Our History

From Nation-Building to Global Leadership (1981–2026)

Engineering Foundations (1981–1991)

The year 1981 marked a defining moment in Singapore’s development with the establishment of the Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) and alongside it, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).

EEE was one of NTI’s three founding Schools and was structured around five core field groups:

• Power
• Control
• Electronics
• Communication
• Computer
  

Together, these five disciplines reflected the technological priorities of a rapidly industrialising Singapore and laid the foundation for a rigorous, industry-relevant engineering education.

At its inception, Professor Brian Lee was appointed the first Dean of NTI EEE, establishing the School’s academic direction, laboratory culture and strong emphasis on practical engineering.

The First Milestones

In 1985, NTI held its first convocation, where the pioneer batch of 194 students graduated from the Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) programme.

The programme was accredited by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (UK), affirming its global quality and standards. These early achievements set the foundation for NTU EEE’s continued excellence.

From NTI to NTU: Expansion and Transformation

In 1991, NTI was reconstituted as Nanyang Technological University (NTU), marking a new phase of growth.

1995: A Year of Expansion

Two major developments defined this year:

• Launch of the International Student Exchange Programme (INSTEP), with the first five EEE students travelling to Australia, Canada and the United States
• Reorganisation from four to six academic divisions:
• Power Engineering
• Circuits & Systems
• Information Engineering
• Control & Instrumentation
• Communication Engineering
• Microelectronics

This expansion reflected the increasing complexity and breadth of the discipline.

Leadership Through the Years

The School’s transformation over 45 years has been shaped by visionary leaders across different eras. They include:

Professor Brian Lee Chang Leng

Founding Dean (1981)
Established the academic and structural foundations of NTI EEE.

Professor Er Meng Hwa

Second Dean (1996)
Led the School’s expansion in research and internationalisation.
He continues to serve as a faculty member at EEE.

Professor Kam Chan Hin

Third Dean (2005)
Strengthened research capabilities and academic programmes during a period of globalisation.

Chair Leadership Era

Professor Cheng Tee Hiang

Acting Chair (2011), Fourth Head of EEE
Appointed Acting Chair in 2011, marking a transition into a more research-intensive and globally connected era for the School.

Professor Yoon Soon Fatt

Chair (2013), Fifth Head of EEE
Joined NTU in 1989 and was appointed Chair in 2013.
His leadership strengthened the School’s position in emerging engineering domains and industry engagement.

Professor Tan Yap-Peng

Chair (2019), Sixth Head of EEE
Appointed Chair in 2019, further advancing interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Professor Tan Chuan Seng

Acting Chair (1 March 2024)
Provided leadership continuity and strategic direction during a key transition period.

Professor Gao Weibo

Chair (1 March 2025 – Present)
Currently leads NTU EEE in advancing frontier research areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation technologies.