Associate Professor Dr Lau Chee Yong’s Academic Visit to India Enhances Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

From 18 to 27 February 2025, Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong, Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering (SoE), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), embarked on a significant academic journey as a visiting professor at the KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (KPRIET) in Tamil Nadu, India.

Established in 2009, KPRIET is renowned for its excellence in engineering and technology education, with a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and industry collaboration.

Dr Lau’s visit, part of an international exchange programme spanning from January to May 2025, reinforced APU’s position among a distinguished group of institutions, as KPRIET also welcomed professors from the UK, USA, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan, Korea, and France. This initiative was strongly endorsed by APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, further underscoring APU’s commitment to global engagement.

A Platform for Engineering Excellence

Dr Lau’s visit commenced with a dialogue with KPRIET’s Principal, Dr D. Saravanan, laying the groundwork for deeper academic collaboration between APU and KPRIET. The discussions centred on strengthening engineering education and research innovation, setting the stage for potential joint initiatives in the future.

As part of this enriching exchange, Dr Lau conducted an intensive Analogue Electronics Workshop for undergraduate students of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Covering key topics such as Bipolar Junction Transistor theory, Multi-Stage Amplifiers, Feedback Systems, and LTSpice Simulation techniques, the workshop provided students with a comprehensive understanding of analogue electronics.

“This knowledge-sharing session not only enhanced students’ technical competencies but also exposed them to APU’s industry-relevant teaching methodologies, which focus on practical applications and real-world problem-solving,” remarked Dr Lau.

Industry Engagement and Insights

Beyond the classroom, Dr Lau visited Quantum Knit, the flagship enterprise of the KPR Group, one of India's largest garment manufacturers. Supplying premium apparel to major international brands such as H&M, Decathlon, and Marks & Spencer, the company provided valuable insights into large-scale manufacturing operations and supply chain management. 

“This industrial visit broadened my understanding of large-scale production dynamics. The insights gained will contribute to enhancing APU’s engineering curriculum and research on industrial applications,” Dr Lau reflected.

In addition, Dr Lau explored KPR Mill Limited’s innovative educational division, which enables women employees to pursue degrees from undergraduate to postgraduate levels through structured learning pathways integrated within their work schedules. This progressive initiative exemplifies how education can be seamlessly woven into professional development. 

Giving Back Through Educational Outreach

Dr Lau’s visit also had a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) component, as he conducted an informative session at Aurobindo Vidhyalaya Secondary School. His presentation shed light on international education opportunities, inspiring students to consider global tertiary studies and career pathways.

Furthermore, in a specialised academic exchange session, Dr Lau engaged with KPRIET’s Department of Electrical Engineering to discuss Outcome-Based Education (OBE) methodologies. Led by Department Head Dr Mohana, the session facilitated a rich exchange of best practices in OBE implementation, fostering a deeper understanding of innovative teaching strategies. 

Cultural Exploration and Future Prospects

To round off his visit, Dr Lau explored India’s cultural heritage by visiting the Adiyogi statue at Isha Yoga Centre, a site recognised by the Guinness World Records. This experience offered a profound appreciation of India’s spiritual traditions and historical significance. 

Reflecting on his impactful visit, Dr Lau remarked: “This strategic faculty exchange presents tremendous advantages for APU, strengthening its global academic presence and opening doors for joint research initiatives, international publications, and innovation-driven collaborations.” 

His participation in this prestigious programme underscores APU’s commitment to fostering international engagement and excellence in education, research, and industry collaboration. By building bridges across borders, APU continues to shape the future of engineering education on a global scale.