Keynote Speakers

Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe 

Director General

Colombo Plan Staff College 

Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe is currently serving as the 12th Director General of Colombo Staff Plan College (CPSC). He is the first Sri Lankan to hold the position and he took over from the outgoing Director General, Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane, starting September 1, 2021. As the Director General, he is responsible for representing the Colombo Plan Staff College in its engagements, ensuring that its vision of becoming an “intergovernmental TVET leader for sustainable development” will be carried out to its network of 16 member countries and 2 partner organizations in the Asia-Pacific Region. He is also the President of the Asia-Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), implementing the continued quality assurance commitment to TVET institutions in the region.

Prof G.L.D. Wickramasinghe is an accomplished academic and professional with extensive experience in the field of textiles and apparel. Holding a Ph.D. from The University of Manchester, UK, and an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, he has a strong academic background. Throughout his career, Wickramasinghe has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to education and research. These include the Emerald Literati Award, the Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award, and several awards for outstanding research performances and scientific publications. He has actively participated in research and has published numerous papers in reputable journals, particularly focusing on topics related to textile technology, lean manufacturing, and organizational effectiveness.

Wickramasinghe has held various administrative positions at the University of Moratuwa, including Chairman of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning and Head of the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology. He has also served as a member of several committees and academic bodies within the university. Beyond academia, Wickramasinghe has held significant roles outside the university, such as being a member of the Board of Directors for Orit Apparels Lanka Ltd. and the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel.

He has also provided consultancy services and served on various committees related to the textile and apparel industry in Sri Lanka. With his expertise in lean production practices and textile manufacturing, Wickramasinghe has made substantial contributions to the industry. He has actively participated in research, provided training and guidance, and played a crucial role in shaping strategic plans and standards for the sector.

Overall, G.L.D. Wickramasinghe's CV reflects a distinguished academic career, notable research contributions, and a significant impact on the textile and apparel industry in Sri Lanka. His combination of academic qualifications, research expertise, and practical experience positions him as a respected figure in the field.

Dr. G. KULANTHAIVEL, ME, MIEEE (USA)., PhD

Head of International Affairs 

National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research 

Ministry of Education, Government of India 

Prof. Dr. G. Kulanthaivel, is a Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering & Head, Centre for International Affairs, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Chennai, India received his Ph.D. degree in Information and Communication Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. He completed his Master’s degree in Microwave and Optical Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University and Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from University of Madras. He has experience of more than 28 years out of which around 26 years in training of technical teachers in India and abroad. He has worked in Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), Manila, Philippines as Faculty Consultant & Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Division for nearly four years on Government of India deputation. He also acted as Acting Director General of CPSC for more than one year. He is an Accreditor for Asia-Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), Philippines.

 

He has published/presented more than 100 papers in the National/International Journals/Conferences/Seminars. He has visited around 20 countries and conducted different Quality Improvement Programs. He is a member of many International/National Professional bodies including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering {IEEE(USA)} and International Vocational Education and Training Association {IVETA – USA}. He is Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers - (FIETE), Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) - (FIE) and presently Chairman of IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society (IEEE-TEMS Madras Chapter).


Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Mohd Yusof Rahiman Wan Abdul Aziz

Malaysian Technical Doctorate Association

Assoc. Prof Dr. Wan Mohd Yusof Rahiman is an accomplished engineer and academic with expertise in manufacturing engineering, control systems, and IoT solutions. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering (BEng) from Cardiff University. Early in his career, he gained valuable industry experience working at Panasonic Manufacturing Ltd in Cardiff and Lotus Cars Ltd in Norwich. Driven by his passion for research and advancing engineering technologies, Dr. Rahiman pursued further studies at the Control System Centre, University of Manchester. There, he completed his Ph.D. focused on Fault Detection and Isolation for Pipeline Systems, specializing in control engineering.

In 2009, Dr. Rahiman joined the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia as a senior lecturer. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong research inclination, particularly in the areas of modeling nonlinear systems and developing controller algorithms for various industrial projects. His expertise extends to emerging technologies such as drones and autonomous vehicles, where he actively contributes to advancements in these fields. One of Dr. Rahiman's key objectives is to develop smart electronics integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. His aim is to create innovative applications for the medical industry, leveraging IoT technology to improve healthcare outcomes and enhance medical processes.

 With a multidisciplinary approach to his work, Dr. Rahiman combines his knowledge of engineering principles, control systems, and IoT to tackle complex challenges and drive technological advancements. His research contributions have the potential to revolutionize industries and improve quality of life. Dr. Rahiman's commitment to academia and research, combined with his practical industry experience, positions him as a highly regarded expert in his field. His dedication to advancing engineering technologies and his enthusiasm for exploring new frontiers make him a valuable asset to the academic community and an influential figure in the development of future technologies.