Rapid urbanisation presents both opportunities and challenges to society. Civil engineers stand at the crossroads and dream of the possibilities that lie ahead. At NTU CEE, you get to build the foundations necessary to be a part of this. Here, future engineers are developed to be adaptable and creative problem solvers. The academically rigorous curriculum has honed my engineering competencies while broadening my worldview. Through internships, research projects, global exposure, and personal development, I have had no shortage of avenues to learn outside the classroom. Most importantly, I take pride in the tightly knit community students have with faculty and staff.

- Muhammad Sofian Bin Mohamed Tahir, Class of 2022

Civil Engineering Student's Testimonials

Click on each of the graduates below to find out more!​​

 

DARYL CHEW KOK HOONG
INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY LEAD
SOILBUILD GROUP

What made you pursue this career?

I aspire to change the perception of the Built Environment sector and inject a fresh perspective 
for our future engineers. This sector is undergoing transformation and without the human factor, no 
amount of new technologies and digital revolutions will ensure its success. I hope to have the 
opportunity to shape the future direction and help young engineers navigate the early years of 
their career in this sector.

What are your main responsibilities?
As the Production Planning Engineer at Soilbuild’s Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hub 
(ICPH), my main responsibilities include managing the integrated Enterprise Resource Planning 
system. The system drives various automation processes including the development and integration of 
emerging cutting-edge technologies to boost precast production efficiency and productivity.
I am also involved in other facets of the business including research and development initiatives 
in advanced Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) solutions and sustainable green materials, 
tender and project feasibility discussions, and strategic communications with industry partners, 
government agencies and Institutes of Higher Learning.

What is needed to be successful in this role?
The transformation journey is challenging but an exciting one. Aspiring engineers should have an 
open mind and ride on the current wave of transformation to discover new opportunities that will 
provide them with a meaningful and rewarding career. Be aware that knowledge learnt from the 
classroom is very different from skills needed in an actual work environment. Strive to be a leader 
in your own capacity and be the catalyst for change. The industry does not need another engineer 
who simply works 9 to 5, it needs an engineer who can also think like a doctor, banker, lawyer, and 
analyst.

What do you enjoy most about this role?
This role provided me with hands-on experiences that covered many aspects of the Built Environment 
sector. Through interaction and collaboration with different stakeholders, I am exposed to a wide 
array of knowledge which cannot be learnt in a classroom. My work experiences have helped me better 
understand the industry as a whole, and in particular, how current practices in construction and 
prefabrication works can be improved. The steep learning curve is something that I have embraced 
positively and this mindset has helped develop me both as an engineer and as a leader.

Share your advice with students who are keen to pursue a career in built environment.
With the sector undergoing transformation and with fresh blood coming in with new perspectives, one 
needs to be mindful when working with seasoned colleagues who may be used to more conventional 
approaches. My advice is to always stay humble and courteous, and to always think of the bigger 
picture. Recognise the importance of teamwork. As with many other industries, managing good 
relationships with colleagues and business partners is important and will require one to have a 
sense of maturity and tenacity.

I am currently a Structural Engineer in DP Engineers Pte Ltd, an engineering consultancy firm. My role is to undertake structural analysis, calculations and prepare design sketches and drawings indicating the design intent for building projects. This includes ensuring that the design intent meet the relevant design codes, requirements, regulations, and client’s expectations.  My job also requires me to prepare the technical reports documenting the analysis and design results for authority submissions and subsequent correspondences.

As a design consultant, I work with different stakeholders (e.g., architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, contractors, etc.) to ensure a well-coordinated, smooth and safe delivery of project to the client. My job is satisfying as I get to see my design turns into reality on the ground where people get to work, study and live in. It is a rewarding job knowing that I can play a part in shaping the landscape of Singapore.

NTU Civil Engineering programme covers a wide range of civil engineering fields, ranging from Structural Engineering to Geotechnical Engineering, to Transportation Engineering and Environmental Engineering.  This allows graduates to embark into their interested field of civil engineering upon graduation. The contents covered in NTU Civil Engineering are practical and relevant to the real-life applications. I get to apply the knowledge and skills that I have acquired into practical uses in my job as a design engineer.

The best memories of my time in NTU Civil Engineering would be the friendships that I have made at NTU. The times where we studied and worked on projects together, to joining various activities to have fun in. Even after we have graduated and joined various sectors of the Built Environment industry (e.g., government agencies, developers, consultants, contractors), we remain in close contact with each other.

To potential applicants, a career in the Built Environment Industry is not dull but exciting and fulfilling. Do reach out to the professors, staffs, and seniors in NTU CEE to find out more about the course. To existing students, never stop learning and continue to expand your knowledge and skills through various avenues such as internships, seminar events, workshops, and webinars. See you around in the Built Environment industry!