Tan Mei Hooi

Dr. Tan Mei Hooi serves as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering, Computing and Built Environment at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, where she has been a dedicated faculty member since December 2007. With over 20 years of combined secondary and tertiary teaching experience, she specializes in Engineering Mathematics and Inventive Problem Solving in Engineering curriculum development. Her academic journey includes a Doctor of Education in Science Education from Universiti Sains Malaysia (2022), a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics (2006), and a Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2000).

Dr. Tan's research focuses on TRIZ methodology application in engineering education, STEM outreach, and the development of 21st century learning experiences aligned with Industry 4.0 goals. As a MyTRIZ Level 3 Practitioner and certified HRDF trainer, she has pioneered the integration of inventive problem-solving techniques into engineering curricula, examining how these approaches enhance both hard and soft skills development among students. Her work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application through workshops that foster creativity and innovative thinking.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple awards including UOW Malaysia's 15-Year Long Service Award (2022), the MyTRIZ Competition 2018 Second Runner-up position, and the 2015 Best Lecturer award. Additional recognitions include Tokens of Appreciation from various schools for Science Carnival exhibitions and professional membership in the Association for Science and Mathematics Education Penang (ASMEP).

Dr. Tan actively mentors through her role as Advisor to the UOW Malaysia Engineering Society since 2013 and demonstrates exceptional commitment to educational outreach, having conducted over 100 workshops for secondary schools nationwide since 2015. Her grant-funded initiatives include the Creative Thinkers Creativity Bowl Workshop series, STEM showcases at TechDome Penang, and specialized TRIZ training programs for both students and educators, collectively impacting thousands of learners across Malaysia.

Her leadership extends to national and international collaborations, including serving as Malaysia's delegate to Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany for the USM-FAU Germany Empower Collaboration project in 2016 and acting as conference reviewer for MyTRIZ events. Dr. Tan's comprehensive approach to engineering education combines rigorous academic scholarship with practical skill development and community engagement.