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. 

David will also oversee SIMTech as its Executive Director with effect from 1st June 2019, concurrent with his role at ARTC. 

David started his research career in the UK and subsequently at SIMTech where he grew 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. 

In 2007, David joined Rolls-Royce Singapore as its Head of Process Technology Research Centre (PTRC) and subsequently became the Chief of Manufacturing Technology – Singapore. 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.