Recipient of the 14th National Academic Award (AAN), Category: Innovation and Product Commercialization, Professor Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Faculty of Engineering, UniversitI Malaya, managed to place Malaysia second in the world in the field of Prosthetic and Orthotic (P&O) research after the United States.
More proudly, the results and impact of this research account for more than 21 percent of the research results related to P&O globally.
“Special thanks to the UniversitI Malaya that has brought me to this level, I am proud and honored to carry the name of the university at the national level with this recognition. This award is very meaningful to my career as an academic and researcher and also to my family, of course this is the culmination and recognition for the contribution, commitment and hard work that has been worked on so far that finally bear fruit and impact today.
“As an expert in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) research and recognized by “The Forchheimer Prize” by the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, I am committed to play an important role in producing innovation -based inventions in R&D for the country and the world.
"I established the Center for Applied Biomechanics in 2008 so that greater benefits and impact can be contributed in the field of R&D. It is the key field in motivating me to produce publications and creations based on research results in this field," he said.
Professor Azuan also shared that his recipe for success are discipline, time, commitment, hard work as well as strategic and targeted focus in ensuring that all the plans and dreams set can be outlined through comprehensive planning.
“The ability to formulate an orderly long-term plan as well as the capacity to gain the collaboration, talent and expertise of fellow biomechanical researchers as well as quality PhD students are key pillars in determining this success.
"A special appreciation and thanks to all parties who have always been with me in developing this effort, especially my friends, researchers and lecturers at the Center for Applied Biomechanics and BioApps Sdn Bhd, as well as the Faculty of Engineering which always provide support and assistance," he added.
Professor Azuan is an academic and educator in the field of P&O and has successfully implemented the first and only Biomedical Engineering (Prosthetics & Orthotics) Degree program in Malaysia.
Also receiving the same recognition in separate categories were Dr. Rosdeen Suboh for the Arts and Creativity category, and Dr. Sr Zuraini Md Ali for the Book Publication category. The 14th National Academic Award was officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato 'Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob on 24 March 2022 at Hotel Sama Sama, Sepang.