A/Prof Andrew Ang is a graduate from the National University of Singapore and has a PhD from Swinburne University of Technology in the area of thermal spray coatings. Currently, he is the Co-Director of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute (STII) and also the Director of Swinburne's Microscopy & Advanced Analytical Facility (MAAF). Within SEAM and STII, he leads several projects focusing on material characterisation, mechanical testing, fatigue & durability analysis.A/Prof Ang is currently supervising 11 PhD and one Masters (Research) candidates and is the associate editor for the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology (JTST). Andrew has been an active member of the American Welding Society (AWS) C2 Committee, and also serves as the 16th President of the ASM International Thermal Spray Society (ASM-TSS). His expertise is primarily in metallic, ceramic and ceramic-metal composite (carbide-based) thermal spray, cold spray coatings and laser metal deposition. He has significant hands-on experience in the techniques of atmospheric plasma spray, high velocity oxygen fuel, flame spray and cold spray additive manufacturing. His area of research has revolved around applying emerging surface engineering methods, novel material alloy systems, and process innovations such as cold spray additive manufacturing. He is also actively involved in various industry projects focusing on mechanical testing, fatigue & durability, fracture mechanics, and experimental stress analysis for additively manufactured metal structures. Despite his MCR status, Andrew has a strong commitment to pathways for the efficient manufacture of industrial products demonstrated through his strong track record in applied research with Australian businesses, in particular the defence maintenance, aerospace, repair and operations sector. In recognition of his active pursuit for research excellence, A/Prof Ang is a recipient of several prestigious awards including International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA) Scholarship Award, Fresh Science Victoria, DMTC Early Career Award, DMTC Industry Partnership Award and Swinburne Vice Chancellors Research Excellence Award.A/Prof Ang one of the founding CIs responsible for ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), together with Distinguished Professor Chris Berndt, to deliver commercial benefits for industry. With funding in excess of $9.5 million, it constitutes one of the largest training centres of its kind in Australia.