Singapore
As Chair of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) for over 3 years, my focus is on driving academic, educational, and research excellence. I lead initiatives to develop transformative programs, such as the newly launched Robotics degree in 2025, and oversee the school’s strategic growth. Under my leadership, the school achieved #1 ranking in Mechanical Engineering in the 2024 Shanghai ranking and #4 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject. A big improvement from #12 in 2024 QS ranking. While serving as academic leadership team, I continue to drive new research. I was recognized as #1 top cited researcher globally by ScholarGPS 2025 in 3D printing, as well as Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate (2024). I had also served 4 times as Expert Panel Reviewer for European Research Council Advanced Grant (PE8). With over a decade of experience in 3D printing research, I’ve contributed to advancements in emerging technologies across diverse industries, including aerospace and defense. As a founding Program Director at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing and Technical Director at the HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, I have supported the co-creation of innovative platforms and industry partnerships. A recognized leader in my field, I am committed to fostering innovation, training future engineers, and shaping the next generation of solutions in engineering and manufacturing.
Responsible for leading and managing the school to maximize potentials and achieve highest possible standards of excellence in academic, education and research. Develop strategies and create new opportunities for stakeholders to achieve impact in the international academic ecosystem. Created new degree program in Robotics , launched 2025 School ranked #1 in subject of ME in 2024 Shanghai ranking , #4 in 2025 QS ranking by subject of ME Scaled up grad program at master level , rolled out 3 new programs and on track to achieving 3 times increase in enrolment
Ranked #1 in 3D printing ( 2025 ScholarGPS, prior 5 years), Highly cited researcher ( Clarivate, 2024) , Top 2% scientist ( Stanford list , 2022 onwards) , ERC advanced grant expert reviewer 2019-2026, Women in Tech Awards
Lead student life unit ~3000 students and alumni network of ~ 20k alumni Lead enrolment marketing and research outreach programs for school Create new initiatives to enhance student experience and leadership development , inaugural town hall meeting to bring direct students-school communication. Initiated new MAE experience immersion program for overseas visitors and initiated first ambassador team for school Organised the first MAE industry day to engage students-professors-industries. Set up MAE makers lab Responsible for all students matters at school management committee Manage social media platform at school Level for branding Generate Exceptional output at lean resources with shared-vision team.
Set up the research programme on developing 3D printing technologies for aerospace and defence, steering the technology roadmap and ensuring timely deliverable with voice of customers. Create innovation platform with industry partners and enable co-creation of new commercial potential Lead and Supervise post graduate and graduate level projects for scientific investigation of 3D printing technologies in various domains ( metal , carbon fiber, electronics ) Create new business-invention development opportunities by co-creating new research programme to companies and delegates from international organizations Manage budget and oversee peers professor investigator to ensure overall alignment and success of the programme.
Set up a qualification and validation lab for global internal customer Conducted test methods transfer from research HQ for validation of production lines. Establish and defined the first service level agreement for global sites at this satellite quality validation lab in Singapore Lead a team of engineers and technicians to deliver projects on time Set up, operationlised and maintained operation and safety of the lab Assisted in regulatory audit from Brazil authority , ISO audit etc. Managed Budget and headcount Support regulatory compliance and investigations
Researched on vascular devices , cardiac patch, laser technology on biomaterials and laser patterning methods for cardiac applications.