APU's Senior Lecturer Recognised as Amongst the Best of Malaysian Minds & Talents

On 26th November 2021, Ir. Dr. Freddy Tan Kheng Suan, Senior Lecturer of the School of Engineering, was among 5 young Malaysians who received the prestigious 2021 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment from the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah. 

With this grant, Dr. Freddy will build his expertise by undergoing a learning experience in an institution of international repute. He will soon embark on a 3-month attachment at ETH Zurich, a public research university in the city of Zurich, Switzerland, which is placed 2nd best in Europe and ranked 4th in the world for engineering and technology education (QS Rankings).

Dr. Freddy applied for this grant based on his research proposal of designing the next-generation onboard charger for electric vehicles using state-of-the-art wide bandgap technology. Delightfully, he had been shortlisted and gained an opportunity to pitch his ideas to the Board of Trustees of the Merdeka Award Trust (MAT), set up by PETRONAS, Shell Malaysia and ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc, and eventually stood out among many applicants. 

The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment is designed for Malaysians between 22-35 years old, to engage in collaborative projects at an international host institute of selected disciplines, that may include education, arts, sports, community or social works, environment, health, science and technology. 

Sharing on his research area, Dr. Freddy explained, “Electric Vehicles are gaining in popularity and predicted to dominate the automobile market by 2040 or earlier. As this is an emerging study area, it lacks local experts for research and development. Securing this grant allows me to learn from an overseas expert and to foster potential collaboration.”

“With relevant knowledge and technical skills, I can foster a closer link between this research area and the engineering fundamentals, for helping to develop better understanding and appreciation among our students. I can also collaborate with other relevant local industrial partners for final year degree and postgraduate projects at APU,” he continued.

The Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment was introduced in 2012, it is an extension of the Merdeka Award, which honours outstanding works and achievements that have made a lasting impact on the country and people. The recipients will be provided with the necessary skills and expertise, expanding their capabilities to deliver exceptional advancements for the nation and society. 

Dr. Freddy received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with First Class Honours from Multimedia University in 2010 and his PhD in Power Electronics from the University of Malaya in 2015. He has been lecturing at APU for more than 5 years and is currently a senior lecturer under the School of Engineering. Dr. Freddy is a registered professional engineer by the Board Of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and a Member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (MIEM). He is also one of the Microsoft Innovative Educators, who improve students’ learning experience by using technology.  

To know more about APU's Engineering programmes and facilities, log on to www.apu.edu.my or call 03-8996 1000/1300 888 278 (toll-free) or email [email protected]