David established the ARTC from the concept of a public-private partnership programme in 2012 to a full-fledged A*STAR Research Institute in 2017, focusing on translational advanced manufacturing and remanufacturing R&D across the supply chain for aerospace, heavy machineries and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. Concurrent with his role at ARTC, David also oversees SIMTech as the Executive Director since 1st June 2019. SIMTech is a research institute that develops high value manufacturing technology and human capital to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing industry.
David started his research career in the UK and subsequently at SIMTech where he developed from a laser materials processing researcher to the Group Manager for Machining Technology. In 2007, David was presented the MTI Borderless Gold Award for establishing the A*STAR Aerospace Programme.
David joined Rolls-Royce Singapore through its inaugural Asia Future Leaders Programme where he spent substantial time in Rolls-Royce global manufacturing facilities and worked for the company for 10 years. In his last role, he was the Chief of Manufacturing Technology – Singapore responsible for the manufacturing R&D in Singapore and in region. For his team’s outstanding contributions, he received the prestigious Sir Henry Royce Team Award for Engineering Excellence in 2012.
David has published over 50 journals, conferences, patents and book publications.
David received his PhD and Bachelor degree (First Class Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Technology (UMIST), now known as The University of Manchester. He received his Executive MBA from INSEAD and Tsinghua University.