Ridha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Malaya. He obtained Doctor of Engineering from Utsunomiya University Japan in 2015, specializing in magnetic abrasive finishing for superfinishing of tube internal surface for clean environment applications. Prior to his doctoral study, he worked in Mazak Corporation as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer focusing on CNC prototype machine design and evaluations for mass production and customizations. He involved in the design and development of several CNC machines including Mazak's Quick Turn Nexus series and had performed more than 100 variations of cutting parameters such as outer and internal diameter cutting, boring, intermittent cutting, roundness cutting using diamond tool, continuous cutting etc. to confirm the machine`s limits and capabilities. Currently, he is collaborating with the Joining and Welding Research Institute (JWRI), Osaka University Japan to develop friction stir welding process in a sustainable way to be implemented in manufacturing industry in Malaysia. The project explores the possibilities of joining similar and dissimilar materials such as polycarbonate/aluminium, aluminium/stainless steel, magnesium/steel, aluminium/copper for various fundamental and applications in automotive and semiconductor industries. Analysis of welds using Transmission Electron Microscopy for joints with carbonaceous nanomaterial additives such carbon nanotubes, graphene and mxene for the purpose of enforcement is his current passion. He was awarded the Distinguished International Associate from the Royal Academic of Engineering UK in 2023 for his project on friction stir welding. He actively applies for research grants and up to date, he has secured more than 30 projects from domestic and international funders. He has completed supervision of 4 PhD and 8 Master students, and currently supervising 10 PhD and 1 Master candidates.

(Updated 24 Oct 2024)