Director, AMTA Programme Office
Dr ZENG Xianting is Programme Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy (AMTA). He is responsible for leading and managing the Programme Office under the directive of AMTA Training Council. He oversees development of business strategic plan for AMTA in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and project execution to achieve AMTA strategic outcomes and objectives and key deliverables (KPIs).
Prior to his role leading AMTA, Xianting established the Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) in Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) as the founding director to transfer knowledge and capability to the industry through case studies and hands-on practical training to meet technology and skills gaps. Under his leadership, SIMTech launched a broad portfolio of industrial training programmes to support the industry using a Learn-Practise-Implement model, which benefited about 1800 local companies with more than 8000 PMETs trained.
Besides his role in leading industrial training development, Xianting has been an active research scientist in the field of nanocomposite coating materials and plasma-enhanced PVD thin film processes. He published extensively, with his research outcomes and scientific achievements recognised internationally.
Xianting obtained his PhD degree in Physics from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1995, and his MSc and BSc degrees from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China in 1987 and 1982, respectively.
MR CHUA YONG QUAN
Assistant Director, Skills and Training Development
Prior to his role with AMTA, Yong Quan was a Senior Research Engineer with Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, where he specialized on sensorization and connectivity of machines on the shop floor. His research interests are in digitalisation and industrialisation technologies. With over 9 years of industry experience, he successfully led his team in implementing sensorization and connectivity solutions, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis for enhanced operational efficiency.
Yong Quan received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2013 from Nanyang Technological University. Reflecting to his commitment to continuous learning and professional development, he has obtained his Workforce Skills Qualifications Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance in 2021.
MR MURALI DAS
Head, Training and Partnership Development
Mr Murali DAS leads training and partnership development, focusing on strategic industry partnerships, advanced manufacturing training programmes, and workforce capability development. He brings over 30 years of experience in global programme management, manufacturing operations, digital transformation, and industry transformation across multinational companies, public sector, and international organisations.
Prior to his role with AMTA, Murali was Senior Programme Manager with the Smart Manufacturing Group at the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, where he supported Industry 4.0 transformation initiatives, model factory projects, and digital manufacturing testbeds. He also developed and delivered digital transformation courses for senior management teams and SMEs, including programmes related to the Smart Industry Readiness Index.
Murali previously held senior leadership roles at Seagate Technology, managing product lifecycle programmes, customer engagement, and cross-functional teams across Singapore, China, and Thailand.
He received his Master’s degree in Industrial and Management Engineering from the University of Iowa, USA, and his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Regional Engineering College, Warangal, India. He is also a certified Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making trainer, and has obtained the Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance from SkillsFuture Singapore.
MR MURALI DAS
Head, Training and Partnership Development
MR IRVING HU
Senior Manager, Skills Development & Industry Partnership
Mr Irving HU supports manufacturing companies in their transformation journey by identifying business needs, operational challenges, and workforce skills gaps. He focuses on advancing Industry 4.0 adoption, technology roadmapping, training programme development, and pilot proof-of-concept projects that address advanced manufacturing and sustainability challenges.
Irving brings over 30 years of experience in manufacturing innovation, digital manufacturing, strategic transformation, and business growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to his role with AMTA, he led and facilitated national and sectoral transformation roadmaps, supported more than 100 organisations in technology adoption and innovation programmes, and designed the STORM programme, which trained over 1,000 professionals in strategic transformation and planning.
He also brings extensive industry and commercial experience, having founded and expanded iDimension Systems across APAC, delivering enterprise manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions to global clients. He also built and led APAC operations for Camstar Systems, securing flagship customers in the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
Irving received his Master’s degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom. He is also a Certified Industrial Automation Consultant with the Singapore Industrial Automation Association.
MR IRVING HU
Senior Manager, Skills Development & Industry Partnership
MS PENNY LOH
Assistant Manager, Publicity and Office Affairs
Prior to joining AMTA, Penny gained experience in digital marketing and account management across B2B and B2C sectors. She has managed client accounts, executed data-driven campaigns, and contributed to business growth through strategic marketing and client engagement.
Penny holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Tunku Abdul Rahman University College. With a strong foundation in communication and marketing, she continues to focus on leveraging digital strategies to support industry transformation and outreach within the advanced manufacturing sector.
