.
to do his PhD in robotics at
NUS Engineering. Today, he Commenting on the relevance and importance of engineering, Dr Koh said,
“However, due to its statistical nature, there is no way to guarantee
supports the team at Cosmiqo “Engineers changed the world in ways we never thought imaginable. We live in
that the low energy state obtained is absolutely the lowest,” Wenxuan
International Pte Ltd and Cosmiqo exciting times where technology and business model innovation is undergoing
pointed out.
Sense Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. transformative change.”
 34 / OUR PEOPLE: ALUMNI FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FACTS AND FIGURES / 35

FROM NO KNOWLEDGE TO BEING A WORLD CHAMPION IN APPLIED

TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS
THE NUS FSAE car broke its own
record when it returned from
the international competition at CLASS OF 2015
Michigan, ranking 7th in the world
(out of 120 teams). The team BEng 1538
returned with the World Champion MSc 615
title for Applied Technology and
MEng 52
four other awards.
PhD 253
Said Mr Shia Jun Jie, the person
TOTAL 2458
behind the wireless telemetry
system which wowed everyone
at the competition, “It is an in-
house development using the
Arduino platform. It receives data
from the logger that is on the car.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ENROLMENT
After a series of decoding the data
from the propriety system, data is Engineering 47
extracted and packaged into usable
BTech 1023
information to be sent out. It is
then received on the PC and mobile Biomedical Engineering 378
Android platform for data analysis Shia Jun Jie (seated in car) developed the wireless telemetry system for the NUS FSAE
car which won the World Champion for Cummins Inc. Applied Technology Award. Civil Engineering 472
on the go.”
Electrical Engineering 819
The clinching factor, Jun Jie says, With the availability of real time data, the FSAE team was able to monitor Industrial & Systems Engineering 444
lies in the innovative use of a simple important parameters such as temperature and vital pressure of the system
mobile phone to receive real time Materials Science & Engineering 255
to ensure that the FSAE car was in optimal and operating conditions. This
data from the car. “They were also way, the team did not have to stop the car periodically to check the system, Mechanical Engineering 1362
impressed with the use of simple allowing the driver to have maximum track time.
Chemical Engineering 1184
and low cost devices to achieve the
results that would otherwise cost There were many challenges. For example, the entire project was built Computer Engineering 414
hundreds or even thousands of on little or even no prior knowledge. “Most of the things in the wireless Engineering Science Programme 122
dollars!” he added. telemetry system was self learnt and outside academic syllabus. A huge
portion of the time was spent learning how to get the code right and Environmental Engineering 293
The system was built using debugging it when it wasn’t. I am fortunate to have my team mates who TOTAL 6813
borrowed parts from the Design- are willing to stay till late at night and even overnight on many occasions
Centric Programme (which hosts the to brainstorm,” Jun Jie said.
FSAE project) and a fellow research
engineer. The bulk of the work was Said NUS FSAE advisor, Professor Seah Kar Heng, “Jun Jie was a
spent on software development. direct-intake Year-2 Electrical Engineering student. Armed with a
Other components, such as the PC polytechnic diploma and an innate interest in engineering, he was well GRADUATE STUDENT ENROLMENT
and phone were easily available as placed to tackle this difficult task of developing a telemetry system for our
the system is compatible with all race car. After years of hard work and perseverance, he finally managed to MSc 1276
Windows PCs and android phones. deliver the goods. It is a testimony to his consummate competence.” MEng 120
PhD 1002

TOTAL 2398
36 / FACTS AND FIGURES FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FACTS AND FIGURES / 37

STAFF RESEARCH

STAFF PROFILE TOTAL RESEARCH GRANTS AWARDED TO FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,

EXCLUDING RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS (as at 31 December 2015)
Professors 96
Associate Professors 148
AMOUNT (S$) 140
Assistant Professors 79 IN MILLIONS

TOTAL NUMBER OF FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS 323 120

Adjunct staff 113 100

Other Teaching Staff 53
80
Research Staff 703
Executive & Professional Staff 99 60
Non-academic Staff 289
40
TOTAL STAFF STRENGTH 1580
20

0
FY 2011/2012 FY 2012/2013 FY 2013/2014 FY 2014/2015 FY 2015/2016
RESEARCH GRAND TOTAL 107,754,935 106,307,487 136,470,854 131,977,256 97,512,191

ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES AT NUS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

(as at 31 December 2015)
RESEARCH GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
300 AWARDED IN FY2015/2016

250
MOE Research Grants S$24,845,829
200 20.08%

150
MOE Research Scholarships S$23,156,547
100 18.71%
Figures are
Cumulative 50
External Research Grants S$72,666,362
58.72%
YEAR SPIN-OFF / START-UP COMPANIES LICENSED TECHNOLOGIES INVENTIONS PATENTED
2009 and before 27 127 202
External Research Scholarships S$3,081,475
2010 30 135 209
2.49%
2011 30 145 219
2012 35 150 227
GRAND TOTAL S$123,750,213
2013 39 153 240
2014 53 166 257
2015 54 173 274
38 / FACTS AND FIGURES FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FACTS AND FIGURES / 39

RESEARCH RESEARCH

NUMBER OF CITATIONS (IN 5-YEAR INTERVALS) NUMBER OF PAPERS (IN 5-YEAR INTERVALS)
Essential Science Indicators has been updated as of November 12, 2015 to cover a 10-year plus 8-month period, Essential Science Indicators has been updated as of November 12, 2015 to cover a 10-year plus 8-month period,
January 1, 2005–August 31, 2015. January 1, 2005–August 31, 2015.

TIMES 16,000 NUMBER 3,000

CITED OF PAPERS 2,988
14,000 14,531 2,950

12,000 12,948 2,900

12,043
10,000 2,850
10,228 10,296
2,844
8,000 8,840 2,800 2,816
7,707
6,000 2,750

4,000 2,700

2,684 2,691 2,682

2,000 2,650

0 2,600 2,611
2005-2009 2006-2010 2007-2011 2008-2012 2009-2013 2010-2014 2011-2015
2,550
CITING YEARS
2,500
2005-2009 2006-2010 2007-2011 2008-2012 2009-2013 2010-2014 2011-2015

CITING YEARS

AVERAGE CITATIONS PER PAPER (IN 5-YEAR INTERVALS)

Essential Science Indicators has been updated as of November 12, 2015 to cover a 10-year plus 8-month period,
January 1, 2005-August 31, 2015.

CITATIONS 6
PER PAPER
5
4.86
4
4.55
4.28
3.80 3.84
3 3.29
2.95
2

0
2005-2009 2006-2010 2007-2011 2008-2012 2009-2013 2010-2014 2011-2015

CITING YEARS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

9 Engineering Drive 1
Singapore 117575
Tel: (65) 6516 3445
Fax: (65) 6779 5594
www.eng.nus.edu.sg