Category: 2024 Delegate

Michael Affenzeller’s main research focus is on theoretical and practical aspects of evolutionary computation, genetic algorithms, and meta-heuristics in general. In 2001 he received his PhD in engineering sciences and in 2004 he received his habilitation in applied systems engineering, both from the Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria.

Michael Affenzeller is professor at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, Campus Hagenberg, and head of the research group HEAL. From October 2014 to August 2022 he served as the head of studies for the Master degree program Software Engineering and as vice dean for R&D at the faculty of informatics, communications and media. Between 2019 and 2022 Michael Affenzeller acted as the scientific head of the Softwarepark Hagenberg. Since 2022 he took on the role of Provost of the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

Professor Affenzeller commenced his role as WTUN Chair beginning 1 August 2025 for a period of two years.

Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin has worked in tertiary education, both public and private, for over 30 years in the Irish, UK, US, and Swiss education systems, predominantly working in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He has held several academic management roles in Switzerland and Ireland for the past 20 years and has been a member of a range of national advisory panels in both Hospitality & Tourism and Higher Education. He holds an undergraduate degree from Trinity College Dublin, a master’s degree from both University College Dublin and Waterford Institute of Technology, and a doctoral degree from University of Sheffield. He was Project Manager in Letterkenny Institute of Technology for merger of GMIT. IT Sligo and LYIT to become the Atlantic Technological University in April 2022 with responsibility for Academic Strategy and Planning, Student Services, Internationalisation and External Engagement. He currently works as Director of Strategic Projects for the ATU Faculty of Business.

He is the outgoing Chair of the Operational Board of the World Technology University Network, facilitating collaboration between academics across the globe.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He obtained his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from UMIST, the United Kingdom in 2004. Presently, he is the Director of UTM International, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia of which through this appointment, he has been selected for other significant posts. Dr. Mohd Ariffin is the first Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for Malaysia and he has recently been appointed as an Advisory Council Member of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE). He is also the Executive Director and Chair of Steering Committee of Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) and Operational Board Members for World Technology Universities Network (WTUN)..

Dr. Wipawee Usaha currently serves as the Director of the Center for International Affairs at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand. She is also the co-founder and R&D Advisor of an innovative health tech startup—a university research spin-off that developed wireless sensor insoles for fall prediction in the elderly. This is among SUT’s innovation which has been selected for display at the Thailand Pavilion during World Expo Osaka 2025.

Her work is dedicated to advancing affordable healthcare and wellness technologies for vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on the elderly and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Dr. Usaha’s research interests include wearable sensor technology, wireless sensor networks, signal processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the Artificial Internet of Things (AIoT), and resource allocation in communication networks. She received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Communications and Signal Processing Group, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, U.K.

Dr. David Easow, honored with the prestigious “Maulana Azad Puraskar,” has built a remarkable 39-year career marked by leadership across IT & ITES, Infrastructure, Publishing, Management, Education, Training, and Non-Profit sectors. With advanced professional credentials in IT and management from both national and international institutions, Dr. Easow has held influential positions globally, shaping industries and driving growth.

His leadership roles include General Manager at Hilal Computers in Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Chief Information Officer at World Vision of India, Director at Exceed Technology (US-based), and Executive Director at EMPI Business School, Delhi. Widely recognized for his expertise in software development, consulting, and project management, Dr. Easow has advised over 200 companies worldwide.

Internationally, he played a pivotal role in establishing a leading IT company in Bahrain and spearheaded business development across four countries. He was instrumental in developing and launching India’s first postgraduate program in Business Analytics and AI-Infused Management Program, under the guidance of Padma Bhushan Shri. N. Vittal, the key architect of India’s IT and Telecom revolution.

Currently, Dr. Easow is Deputy Director of International Affairs and the School of Liberal Arts & Applied Sciences at Hindustan University. He also serves as Country Chapter Chair of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), a member of the Education Committee at the Council of EU Chambers of Commerce, and a mentor at the Atal Incubation Centre. His pioneering efforts, including launching the first internet versions of English and Arabic newspapers in the Middle East, 24/7 IT support service and developing flexible IT training programs, have earned him international recognition.

Dr. Mullika Sungsanit is the Head of the Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship development and innovation management, Dr. Mullika has led key initiatives to support students and researchers. She founded the Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy (SEDA) to instill an entrepreneurial mindset through practical training and mentorship. Her work is dedicated to connecting academic research with community needs, fostering sustainable business models, and promoting economic growth with a positive social and environmental impact.

Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Mullika’s expertise is recognized internationally through her roles as the National Coordinator for ASEA-UNINET in Thailand and past operational chair for the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN). She has also served as a consultant for World Bank programs, focusing on capacity-building for women entrepreneurs. Dr. Mullika is a committed advocate for cross-regional collaboration and sustainable development, actively building partnerships with European institutions to advance shared goals in areas like the blue economy.

Professor Zeppenfeld was born in Werl/Germany. After having passed the Abitur (higher education entrance qualification in Germany), he studied computer sciences with mathematics as a minor subject at the University of Paderborn. Afterwards, he was employed as scientific assistant at Osnabrück University, where he also earned his doctorate. Subsequently working as a senior consultant for Capgemini (formerly: sd&m – software design & management AG), Professor Zeppenfeld was in various projects responsible for the holistic development of individual software solutions for key account customers.

In 1997, he accepted the position as a professor of computer sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Dortmund/Germany, where he was appointed vice dean of the department in 1999, before being dean from 2005 to 2009. In this function, he helped to determine the orientation of the computer science department. In 2009, the Ministry of Science in North Rhine-Westphalia appointed Professor Zeppenfeld as founding president of Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. His second term as university president lasts until 2021. Since 2021 he is back as a teaching and research professor in the fields of practical computer science and software engineering at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Dortmund/Germany.

Besides his activities as a university professor, he also acted as a scientific director and as a chairman of the supervisory board in different companies and has written several scientific textbooks. He is also a member of an international jury panel for the annual Hamdan Bin Mohammad Award for Smart Government in Dubai since 2014.

Since October 2021, Professor Zeppenfeld was awarded as a Lifetime Fellow in the WTUN (World Technology Universities Network).

Paul is a Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice and Director of Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) in the University of Bradford School of Management. Paul leads the University of Bradford Accelerated Entrepreneurship Programme, which provides opportunities for students, researchers, staff and community members to establish and grow successful business and social enterprises. Paul also directs the UK-China Healthtech Open Innovation programme, which has secured over £11m for collaborative research and innovation between UK/EU and Chinese academics, clinicians and companies.Paul is also a co-founder and CEO of CrystecPharma, a University of Bradford technology spin-out company focused on improving the performance of medicines, working with industry clients world-wide as well as developing its own portfolio of differentiated pharmaceutical products. The company has operations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships spanning the UK, Europe, Switzerland, China and the US. Paul has broad technical and business experience from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, where he held engineering, research, product development and commercial roles to executive level. He also has experience of establishing and running NGOs and spent three years as a Director of a UN refugee health programme in Tanzania. He has been involved in establishing, growing and exiting several business, has run his own dynamic strategy consulting company, has held executive advisory and board roles in companies, trade associations and NGOs, and was appointed by the UK government as the National Focal Point for Health and Innovation with China. Paul speaks four languages (and is learning Chinese), holds an MBA, professional membership of the Institute of Marketing, is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Having lived and worked in the Bradford City Region for ten years she is committed to positioning the University at the centre of the region’s social and economic regeneration by harnessing the University’s strengths in research, innovation, teaching and partnerships and creating a values-led culture that is inclusive and effective in enriching lives and benefitting society. As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon is responsible for the University of Bradford’s leadership and management, including the development and delivery of its values and strategic ambitions. She is the University’s eighth Vice-Chancellor and the first women to hold the role. Originally qualifying as a Registered Nurse, Shirley’s professional and academic expertise lies within the area of health and social care, service modernisation and cultural change, research methods and evidence-based practice. She has an outstanding record in all aspects of university leadership, having worked within the field of higher education for 25 years and held senior roles in three different universities. Shirley is a passionate advocate for equality and diversity, social inclusion and widening participation in higher education – opening opportunities and unlocking potential for people of all backgrounds. She is a tireless ambassador for students and is committed to ensuring they receive the education, experience, and support they need to reach their potential and move into their chosen career or further study after graduating.

For 2024-25 Professor Congdon sits as WTUN Chair of the General Board until 31 July 2025.