SUTDLogoDark2x
Chua Chee Kai

CHUA Chee Kai

Associate Provost (Research), Cheng Tsang Man Chair Professor
EMAIL
cheekai_chua
sutd.edu.sg
CONTACT
+65 6303 6662
RESEARCH AREAS
Biomedical & Healthcare
Energy & Sustainability
Optics & Nanophotonics
Robotics & Electronics

Education
  • PhD, Nanyang Technological University, 1996
  • MSc, National University of Singapore, 1989
  • BEng (Hons) Cl 1, National University of Singapore, 1985
Biography

Prof Chua is the Associate Provost for Research and Cheng Tsang Man Chair Professor at SUTD. He joined SUTD as the Head of the Engineering Product Development pillar from 2019 to 2022. His research area is in 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping or Additive Manufacturing. He is the foremost expert in Singapore in this area and was awarded the prestigious International Freeform and Additive Manufacturing Excellence (FAME) Award in 2018 and was honoured with the Award of Excellence (Education) by ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) in 2024 for his continuous and outstanding contributions to the field of additive manufacturing. Prof Chua is also the most published and most cited scientist in “Rapid Prototyping / Additive Manufacturing” (3D Printing) according to the Web of Science in 2022 and 2023. As of 2024, he has contributed more than 500 technical papers, generated more than 30,000 citations.

Prof Chua has also obtained more than S$60 M grants, including as PI, S$42 M for the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, S$9.9 M for the Nanyang Additive Manufacturing Centre and S$5.5 M for the Institute for Sports Research. He is currently the Editorial board member of International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Rapid Prototyping Journal & Journal of Materials Processing Technology and Editor-in-Chief of Virtual & Physical Prototyping, as well as Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Bioprinting.

He was previously from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) where he was a Full Professor and previous Chair of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He was also the Executive Director of the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing from 2014 to 2019.
Research Activities

Professor Chua has been an active contributor to the additive manufacturing (AM) field for over 35 years. He began his journey into AM in 1990. Now, his ongoing research is concerned mainly with powder bed fusion processes such as selective laser sintering and selective laser melting, bioprinting, electronics printing, 4D printing and food printing. He has made a number of major contributions in these areas. Specifically, his re-design and re-modelling of additive manufacturing processes for fabrication of innovative products and devices such tissue engineering scaffolds are highly regarded by the scientific community.
Prizes and Awards
No. Awards Granting Organization Date
1 He was honoured with the Award of Excellence (Education) for his continuous and outstanding contributions to the field of additive manufacturing. ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) 2024
2 He has won the prestigious International Freeform and Additive 2018 Manufacturing Excellence (FAME) Award 2018. International Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) Symposium – An Additive Manufacturing Conference 2018
3 He was presented with Hwa Chong Distinguished Partners Awards 2015. Hwa Chong Institution 2015
4 He was presented the Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award by the Minister of Education and President of NTU in 2014. NTU 2014
5 He was presented the Public Service (Silver) Administration Award by the President of Singapore for the 2014 National Day Awards. Prime Minister’s Office 2014
6 His PhD student, Ms Loh Loong Ee, Denise, won the Best paper Award for a presentation entitled “Effect of laser beam profile on melt track in Selective Laser Melting” at the 6th International VRAP Conference on VRAP. 6th International Conference on VRAP 2013
7 He was presented the Academic Career Award at the 6th Conference on Advanced Research in Virtual and Rapid Prototyping (VRAP), Leiria, Portugal, 1 to 5 Oct 2013, for VRAP his contributions to 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing. 6th International Conference on VRAP 2013
Publications

PUBLICATIONS: HIGHLY CITED PAPERS IN WEB OF SCIENCE
  • J. An, J. Teoh, R. Suntornnond, and C. Chua, “Design and 3D Printing of Scaffolds and Tissues,” ENGINEERING, Review vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 261-268, 2015-06-01 2015, doi: 10.15302/J-ENG-2015061.
  • C. Han, Q. Fang, Y. Shi, S. Tor, C. Chua, and K. Zhou, “Recent Advances on High-Entropy Alloys for 3D Printing,” ADVANCED MATERIALS, Review vol. 32, no. 26, 2020-05-20 2020, Art no. 1903855, doi: 10.1002/adma.201903855.
  • A. Lee, J. An, and C. Chua, “Two-Way 4D Printing: A Review on the Reversibility of 3D-Printed Shape Memory Materials,” ENGINEERING, Review vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 663-674, 2017-10-01 2017, doi: 10.1016/J.ENG.2017.05.014.
  • J. Lee, J. An, and C. Chua, “Fundamentals and applications of 3D printing for novel materials,” APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY, Review vol. 7, pp. 120-133, 2017-06-01 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.apmt.2017.02.004.
  • Y. Li, K. Zhou, P. Tan, S. Tor, C. Chua, and K. Leong, “Modeling temperature and residual stress fields in selective laser melting,” INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES, Article vol. 136, pp. 24-35, 2018-02-01 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2017.12.001.
  • L. Loh et al., “Numerical investigation and an effective modelling on the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process with aluminium alloy 6061,” INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, Article vol. 80, pp. 288-300, 2015-01-01 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2014.09.014.
  • W. Ng, J. An, and C. Chua, “Process, Material, and Regulatory Considerations for 3D Printed Medical Devices and Tissue Constructs,” ENGINEERING, Review vol. 36, pp. 146-166, 2024-07-23 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.eng.2024.01.028.
  • W. Ng, C. Chua, and Y. Shen, “Print Me An Organ! Why We Are Not There Yet,” PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE, Review vol. 97, 2019-10-01 2019, Art no. 101145, doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2019.101145.
  • A. Pant et al., “3D food printing of fresh vegetables using food hydrocolloids for dysphagic patients,” FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS, Article vol. 114, 2021-05-01 2021, Art no. 106546, doi: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106546.
  • S. Sing, C. Kuo, C. Shih, C. Ho, and C. Chua, “Perspectives of using machine learning in laser powder bed fusion for metal additive manufacturing,” VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING, Review vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 372-386, 2021-07-03 2021, doi: 10.1080/17452759.2021.1944229.
  • Z. Sun, X. Tan, S. Tor, and C. Chua, “Simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility for 3D-printed stainless steel 316L by selective laser melting,” NPG ASIA MATERIALS, Article vol. 10, pp. 127-136, 2018-04-10 2018, doi: 10.1038/s41427-018-0018-5.
  • H. Tan, Y. Choong, C. Kuo, H. Low, and C. Chua, “3D printed electronics: Processes, materials and future trends,” PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE, Review vol. 127, 2022-03-18 2022, Art no. 100945, doi: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2022.100945.
  • X. Tan et al., “Graded microstructure and mechanical properties of additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V via electron beam melting,” ACTA MATERIALIA, Article vol. 97, pp. 1-16, 2015-09-15 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.actamat.2015.06.036.
  • C. Yap et al., “Review of selective laser melting: Materials and applications,” APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS, Review vol. 2, no. 4, 2015-12-01 2015, Art no. 041101, doi: 10.1063/1.4935926.
  • W. Yu, S. Sing, C. Chua, C. Kuo, and X. Tian, “Particle-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites fabricated by selective laser melting: A state of the art review,” PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE, Review vol. 104, pp. 330-379, 2019-07-01 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2019.04.006.
  • S. Yuan, F. Shen, C. Chua, and K. Zhou, “Polymeric composites for powder-based additive manufacturing: Materials and applications,” PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE, Review vol. 91, pp. 141-168, 2019-04-01 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2018.11.001.

BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS

Books
  • Chua CK, et al, Digital Gastronomy: From 3D Food Printing to Personalized Nutrition, World Scientific Publishing, 2022.
  • Chua CK, et al, 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing of Electronics: Principles and Applications, World Scientific Publishing, 2021
  • Chua C. K. , Wong C.H. and Yeong W.Y., “Standards, Quality Control and Measurement Sciences in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing”, Elsevier, 2017.
  • Chua C. K. , Murukeshan V.M. and Kim Y. J., “Lasers in Manufacturing and 3D Printing”, World Scientific, 2017.
  • Chua C. K. and Leong K. F., “3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Principles and Applications”, 5th edition, World Scientific, 2017.
  • Chua C. K. and Yeong W. Y., “Bioprinting: Principles and Applications”, World Scientific, Dec 2014.
  • Chua C. K. and Leong K. F., “3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Principles and Applications”, 4 th edition, World Scientific, Aug 2014.
  • Chua CK, Lee MY, Guan YL, Chen JP, Luo KQ, Lai CS, Kwoh CK, Lee JD, Chian KS and Wu SL, “Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Bioengineering”, Research Publishing Services, Singapore, 2011.
  • Chua C. K., Leong K. F. and Lim C. S., “Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications”, 3rd edition, World Scientific, Jan 2010.
  • Chua C. K., Leong K. F. and Lim C. S., “Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications”, Chinese Edition, 2nd edition, World Scientific and Gau Lih, May 2005.
  • Chua C. K., Leong K. F. and Lim C. S., “Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications”, 2nd edition, World Scientific, Feb 2003.
  • Chua Chee Kai and Leong Kah Fai, “Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications in Manufacturing”, Chinese Edition, John Wiley and Liu-Ho Publication Co. Ltd, 1998.
  • Chua Chee Kai and Leong Kah Fai, “Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications in Manufacturing”, John Wiley, 1997.

Book Chapters
  • Leong KF, Liu D, Chua CK, “Tissue Engineering Applications of Additive Manufacturing”, Comprehensive Materials Processing, Volume 10, Editor: S.H. Masood, Elsevier Publishing, pp 251-264, May 2014.
  • Chua CK, Leong KF and An J, “Introduction to Rapid Prototyping”, Rapid Prototyping of Biomaterials: Principles and Applications, Editor: Roger Narayan, Woodhead Publishing pp 1 – 15, Feb 2014.
  • Cai SY, Xi JT and Chua CK, “A Novel Bone Scaffold Design Approach Based on Shape Function and All-Hexahedral Mesh Refinement”, Computer Aided Tissue Engineering, Humana Press, Chapter 3, pp 45-55, 2012.
  • Liu A, Chua CK and Leong KF, “Rapid Tooling in Manufacturing”, Handbook of Manufacturing Technologies, Springer Reference Series, Accepted for Publication, 2012.
  • Sudarmadji N, Chua CK and Leong KF, “The Development of Computer-Aided System for Tissue Scaffolds (CASTS) System for Functionally Graded Tissue-Engineering Scaffolds”, Computer Aided Tissue Engineering, Humana Press, Chapter 7, pp 111-123, 2012.
  • C K Chua, K F Leong and K H Tan, “Specialized Fabrication Process: Rapid Prototyping”, Biomedical Materials”, Springer Verlag, Chapter 18, pp 493-523, 2009.
  • Naing MW, Chua CK and Leong KF, “Computer Aided Tissue Engineering Scaffolds”, Virtual and Rapid Prototyping in Medicine, Springer, Chapter 4, pp 67-85, 2008.
  • Chua Chee Kai, Lim Chu Sing and Du Zhaohui, “Computer Design and Manufacturing Systems, Techniques and Applications in Biomedical Systems”, Computational Methods in Biomaterials, Biotechnology and Biomedical Systems, Editor: Cornelius Leondes, Kluwer Academic Publishers (USA), Volume 2, Chapter 6, pp 181-221, 2003.
  • Chua Chee Kai, and Chow Kin Yean, “Generation of Three Dimensional Shapes in CAD/CAM Systems Using Art-to-Part Technique”, Computer Aided Design, Engineering, Manufacturing Systems (CAD/CAE/CAM), Techniques and Applications, Editor: Cornelius Leondes, World Scientific, Volume 4, Chapter 1, pp 1 – 33, October 2003.
  • Chua Chee Kai and Chou Siaw Meng, “Rapid Prototyping Technologies and Limitations”, Computer Aided Design, Engineering, Manufacturing Systems (CAD/CAE/CAM), Techniques and Applications, Editor: Cornelius Leondes, World Scientific, Volume 3 Optimization Methods, Chapter 5, pp 165 – 185, August 2003.
  • Chua Chee Kai and Cheah Chi Mun, “Applied Intelligent Techniques in Assisted Surgery Planning”, Intelligence Systems, Techniques and Applications Volume 1: Implementation Techniques, Editor: Cornelius Leondes, CRC Press, pp 203 – 229, Chapter 8, Oct 2002.
  • Chua Chee Kai, Jacob Gan, Tong Mei and Du Zhaohui, “Data Structure in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing”, Database and Data Communication Network Systems Techniques and Applications Volume 2, Editor: Cornelius Leondes, Elsevier Science (USA), Chapter 11, pp 367-416, 2002.
  • Chua Chee Kai and Leong Kah Fai, “Rapid Prototyping: The Essential Link Between Design and Manufacturing”, Integrated Product and Process Development: Methods, Tools and Technologies, Editors: John M Usher, Utpal Roy and Hamid R Parsaei, John Wiley, pp 151 – 183, Chapter 6, 1998.

PATENT
  • Chee Kai Chua, Hooi Chuan Gladys Wong, Yi Zhang, Pant Aakanksha, Jia An, “3d food printing of fresh vegetables using food hydrocolloids for dysphagic patients”, WO application number: PCT/SG2021/050654, CN application number: CN202180073334.XA Filing date: 2021-10-26.
  • Wen See Tan, Jia An, Tzyy Haur Chong, Chee Kai Chua, “Spiral sheet product and method of manufacturing the same via additive manufacturing”, US application number: US18/043,106, WO application number: PCT/SG2021/050493, Filing date: 2021-08-23.
  • Hong Wei Tan, Anh Tuan Tran, Chee Kai Chua, “Application number: Method of sintering a printed pattern”, WO application number: PCT/SG2019/050134, Filing date: 2019-03-12
  • Guglielmo Vastola, Jiaming Bai, Shangqin Yuan, Kun Zhou, Jun Wei, Chee Kai Chua, “Apparatus and method to predetermine geometrical changes of an object and object built by additive manufacturing”, WO application number: PCT/SG2018/050140, Filing date: 2018-03-27.
  • Ratima Suntornnond, Jia An, Chee Kai Chua, Yong Sheng Edgar Tan, Wai Yee Yeong, Jie Kai Er, “A hydrogel composite”, WO application number: PCT/SG2018/050094, Filing date: 2018-03-01.
  • Weiyi Li, Chuyang Tang, Yi-ning Wang, William B Krantz, Anthony Gordon Fane, Wen See Tan, Jian Yuan Lee, Jia An, Chee Kai Chua, Tzyy Haur Chong, “Spacer for a membrane module”, US application number: US15/779,026, WO application number: PCT/SG2016/050592, SG application number: SG11201804416WA, Filing date: 2016-12-06
  • Zhongji Sun, Swee Leong Sing, Chee Kai Chua, Zhonghong Alexander Liu, “Hopper for powder bed fusion additive manufacturing”, SG application number: SG10201912506XA, WO application number: PCT/SG2016/050346, US application number: US15/744,058, Filing date: 2016-07-25
  • Subramanian Venkatraman, Scott Alexander Irvine, Chee Kai Chua, Animesh Agrawal, Jia An, “Method for preparing a patterned substrate and use thereof in implants for tissue engineering”, SG application number: SG10201404111VA, Filing date: 2014-07-15
  • TAN Hong Wei, TRAN Anh Tuan, CHUA Chee Kai, “2 Steps Sintering Technique For Printed Electronics Applications”, Singapore provisional patent application number 10201802027X, 12 March 2018.
  • Chua Chee Kai, Zhou Kun, Yuan Shangqin, Vastola Guglielmo, Bai Jiaming, Wei Jun, Zhang Gang, Pei Qing Xiang, Cheung See Lin “Method to Calculate Part Shrinkage and Distortion in Selective Laser Sintering of Polyamide 12 Additive Manufacturing”, Filing Reference TD/171/16, 30 Mar 2017.
  • Chua Chee Kai, Ratima Suntornnond, An Jia, Tan Yong Sheng, Yeong Wai Yee, Er Jie Kai “Free Standing Hollow 3D Bioprinted Structure from Highly Printable Bio-ink”, Filing Reference TD/362/16, 1 Mar 2017.
  • Yuan Shangqin, Bai Jiaming, Chua Chee Kai, Zhou Kun, Wei Jun, “Method of Embedding Carbon Nanomaterials Into/Onto Polymeric Powders For Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing”, ETPL Ref : SRC/Z/09628, A *STAR SERC Grant No. 132 550 4106, 14 September 2016.
  • Subramanian Venkatraman, Scott Alexander Irvine, Agrawal Animesh, An Jia and Chua Chee Kai, “Aligned Melt Spun Polymers for Cell Orientation to promote Stem Cell Differentiation towards ardiomyocytes and Use as a Tissue Engineering Scaffold”, NIEO Ref TD/087/13), USA patent filed on 6 March 2013.
  • Subramanian Venkatraman, Chua Chee Kai, An Jia and Scott Alexander Irvine, “Scaffold for Vascular Prosthesis”, NIEO Ref: TD/078/13, USA patent filed on 6 March 2013.