Soon Kok Heng

Dr. Soon Kok Heng serves as Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering and Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science. He joined Swinburne in 2011 as a Lecturer and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2014, maintaining continuous academic service.

His educational foundation includes:

• Advanced Diploma in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (2005)
• MSc in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Queen's University Belfast, 2006)
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Queen's University Belfast, 2010)

Dr. Soon's research integrates computational mechanics with sustainable materials development, focusing on Finite Element Method applications for semiconductor reliability and polymer nanocomposites. His work examines processing-structure-property relationships in green chemistry and biodegradable composites, while innovating engineering education through technology-enhanced pedagogy. Recent publications demonstrate strong industry alignment in microelectronics packaging and agricultural waste valorization.

His publication trends (2019-2021) reveal dual expertise in computational semiconductor reliability and sustainable biocomposites, with methodologies spanning FTIR/thermal analysis, finite element modeling, and natural fiber characterization. Key themes include agricultural waste upcycling, thermal stress reduction in microelectronics, and renewable resource utilization.

Major recognitions include:

• Three 2019 Swinburne Research Awards (SoR Success, HDR Supervision, Publication)
• IMAPS 2017 Best of Session Award for thermal stress research
• Dual 2017 Innovation Expo Gold Medals for natural fiber composites and biotechnology integration

Dr. Soon actively supervises research students and secures competitive funding, currently leading projects on nanocrystalline cellulose extraction and flipped laboratory pedagogy. His grant portfolio includes Ministry of Education Malaysia FRGS awards (2013, 2019) and multiple Swinburne Research Grants addressing sustainable materials and educational innovation.