The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) unveiled new moves to strengthen Singapore’s engineering talent pipeline at the National Engineers Day (NED) 2025 and Engineering Innovation Challenge (EIC) Prize Presentation Ceremony held at ITE College Central on 1 August 2025.
Graced by the Senior Minister of State for National Development and Transport, Ms Sun Xueling, the event centred on the theme “Shaping the Future with Engineering Innovation” to underscore the creativity and forward-thinking mindset vital to engineering Singapore’s future.
“IES is committed to empowering young talents to build the future we want to live in. To solve complex challenges, we not only need engineers, but a full ecosystem of professionals, from engineering technologists to technicians, to work together. From sparking their interest to offering financial support and professional recognition, we are focused on nurturing the next generation of engineers to lead our nation’s growth into the future,” said Er. Chan Ewe Jin, President of IES.
To strengthen early engagement and exposure to engineering, IES and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) signed an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ceremony. Under this agreement, all ITE Engineering students enrolled in Nitec, Higher Nitec, Technical Engineer Diploma or Work-Study Diploma programmes will receive complimentary IES Student Memberships, valid until graduation or the end of their studentship, whichever occurs first. These students will have opportunities to participate in dialogue sessions with IES members, local and overseas learning journeys, and STEM-related enrichment activities.
In addition, IES will sponsor book prizes to recognise outstanding ITE engineering students as a form of academic encouragement and professional validation. These efforts aim to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a supported and inclusive pathway into the profession.
IES has also established new Chartership Assessment Centres at ITE and Singapore Polytechnic for Chartered Technicians and Chartered Technologists respectively, expanding formal pathways to professional recognition in the Built Environment and Infrastructure Engineering sectors. Offering students and practice-based professionals an alternative route to certification, these centres are part of efforts by IES to widen access to industry-recognised credentials and grow Singapore’s pool of technically-skilled professionals.
The IES Scholarship Fund, launched in 2024 to support financially disadvantaged engineering students, will award its first six bond-free scholarships this year to students from ITE, polytechnics and universities. The inaugural recipients will be honoured at the IES 59th Annual Dinner in November, and applications are open until 25 August. The fund received a fresh boost of $180,000, raised through the IES Charity Golf 2025 held in July.
Young Innovators Crowned Champions of EIC 2025
Emerging as standouts for their creativity, technical rigour, and future-focused solutions, the winners of EIC 2025 were officially crowned at the prize presentation ceremony. SMS Sun Xueling presented awards to winning student teams across secondary schools, junior colleges, ITEs, polytechnics and universities.
This year’s challenge drew strong participation from local and international landscape teams, with nearly 180 teams competing and 79 advancing to the finals. Finalist teams addressed some of today’s most pressing challenges, including renewable energy and materials, digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and food resilience.
Now in its 11th edition, the EIC remains NED’s flagship competition and a nationwide challenge that empowers students to tackle real-world problems through engineering innovation. It is organised by IES with support from the Ministry of Education and industry partners.
“We were especially impressed by this year’s students. Their ideas were creative, thoughtful and grounded in real-world relevance. The EIC continues to showcase the potential of young minds when given the opportunity to solve meaningful problems. We hope this experience sparks their interest in pursuing engineering as a purposeful and rewarding career,” said Er. Deckson Ang, NED 2025 Organising Committee Chairman.
Gearing Up for What’s Next
IES also organised the IES Career Fair in partnership with NTUC Youth to connect students and early-career engineers with prospective employers, mentors, and education partners.
Attendees explored booths by engineering firms, government agencies, start-ups, and institutes of higher learning. They also participated in job-matching, resume clinics, and hands-on tech showcases in robotics, AI, and sustainability.
A highlight of the ceremony was a fireside chat with SMS Sun Xueling, who shared her perspectives on the future of engineering and its potential to drive meaningful change. The conversation offered students valuable insights and encouragement as they consider their own paths in shaping Singapore’s future.
