NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering - Celebrating 30 Years

The NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering is 30 years old! Since her inception in 1991, MSE has grown by leaps and bounds as she continues to leave an indelible mark in both Education and Research. During these three decades, MSE has been led by four former Chairs – Professor Fong Hock Sun (2000 – 2004), Professor Freddy Boey (2004 – 2010), Professor Ma Jan (2010 – 2012) and Professor Subbu Venkatraman (2012 – 2018); each leaving a legacy for the next to build upon. Professor Fong, our first Chair, was largely focused on building MSE as a Materials education institution in Singapore. Professor Boey subsequently drove MSE’s research to greater heights, putting MSE on the international arena. Professor Ma, though sadly left us before his time, strove to ensure that our teaching curriculum was industrially-relevant and our students future-ready. Professor Venkatraman, who himself has spun-off several companies from MSE, was a role model in encouraging more faculty to fly the entrepreneur flag in MSE. By this time, MSE was ranked #1 in the world based on the US News Ranking. 

While MSE had the privilege to be led by commendable leaders, her growth was also largely a result of the strong camaraderie among the faculty, research and administrative staff, without each our story would have been very different. While some of our faculty continues to educate the next generation of students, some have retired and others are leaving their marks in other universities. Our research staff have also progressed in their careers, with a substantial proportion contributing to Singapore’s economy. A reasonable number have also become faculty back in their home countries and continue to be in touch with MSE. Our administrative officers, the backstage crew – though often away from the limelight, are likened to oil in the MSE machinery. The daily operational matters, be it academic, research or students, are driven by our reliable administrative team. 

A school will not be a school without this key group of people – our students. Over the years, our students and alumni continue to make MSE proud. Each year, MSE graduates a new batch of students. Over the years, many of them have progressed into senior engineering and leadership positions in their various roles. Despite their hectic schedules and family commitments, many still return to MSE and contribute in diverse ways; some as mentors, and others as role models to our students. Without them, MSE would have been just an empty shell. Together, we have now risen further to be ranked #1 in both the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings and the US News Ranking.

While we reflect back on our achievements, MSE is also looking ahead into the future. Aligned to Singapore’s vision and economy, MSE continues to integrate new courses into our programme – e.g., Artificial Intelligence. MSE has also moved into agri-food and sustainable materials as part of our nation’s efforts in growing this capability. At the same time, MSE continues to attract the best faculty and students in Singapore and across the globe. We are confident that Materials Science will play an even bigger role as we move towards a healthier living and more sustainable future! Together as a team, we are ready to do our part to build a better future for the current generation and the generations to come!

Please join us in commemorating our 30th Anniversary as we join hands in bringing MSE to even greater heights!

MSE Management Team (2021)