Professor Wang Chien MingDirector for Engineering Science Programme and Global Engineering Programme

Congratulatory message for Commencement Ceremony (Engineering)

My heartiest congratulations!

First, let me say that this year’s Engineering Science Programme Graduating Cohort comprising 43 graduates is very special indeed! 98% of this cohort have obtained honors. This is the largest percentage in the history of the Faculty of Engineering for an engineering programme. Well done!

A number of you will be pursuing graduate studies in premier universities such as Harvard, University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, and University of Illinois. Also, some of you have already found jobs in diverse companies, such as Schneider Electric, KLA-Tencor, Keppel Fels, ST Aerospace, PSA and working as electronics engineers, manufacturing engineers, software engineers, research assistants, and even as an air force pilot or as a high tech farmer. So you see, ESP graduates can succeed in virtually any field!

As for the Global Engineering Programme Class of 2014, I am very happy to be associated with all 22 of you. You guys are amazing in blazing through the four-year engineering programme in just 3 years -- and graduating with either a first class or a second upper class honors. This Herculean feat requires not only sublime intelligence but also great discipline and time management. I am sure that you will continue to shine, whether it be in graduate studies or in your professional career. I have noted that some of you will be pursuing graduate study in top universities such as Cornell University and UCLA while others will be working in leading companies like Shell, Schlumberger and Keppel.

We are all so proud of you. We have witnessed the growth and maturity in each of you. Your special skills, creativity, innovativeness, global outlook and never-say-die attitude is, if

I may describe in just one word, “Awesome!” Do continue to possess these attributes as you embark on your next journey. They will be valuable to you in gaining global competitiveness.

However, when you become successful, remember that “One’s personal success depends not only on you, but also on people around you (i.e., your friends, parents, and teachers) and a little bit of luck (i.e., being at the right place at the right time). So remain humble and be thankful to those who have helped you”.

Know the power of commitment and importance of family in life. Create time to celebrate your graduation with parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties who have encouraged, supported, and provided guidance, and the friends who made your university days so enjoyable.

And finally, find time to enjoy the little things, such as your cup of kopi or teh si. Once again, congratulations! I end with the Vulcan salute “Live long and prosper”.