Thian Ngan Ooi

• Supervising the strategic planning for metrological Research and Development (R&D), identifying key focus areas in measurement science R&D strategy.
• Staying informed about grant funding opportunities.
• Managing the institute's publication and technology disclosure processes.
• Serving as Programme Director for Additive Manufacturing (AM), leading the AM team in strategic engagement and participation in AM ecosystem opportunities.
• Developing strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and vision.

• Establishing Singapore's first ISO-13485 and AM-certified facility for producing 3D-printed metal implants, targeting "First in Human" use.
• Managing a multidisciplinary center at NUS comprising five faculties and two offices, ensuring stakeholder targets and KPIs are met.
• Supporting startups and deep-tech entrepreneurs by introducing AM as an alternative and disruptive technology for design optimization and potential production.
• Accelerating industry adoption of AM through active engagement and translational proof-of-concept projects with government funding.
• Experienced in negotiating grant and research collaboration terms and conditions, particularly concerning intellectual property, with industries, institutions, and government agencies.
• Organizing outreach events, such as seminars and forums, to promote the rapid adoption of AM in both industry and academic communities.
• Serving as a panel member for reviewing technology for TAP and NAMIC PEP grants.
• Leading the commercialization activities of FIP generated by the center’s industry projects, including IP positioning, negotiation, and licensing deals.

• Responsible for strategizing, managing, and controlling the performance of the QA department in alignment with the company’s objectives.
• Develop supplier awareness of customer requirements through periodic management meetings and continuous improvement activities.
• Oversee day-to-day customer service activities for clients in the region, Europe, and the US, including staff supervision and complaint reduction programs.
• Collaborate with customers and suppliers to resolve quality issues and implement action plans for swift resolution and prevention of recurrence using the 8D methodology.
• Manage the laboratory, maintaining overall efficiency through lean activities, waste reduction, and manpower control.

• Experienced in negotiating grant and research collaboration terms and conditions with industries, institutions, and government agencies, particularly concerning intellectual property matters.
• Collaborated closely with NUS researchers and industry partners to protect the interests of NUS and its researchers in research collaborations and industry engagements.
• Advised and assisted the NUS community on all matters related to research agreements, contracts, and grant terms and conditions from both local and international institutions.
• Organized industry outreach events, such as seminars and forums, to promote NUS’s inventions and technologies.
• Participated in NUS’s involvement in the Singapore International Water Week.
• As a member of the working committee, organized NUS Enterprise’s annual flagship event, InnovFest, focusing on technology transfer between academia, industry, and startups.
• Co-organized a Water Pavilion with PUB within the InnovFest event.

• Responsible for technology transfer from the research institute to the industry.
• Promoted industry-related collaborations that lead to new intellectual properties.
• Conducted technology roadmapping for the key capabilities of the research institute.
• Organized the 2nd SingSPM Symposium, featuring strong participation from key industry players and academia.

• Served 2.5 years of National Service while on a "Leave of Absence" from IMRE, A*STAR.
• Worked as a HazMat Control Assistant in the Hazardous Materials Department at HQ SCDF.
• Assisted the Directors of HazMat in establishing a Failure Analysis laboratory for investigating HazMat incidents.
• Conducted in-house R&D assessment of a Hybrid (HazMat & Fire) suit for handling chemical fires.
• Assisted HazMat officers in developing a mathematical formula to quantify risk factors for industrial high-risk installations.
• Researched the safe use of hydrocarbon, ammonia, and carbon dioxide refrigerants.
• Assisted in designing and implementing a portable toxic gas containment kit.
• Researched the specifications and functionalities of firefighting foam tenders.

Gained extensive experience in the following areas:

• Traveled extensively in the East Asia region, serving most of the back-end assembly houses.
• Conducted fundamental research on polymeric composite materials (epoxy-based molding compounds) aimed at achieving the highest reliability levels for the microelectronics industry.
• Filed a patent for novel developments in molding compound compositions.
• Accumulated 7 years of theoretical and hands-on experience in polymer composite processing and characterization.
• Developed leadership skills by heading a team of engineers, technicians, and processors.
• Oversaw the pilot production line in the R&D lab.