In keeping with Singapore's development into one of the world's most competitive economies, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has grown from a modest class of 55 in 1969, to a population of more than 2200 undergraduate and graduate students today. The Department, comprising over 70 academics, 60 research and 70 support staff members, attracts students with its strong emphasis on engineering fundamentals and applications. Its undergraduate degree programmes are tailored to pique students' curiosity and enhance their analytical abilities whilst stimulating their creativity. The graduate (Masters and PhD) programmes are designed to produce quality graduates and technology leaders in the industry. The various course-work-based and research-based graduate programmes are strongly anchored by the Department's research undertakings. To help fulfill its mission, the Department receives substantial funding support from Government, industry partners and overseas institutions. Its high-quality and often interdisciplinary research programmes and numerous collaborative projects help the Department forge strong links with research institutes and industry and contribute to the technological upgrading of local companies.