Ridha is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and is the Deputy Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Processing (AMMP) Center 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 Yamazaki Mazak Corporation as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer focusing on CNC prototype machine design and evaluations for mass production. He involved in the design and development of several CNC machines including Quick Turn Nexus series and performed more than 100 variations of cutting parameters such as OD and ID cutting, boring, intermittent cutting, roundness cutting using diamond tool, continuous 8 hours cutting etc. to confirm the machine`s limits and capabilities. Currently, he is collaborating with Joining Welding Research Institute, 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 applications in automotive and semiconductor industries. Analysis of welds using Transmission Electron Microscopy for joints with carbonaceous nanomaterial additives such CNT and Graphene for the purpose of enforcement is his current passion. He was awarded the Distinguished International Associate from Royal Academic of Engineering UK in 2023 for his pproject on friction stir welding. He actively applies for research projects and has secured various research grants 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 27 Feb 2024)