Meet the Class of 2026 as they reflect on their time at CEE, the achievements they are most proud of, and their aspirations for the future. From stories of resilience and lasting friendships to personal growth, they share the experiences that have shaped their journeys.


Undergraduate Student Stories

Select a student card below to view the full story.

Cynthia Oktaviani Pantoro
Undergraduate

Cynthia Oktaviani Pantoro

Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

Recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the IStructE (Singapore) Gold Medal

What’s a defining moment during your time at university?

In my first semester, a gruelling general physics module almost knocked my confidence. The syllabus was extensive and the problems felt impossible. I had to channel every ounce of grit I had into preparing for the exam.


When the final grades came out and I had done well, it completely shifted my mindset. It wasn't just about achieving a good grade; it showed me that our limits are often self-imposed. That exact moment fuelled my motivation through every tough semester that followed.

What’s one important life skill you gained during your time at NTU?

Perhaps the art of the juggle, or ruthless time management. Balancing a demanding curriculum with a packed plate of extra-curricular commitments taught me that time isn't something you always just have; it’s something you have to actively manage.


Mastering this skill is exactly what allowed me to thrive academically and genuinely show up for the friendships and campus communities that matter to me.

If you could have a dream travel plan, what would it be?

It would be a passport stamped by the most iconic bookstores and libraries all around the world. As a massive book lover, there is nothing cooler than stepping into worlds built on stories and centuries of human knowledge. To me, traveling through a great book is the ultimate adventure.

Jovan Chee
Undergraduate

Jovan Chee

Double Degree in Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Social Science in Economics

Recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the Professor Sir John Hicks and Lady Ursula Hicks Gold Medal

What were some challenges you faced during your studies and how did you overcome them?

Pursuing two demanding degree programmes simultaneously was certainly challenging. There were semesters where balancing my studies and other commitments required careful planning and discipline.


Another challenge was that there were very few students pursuing the same double degree, so I often had to navigate my academic journey independently. I learnt to be proactive in planning my modules, seeking advice from professors and seniors, and managing my own learning.

What advice would you give to current or prospective CEE students?

Don't be afraid to explore opportunities beyond the school. Some of the most valuable experiences I had came from internships, leadership roles, and conversations with people from different backgrounds.


Secondly, make use of the supportive community at CEE. Your professors are friendly and happy to answer your questions. Should you need it, make use of the peer tutoring and resources made available by CEE Club.


Finally, build friendships with your peers and support one another through your time at NTU, you don’t have to journey alone!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

I'd love to visit Iceland. Beyond its beautiful landscapes, I'm fascinated by how the country has thrived despite the somewhat challenging geography.

Graduate Student Stories

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Georgina Lee
Graduate

Georgina Lee

Master of Science in International Construction Management

Recipient of the Guthrie Gold Medal

How did your master’s journey shape your professional path?

Previously, much of my work focused on procurement and contract administration for railway infrastructure projects. Through the master's programme, I developed a much deeper understanding of the built environment as a whole and how different disciplines come together to deliver complex infrastructure projects.


The programme has given me greater confidence to contribute to increasingly complex infrastructure projects which railway systems are part of, particularly as the built environment continues to evolve through digitalisation, sustainability, and integrated project delivery.

What are some key takeaways you gained from the programme?

Construction management is about evaluating issues from technical, financial, contractual and managerial considerations rather than considering them in isolation. The programme equips me with better appreciation of the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders involved in the delivery of the project.


Furthermore, the construction industry is constantly evolving and one of the most valuable lessons I will carry forward is the need to remain adaptable, embrace new ideas, and continue developing throughout my professional career.

What achievement are you most proud of and why?

It would undoubtedly be receiving the Guthrie Gold Medal. I am truly honoured to receive this award. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because I come from a mechanical engineering background and I have been away from formal education for several years before returning to pursue my master's degree.


Receiving this award is therefore more than an academic achievement. It reminds me that learning does not stop once we begin our careers. Stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing a new discipline was challenging, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey.

Hamad Almossaeed
Graduate

Hamad Almossaeed

Master of Science in Maritime Studies

Recipient of the Maritime & Port Authority Gold Medal cum Cash Award

What were some challenges you faced during your studies?

NTU is very supportive when it comes to helping students succeed academically. In addition to that, our programme director, Dr Kelvin Pang, was remarkable and so engaged with everyone in the lecture theater despite the large cohort.


On a personal level, the challenge was to balance the academic pressure and be the husband and father that my family need. Luckily, I have an amazing wife who has supported me many times and allowed to me focus and perform.

How did your master’s journey shape your professional path?

My management in Aramco have high expectations of me since I started working with them. I am very grateful to be a full-time MSc student under their full sponsorship. Aramco has always been a kind and supportive organisation that invests in the Saudi workforce and creates promising career paths for each employee.


With the skill set I received in my time in Singapore, I will surely perform even better. I see the maritime industry from angles I never explored before. After this MSc, I am optimistic that my new view of the industry will allow me to perform and excel.

What achievements are you most proud of and why?

To be honest, one achievement would be the friendships I formed in and outside of NTU. I had the most wonderful year in Singapore and NTU. The cultural mix that I was exposed to taught me lessons I had never imagined and I am humble to know more about other cultures.


I loved the group projects most. I had five group projects and led four of them. Each project was a great success, but what I remember best is the fun times and laughter I had with my team while working together towards a good result.


I am also very proud to be presented with the Maritime & Port Authority (MPA) Gold Medal. It came as a surprise to me when I first got the news!

Dr Samuel Ng
Graduate

Dr Samuel Ng

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering

PhD Student Speaker

What achievements during your PhD journey stand out most to you?

I developed a method to enhance the efficiency of existing bio-grouting technology. Through my research, I was able to reduce the number of treatment cycles required to achieve sufficient soil strength from six rounds to just one.


I am also grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the CEE community such as being an emcee for Professor Chu Jian's research conferences and various events. These experiences helped me build confidence, strengthen my public speaking skills, and establish valuable professional connections.

What was a challenge you faced during your studies and how did you overcome it?

During my PhD, I had to manage the demanding laboratory experiments, which often required me to spend long nights in the lab and remain on campus for several months.


What kept me going during those difficult moments was the unwavering support of my spouse and family. Their encouragement gave me the strength to persevere and reminded me that I was never facing those challenges alone.

As a lecturer, what do you enjoy most about your role?

Interacting with my students! Their curiosity and enthusiasm during class make teaching both meaningful and rewarding.


I find great satisfaction when students express appreciation for my lessons or share that the career advice I have given them has helped them in their own journeys. Knowing that I can make a positive impact on their growth gives me a strong sense of purpose as an educator.