As part of their official business at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University, the Dean, Prof. Cheong Hee Kiat, Division Heads (Prof Tay Joo Hwa, Prof. Soh Chee Kiong and A/P Ting Seng Kiong) and several Staff met with a significant number of CEE Alumni in Shanghai. Thus, this first inaugural meeting of the Nanyang CEE Alumni (Shanghai-Suzhou) was held at the Ambassy Club at Huai Hai Zhong Road on 6th June 2004.

In his opening speech, the Dean focused on recent developments in the university, on current issues of the School and on the activities of the Nanyang CEE Alumni. He requested those who are currently in position of authority to help students with work attachments in China and, if possible, with full-time employment in Shanghai. At the gathering, the Dean recalled with fondness, the unforgettable memories that he had when he was a lecturer, and the enjoyment that he experienced interacting with students at every level. Consequently, he stressed the importance of networking and maintaining regular links between the School and CEE Alumni working overseas, especially in cities where there is a concentration of CEE graduates.

Prof. Cheong Hee Kiat addressing Alumni at the plush Ambassy Club, Shanghai

Light moments of reflection for Staff and Alumni














CEE Staff and Alumni listening attentively to Dean’s message














As graduates become more outward-looking, the Dean favoured the need for more regular meetings between Academic Staff and Alumni in Shanghai/Beijing. As a result of the connection established between the School and the two universities in Shanghai, he mentioned that there will be more regular movement of Staff between Shanghai and Singapore. Should such occasions arise, he would encourage similar get-togethers to continue the tradition of the School.

Prof. Cheong reminded everyone who has an interest in the Shanghai Group to contact A/P Lok Tat Seng (Sub-Dean of CEE Alumni Relations) to maintain the link. He also suggested to the Sub-Dean to explore co-operation with Contact Singapore (Shanghai) and to examine Ministry for Trade and Industry (MTI) schemes to promote work attachment/employment of CEE students with Chinese/Singapore companies in China. Towards the end, the Dean presented tokens of appreciation (NTU Alumni pen set and phone cards) to Alumni members. He also thanked the Alumni and Endowment Office at NTU for their support of the event.

Exchanging namecards and promises to keep in touch regularly













The Dean expressed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone for attending the gathering, especially to those who were based in Suzhou and who had the onerous task of travelling back to their families that day. He thanked the organisers, Mr Lim Boon Kok (FyfeAsia) and Mr Simon Wang (FyfeAsia) for arranging and for gathering, at a very short notice, CEE Alumni together for this special occasion. He also thanked Dr He Zhi (former CEE Staff) for joining the CEE fraternity and Dr Bai Yun (Shanghai Urban Construction Group) and Mr Chua Chin Wei (Contact Singapore) for finding time to attend the function and to interact with members of Staff and the Alumni. The event ended on a successful note, with hopes of more such get-togethers in the near future.

Till we meet again!