Empowering Students with Industry-Ready Excellence 

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) marked a significant academic milestone on 16 January 2026, with the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Presentation Ceremony, honouring students who have completed the internationally recognised Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. 

The ceremony celebrated not only the achievements of the students but also APU’s continued leadership in integrating globally valued professional credentials into its academic framework. 

Graced by Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, and Associate Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, Head of the School of Engineering (SoE), the ceremony reflected the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates who possess both academic knowledge and professional competencies demanded by modern industries. 

Notably, APU stands as the first university to implement and offer the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC)-accredited Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification within its academic structure. 

This pioneering initiative represents a bold step forward in higher education innovation, where professional certification is embedded seamlessly alongside formal degree programmes, enhancing the professional value and global competitiveness of graduates. 

Internationally Recognised Certification for Real-World Problem Solving

The CSSC-accredited Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a globally respected professional certification that validates expertise in the DMAIC methodology—Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control. 

These structured principles equip individuals with the capability to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and solve complex operational challenges through data-driven decision-making. 

The Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) is an independent global industry body that accredits training providers and certifies professionals across multiple levels, including White, Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belts. 

The certification ensures proficiency in Lean Six Sigma practices and is designed to be accessible, featuring non-expiring credentials, open-book examinations, and flexible learning pathways, including self-paced and instructor-led training. 

By earning this certification, APU students gain internationally recognised validation of their analytical and process improvement capabilities—skills that are increasingly sought after across engineering, manufacturing, technology, business, and service industries. 

Master Black Belt Expertise Guiding Future Industry Leaders

The success of the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt programme at APU is driven by the strong academic leadership of the School of Engineering, particularly Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Harvin Kaur, Programme Leader of Petroleum Engineering, and Ir Ts Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan, Senior Lecturer at SoE. 

Both academics are distinguished Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt holders, bringing advanced industry-level expertise into the classroom. 

Commenting on the programme, Dr Harvin shared, “Lean Six Sigma goes beyond certification. It equips students with a structured, data-driven mindset and a culture of continuous improvement that is essential for addressing real-world challenges.” 

Echoing this, Dr Yvette added, “The strength of this programme lies in its strong practical focus, allowing students to translate theory into meaningful process improvements and informed decision-making.” 

Their leadership ensures that students not only understand theoretical concepts but also develop the critical thinking, analytical precision, and problem-solving discipline required to drive organisational excellence. 

Strengthening APU’s Mission to Produce Industry-Ready Graduates

To date, three batches of students have completed the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt programme, reflecting the growing impact and relevance of this certification within APU’s academic ecosystem. 

The programme strengthens students’ ability to approach challenges systematically, analyse data effectively, and implement sustainable improvements—competencies that align closely with industry expectations in an increasingly competitive and efficiency-driven global economy. 

By embedding internationally accredited certifications such as the CSSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt into its academic offerings, APU continues to reinforce its mission of producing highly employable, future-ready graduates. 

This initiative exemplifies the University’s forward-looking approach to education—where academic excellence is complemented by professional relevance, and where students are empowered with both knowledge and globally recognised credentials. 

As industries continue to evolve and demand greater efficiency, innovation, and accountability, APU graduates equipped with Lean Six Sigma expertise stand poised to contribute meaningfully to organisational transformation and operational excellence worldwide.