Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, an Associate Professor on leave from the ISE Department, was made full Minister for Community Development and Sports with effect from 12 May 2003 by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister's Office also announced that Mr Khaw Boon Wan will take over as Acting Minister for Health when the SARS situation has stabilised. Mr Khaw graduated from the National University Singapore with an MSc (Industrial Engineering) degree in 1982.

The Department congratulates both members of the Industrial and Systems Engineering community on their achievement.