What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with a warm cup of tea and great company?
On 31 October 2026, more than 20 alumni and faculty members from the NUS Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) gathered at Tea Chapter for a delightful afternoon of tea appreciation, meaningful conversations and reconnecting with familiar faces. Set against the cosy and charming ambience of a traditional Chinese teahouse, the workshop offered a refreshing opportunity to slow down, unwind and enjoy one another’s company.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Deputy Head (External Relations and Development), who shared updates on upcoming alumni activities and highlighted the class reunions held throughout the year. Also joining the gathering was Associate Professor Justin Yeoh, adding to the opportunity for alumni and faculty to connect beyond the university setting.
With introductions complete, it was time to dive into the fascinating world of Chinese tea! Led by an experienced Tea Chapter staff member, participants were introduced to the different varieties of Chinese tea, its rich history and interesting facts behind this centuries-old tradition. The session also covered traditional tea sets, the purpose of various tea utensils and the techniques involved in preparing and brewing the perfect cup of tea.
Of course, no tea appreciation session would be complete without a little tasting! He Zhi Wei (PhD ’09) and Dr Chew gamely volunteered to sample the freshly brewed tea, while picking up a few tips on the proper way to sip and savour its flavours.
Following the demonstration, participants had the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into practice during a hands-on tea brewing session. As the tea flowed, so did the conversations! Alumni caught up with old friends, made new connections and exchanged stories over freshly brewed tea. A selection of snacks provided by Tea Chapter added an extra touch of enjoyment to the afternoon.
More than just a workshop, the gathering was a wonderful reminder that meaningful connections can be nurtured through simple shared experiences. With good tea, great company and plenty of lively conversations, the afternoon was certainly one to savour.
A heartfelt thank you to all our alumni, faculty and everyone involved in making the workshop a success. We look forward to creating more opportunities for our CEE community to reconnect, share experiences and build lasting friendships!
