Academic Year 2011/2012

Abhishek Saha, India

I did my Bachelors in Civil Engineering in National Institute of Technology, Burgapur, India. My final thesis was on one-dimensional turbulence modelling in temperate lakes, part of which I did in IGB Germany. I undertook other projects which required the application of soft computing techniques in waste management and water quality scenarios.

After my Bachelors, I worked in a hotel construction site as a planning engineer trainee for four months (Hotel Hyatt in Pune, India).

My interest lies in the area of hydrodynamic and hydrological transport modelling, using both deterministic and evolutionary computing methods. I would like gain more exposure to modelling problems during my internship, project and thesis in the coming year.

After my Master's I would like to work in a research environment in a company or a university. I would also like to pursue doctoral studies in these areas.

Adrianus H. J. Matze, The Netherlands

BSc Civil Engineering, TU Delft

Georgios Manousaridis, Greece

I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1988. Lived and studied all my years in Greece till my graduation. I graduated in 2010 after successfully completing the 5-year programme of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Civil Engineering. My major was in Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering.

My thesis, which was about drinking water distribution systems and drinking water quality, was the final step that made me realize I want to continue my studies abroad and finally lead me to the double degree programme. I also followed a graduate programme in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development for 1 additional year in 2010-2011 in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki before I enroll in August 2011 to the TUD-NUS double degree programme.

The double degree programme which started in Singapore was a whole new experience for me and was totally worth every hour! Singapore became my ‘home’ for four and a half months and also my base for some of my dreamiest trips to Southeast Asia.

Gerard Pijcke, The Netherlands

I was born in The Netherlands and have been living in Delft ever since I started my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at Delft University of Technology in September 2008.

During my undergraduate studies I was already thinking of specializing in both hydraulic engineering as well as water resources management; the choice for the DDP offered jointly by NUS and TU Delft therefore was an easy one. More specifically I focus on topics in (geo) hydrology and have interest in (computational) fluid mechanics. Today’s and future developments require ongoing research in water sciences and new solutions in hydraulic engineering and water resources management are needed to deal with challenges the world will face next decades.

Next to my studies I do enjoy sports, especially floorball (mixture of ice-hockey and field-hockey) which I have been playing for several years now. Apart from participating in the sport itself I have also been a member of the board of the Delft student floorball club for two years, which has been a valuable experience. Next to sports I love to spend time reading books.

Huang Jun, China

I finished my Bachelor degree (Mechanical Engineering) in China. My bachelor thesis was a study of gas and oil suspension of vehicles. Though it has little to do with my earlier study, I joined this double master degree programme, Hydraulic Engineering track, because I’m very interested.

Since I joined this programme, I have learned more about water research, and I’m getting more interested. The project in Environmental Modelling with Computer course that I did in my first semester was a wonderful team work experience with two other students each from Netherlands and Vietnam. After that project, I better understand the mechanism of Delft3D.

Other great courses like turbulence, river mechanics and coastal dynamics are offered by TUD and they give me a deep insight into Hydraulic Engineering.

I hope to obtain internship in Netherlands which would be a good chance to know the Dutch working style and more working knowledge of Hydraulic engineering.

Hyo Mee Duerinck, Belgium

I grew up in Belgium and later moved to the Netherlands to earn a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Utrecht and a BSc in Civil Engineering at the Delft University of Technology.

During my undergraduate studies, I did research on topics in social capital, empowerment, water conflicts and the development of a low cost acoustic rain gauge. Next to my studies, I enjoyed being an active member of the student societies Civil Engineering and Water Management as well as working as a tour leader organizing and leading groups on adventurous trips to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Egypt.

Jason Chin Tze Voon, Malaysia

I graduated from the University of Nottingham in Civil Engineering and has been working for a local consultancy firm in Sabah, Malaysia.

My work experience spans across the various fields of civil engineering, mainly structural design and project management. For the past 4 years, my job has brought me to the field of water management. Among the projects that I have been involved are urban water management, flood mitigation and irrigation scheme. Because of my involvement in these projects, I decided to specialize in the field of water management under the hydrology track. Malaysia is also moving towards water sustainability with the introduction of the urban storm water management plan 10 years ago.

The NUS-TUD collaboration under the SDWA programme provides a good foundation to the specialization of water management. I get to choose wide ranging subjects from offshore-related to ground water. Although the double-degree is a challenging course, I really appreciate what I have learnt so far.

Looking back after almost a year in the course, I feel every single effort that we have put in is well worth the results.

Lim Tai Yan, Singapore

I obtained my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering majoring in Geotechnical from National University of Singapore (NUS). My bachelor’s thesis was on 3D transient flow of water in unsaturated porous media.

After my bachelor, I took a part-time Master degree in Master in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in NUS while working in Housing & Development Board (HDB), being in charge of planning and implementation of infrastructure projects for HDB Town in Singapore. In addition, I was also involved in many major infrastructure projects such as the construction of Punggol Waterway in Punggol Town, Singapore.

After working with HDB for more than 3 years, I decided to take up the Double Degree Program offered by NUS-TUD as I am interested to specialized further in hydraulic engineering. I hope that I can apply what I have learnt in this program to my work in HDB.

Lorraine J. Buckman, USA

I am from an area in the central part of the United States known as the state of Iowa. There I was raised and earned my bachelors at the University of Iowa College of Engineering.

During my undergraduate studies I was involved in several international development projects as well as the local chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World, which motivated me to pursue global issues related to water quality and quantity management.

My current focuses include urban hydrology and low impact design.

When I am not studying I like to travel and work on various personal projects including working on my family's rental units, trying out new recipes and expanding my knowledge of world history. When the weather is nice I take every opportunity to bike, swim and camp.

Michiel Stolwijk, The Netherlands

BSc Civil Engineering, TU Delft

Ow Ying Yin Geraldine, Singapore

I graduated from Nanyang Technological University with Bachelors in Chemical Engineering. Before starting this programme, I was working in the National Environment Agency, doing work related to monitoring of air and water quality. I decided to take up this DDP as I wanted to further expand my knowledge for my job.

The DDP has definitely been enriching. The courses allow us to gain a deeper understanding with regard to hydraulic engineering and water resources management. Besides that, there are also electives that cover a wider spectrum in relation to environmental management that trains students to have a bigger perspective. I look forward to being able to apply my new-found knowledge to my work.

Academic Year 2010/2011

Andrzej Tusinski, Poland

I completed Bachelor of Civil Engineering double degree programme at my mother's university - West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin in Poland and Hanzehogeschool in Groningen in The Netherlands. It was instructive and enjoyable experience; therefore, I was more than eager to join NUS-TU Delft DDP for my Master study. I am from Szczecin, the city in Poland where one of the biggest ports in the Baltic Sea is situated. My family was always related with the sea and the port. I could say that passion for the field of Ports and Waterways is in my veins. What's the better place to study than Singapore -the country of the largest port in the world?

After study-hours I try to keep up in shape by jogging, working at the gym and playing capoeira. I'm active stockinvestor, apart from that my bigest hobby is of course exploring new places.

Do Phi Bang, Vietnam

I just finished my Joint Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering (NUS and the University of Melbourne) in June 2010. After carefully pondering on my next step in life, I decided to further specialize in Hydraulics and Hydrology area by commencing this double MSc degree programme.

Nowadays, to keep in pace with the change of global climate, further researches and innovative design projects in hydraulics and hydrology field especially in planning, designing and managing water resources are being initiated and even more intensively in future. Carrying on post-graduate study in HEWRM would be a promising step for me to participate in those realistic researches and projects, which could help improving the human life and natural environment.

Jiang Bo, China

I graduated from National University of Singapore with Second Class Honored Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering. I had my exchange study in University of California Irvine.

It has always been my dream to have study experience in Europe; also, I am interested in hydraulics and river mechanics. Therefore, SDWA program simply fulfils my dreams once for all.

Robert W. Hasselaar, The Netherlands

I was born in Leiden on the 12th of November in 1985. Having finished my high school at the Christelijk Gymnasium in Utrecht in 2004, I started with my studies in Delft. In my first year, I was a student at the Faculty of Systems Engineering, Policy Analysis & Management, but I switched to civil engineering in my second year. In 2007 – 2008 I was the president of the student disco ‘Lorre’ in Delft, which delayed my studies for one year, but provided me with a whole lot of new experiences.

After having finished my Bachelors in May, I have been on an internship at Royal Haskoning in Cabe Verde and am currently starting my Masters degree in Singapore.

Simon den Hengst, The Netherlands

I was born in 1989 and grew up in the Netherlands. I started with the Bachelor civil engineering at the TU Delft in September 2007 and finished in June 2010. From the beginning of the Bachelor I was especially interested in water related engineering/sience.

I would like to use the knowledge which I will gain during my study at places where people really need me and where a substitute for my knowledge is not easily found. If time permits, I love to ride on my mountainbike, to run and to swim.

Toh Han Loong, Malaysia

Upon graduation, I worked with local engineering consulting firm for 3 years before fate will have me to pursue NUS and TUD Double Degree Program. My particular interests in hydraulic engineering are impacts of climate change, renewable marine energy and morphological evolution.

I love reading everything from global affairs to fine arts; I take pleasure in sports and play badminton and football regularly. I also find literature very enlightening and took short courses on that during university time.

Academic Year 2009/2010

Adil El Hamdi, The Netherlands

I finished my Bachelor Civil Engineering at the Technical university of Delft. With no doubt I decided to go further on the Hydraulic Engineering track.

I like to explore new worlds and I am eager to learn new things. Therefore the Singapore-Delft Msc Programme suits me perfectly.

There were so many reasons for me to apply for the Double Degree Programme. I always wanted to study and/or work abroad. Being at the other side of the world in another environment is a true live experience. Singapore is an ideal gate to enter the Asian world. West and East are combined, and there are so many cultures in one united country. In addition, the multidisciplinary character of the Programme addressed me. Besides the fact that I will hopefully receive two degrees, the DDP also is a good way to improve my English.

At the end of the MSc course I hope that I have gained enough knowledge to become a real specialist. I hope to use my skills & knowledge to face major world problems, for example the climate change or the low amount of clean drinking water.

Chung Weng Yew, Singapore

Calvin is an employee of JTC Corporation and is sponsored by his company to study the double degree programme. JTC is the largest industrial land developers in Singapore.

Since prior to the programme, Calvin has worked as a Principal Engineer in the Engineering Planning Division, the technical arm of JTC. In 5 years of service in JTC, Calvin has carried out the planning and supervision of major reclamation and infrastructure projects (e.g. Reclamation of Jurong Island and Tuas View Extension, International Cruise Terminal at Marina South etc). Calvin holds a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering and a Master in Engineering from NUS, majoring in Structural Mechanics. His interests include jogging, guitar and dogs.

Ester Simoons, The Netherlands

I obtained my BSc degree with specialization in Hydraulic Engineering in 2009 at Delft University of Technology.

In my opinion, participating in the Double Degree Programme is an excellent opportunity to study Hydraulic Engineering in both Singapore and The Netherlands. In both countries are many possibilities and problems surrounding hydraulic engineering and water resources management. The Singapore harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world and situated as it is in the busy straits of Malacca. It is very strategically positioned; thus, I see similarities with the Dutch port of Rotterdam. However, there are also many differences between Singapore and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, more than fifty percent of the land is below sea level and therefore protection against flooding is essential. In Singapore, it is other aspects that are important, like the supplying of drink water from Malaysia, land reclamation and desalination of sea water. I think that it would be nice to consider hydraulic engineering from both the Singaporean and the Dutch point of view.

In the double degree programme, I would like to learn more about the behaviour of fluids, currents, waves, sediment transport, hydraulic and hydrological systems. I would like to expand my knowledge on hydraulic engineering and hope to serve society by helping to protect land from flooding and design dams, channels and other hydraulic structures.

Feng Xue, China

I graduated from NUS Environmental Science and Engineering department with a Second Upper Class Honours. I have always been very interested in water related science and technologies, as well as other technologies for environmental protection and remediation.

Being cheerful and curious, I love to travel and to experience new cultures, as well as to make friends from all over the world.

I want to learn more about water-related technologies and management issues and I would like to learn this knowledge from the people who are very good at it. This DDP is a perfect opportunity for me to learn from the best. In addition, I get the chance to travel to Europe.

I hope to have more professional knowledge when talking about water related issues and be better equipped for my future career.

Graduation: August 2011

Johannes H. Becker, The Netherlands

Born December 17th 1985 in Marrum, The Netherlands. I went to high school in Oudenbosch, finished the Gymnasium in 2004, to go to study Civil Engineering in Delft. In ‘06/’07 I was one year full time a board member of StuD, a student temping agency. Also, I studied Econometrics for one semester to gain some knowledge other than Civil Engineering. I finished my BSc Civil Engineering in June 2009. Other interests of mine are philosophy, financial markets and the beautiful game of cricket.

The field of Hydraulic Engineering, in fact all water related subjects, have always been of interest to me personally. Furthermore I think that in future problems regarding water will be very challenging, especially in South East Asia and China. Another reason is that I am ambitious and eager to learn.

The final goal is to be a water professional who can address and solve all kinds of problems the water industry is facing. In order to achieve that goal, good education is essential. So basically, I hope to gain an understanding of the many fields in hydraulic engineering and water resources management.

Graduation: July 2012

Lisa L. de Graaf, The Netherlands

I obtained by Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in June 2009. I am interested in every field in hydraulic engineering, and I am at the present mostly interested in offshore hydraulics.

I applied for this program because it gives me the opportunity to study in two different countries and universities. I can learn from the knowledge from both universities. And I will learn about water issues and problems and ways they are solved, both in Singapore and the Netherlands.

First I hope I will expand my knowledge in hydraulic engineering and that I can use this knowledge in the real world to solve problems. Second I hope that, after living and studying in two different countries, I will be able to work in an international environment.

Graduation: July 2012

Marieke Bakker, The Netherlands

In 2004, I started as a student at the TU Delft. During the year 2007-2008 I have fulfilled the task of secretary of the Board of the Student Association for Civil Engineers. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in May 2009 and at this moment I’m participating in the Double Degree Programme.

The Double Degree Programme gave me the opportunity to study at a well-known university and spend time abroad for a longer period. I think it is very valuable to experience a different culture and to meet students and researchers from another country. Second of all I was interested in the combination of the two master courses ‘Hydraulic Engineering’ and ‘Water Resource Management’.

I hope to combine the best knowledge from both universities and explore the different fields of hydraulic engineering and water resource management.

Graduation: July 2012

Neo Hong Chuan, Singapore

I started working in PUB since I graduated from NUS (Mechanical Engineering) in 2001. I am sponsored by PUB for the double degree programme.

I enjoy teamwork and some of my favorite pastimes include jogging, swimming and working out at the gym.

Most of the course modules offered in the programme are of direct relevance to my course of work. This inaugural programme brings together expertise in hydraulics engineering & water resources management from both Singapore and the Netherlands.

Gain useful knowledge and insights on hydraulics engineering & water resources management issues and be able to apply them effectively at my workplace.

Graduation: July 2011

Nguyen Tan Thai Hung, Vietnam

I am very keen on global exposure and interested in gaining global expertise. Put it simply, I want to see how people do things around the world. That is why I studied in Singapore and Australia, and traveled a lot.

Joint Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), National University of Singapore and The University of Melbourne (Second Upper, Honoured)

Computer modeling/simulation, field excursion and experimental works, flood control, drainage and storage system, River and coastal protection

I gained a strong interest in water issues during my Final Year project, and decided to follow this career. I also learned that Singapore and The Netherlands are the top destinations in this respect.

The Double Degree Programme just brings the two reasons above together perfectly. I get a chance to travel to Europe, to obtain two prestigious degrees, and to pursue the career that touches every life on this planet. So I go for it.

I expect to be well equipped with knowledge and ability after two years of hard work in this programme. The most important thing is a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of worldwide water issues. With that, I can play my part in relieving the water stress in Singapore – the country that nurtures my tertiary education, and also to help my country, Vietnam, in serious problems related to water, especially flood control and coastal protection.

My ultimate dream is to join in creating a structure that helps to change the life of many people and contribute as a figure of human civilization.