MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS

-Hope to explore the possibility of closer partnership between the JSME and The NUS ME-

Background

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a comprehensive university which offers students a wide range of courses and enhances their educational experience through multidisciplinary and cross-faculty initiatives. The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is the largest department in the NUS Faculty of Engineering in terms of student population. The Department has approximately 1700 students, 80% of whom are undergraduates. It has about 65 Academic Staff Members who are actively involved in both teaching and research. The NUS ME Department is ranked 13th in the world, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2017. It is regarded as 24th in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017.

The Vision Statement of the NUS ME Department is “A Mechanical Engineering Department characterized by excellence in education, research and innovation for a changing world”, whereas the Department’s Mission Statement is “To nurture Mechanical Engineers, able to provide leadership and innovative solutions to technological challenges, for the benefit of society”.

Education

The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering course is typically a four-year programme, which has evolved over the years to meet challenges in technology development and industry. It emphasizes the fundamentals of engineering science, as well as applications relevant to current industry. The Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.) degree in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of Singapore. The degree is also internationally recognized for admission to graduate studies in all the major universities around the world. The NUS ME department also offers two research-based graduate degree programmes: Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Research

Research also constitutes a vital pillar of the NUS ME Department. Both fundamental research to seek new understanding of physical phenomena and applied research to develop new products and processes to meet the needs of industry are pursued. The Department has identified several thematic research growth areas, such as Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Aeronautical Engineering, Bio-mechanical Engineering, Defence Technology, Design and Processing of Innovative Materials, Energy Systems for Cooling and Desalination, Future Transportation, Green Technology, Micro- and Nano-Systems Technology, Offshore and Marine Engineering and Robotics. Research is undertaken in 16 teaching cum research laboratories, which are equipped with many latest state-of-the-art experimental, computational and manufacturing facilities. Faculty members often work in multidisciplinary teams and have been successful in securing research grants and funding from government agencies and industry. They publish regularly in high impact factor journals in their respective areas of expertise, and many of these publications are well-cited.

Industrial Engagement

There is the perception that mechanical engineering jobs are strenuous and mundane. In fact, engineering jobs have been among the top professions with the most vacancies over the past few years in Singapore. The nature of mechanical engineering in Singapore has also evolved beyond its traditional characteristics, to becoming more specialized, in fields like aerospace and offshore and marine engineering. Our industries have developed basic competence in many areas of mechanical engineering; however, we are still some way to go in terms of generating cutting edge technology. With time, the role of mechanical engineers has become increasingly sophisticated. They now have to acquire abilities in project management, assume leadership roles in complex and multidisciplinary projects, etc, to augment their technical skills.

There are several mechanical engineering related societies in Singapore, such as the Singapore section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); the Singapore branch of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE); the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES); the Professional Engineers Board Singapore (PEB). The Singapore section of the ASME promotes the technical and professional development of ASME members residing in Singapore, and also assists in furthering the purposes of ASME. The Singapore branch of the IMechE serves to promote technical and continuing professional development of members residing in or visiting Singapore, through meetings and other forms of communication. The mission of the IES is to advance and promote the science, art and profession of engineering for the well-being of mankind. The PEB’s Mission is to safeguard life, property, and welfare of the Singapore public by setting and maintaining high standards that govern the registration of professional engineers, and by regulating and advancing the practice of professional engineering. These societies frequently organize activities such as conferences and workshops with foreign counterparts.