Four researchers from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) Strategic Research Institute (SRI) — Professor Dr Hiram Ting, Dr Aitizaz Ali, Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Jamal Abdullah Al-Gburi, and Assistant Professor Ts Dr Reza Maghami — were named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists in the 2026 Stanford-Elsevier database; recognised for their influential Scopus-indexed work in Business, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Telecommunications, and Energy, highlighting APU’s growing global research impact and advanced technological ecosystem.

In a resounding testament to its growing international academic influence, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) Strategic Research Institute (SRI) reached another major global benchmark as four of its distinguished researchers were named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists in the 2026 Stanford-Elsevier database. 

In 2025, APU celebrated a landmark achievement when School of Engineering (SoE) researchers Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan and Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong became the university’s inaugural inclusions in the World’s Top 2% Scientists list. 

Just one year later, APU has doubled down on that legacy, with four researchers named in the 2026 Stanford University–Elsevier global rankings.

The prestigious accolade highlighted the University’s expanding global research footprint and scholarly influence across multiple disciplines.

The honoured academics were Professor Dr Hiram Ting in Business and Management, Senior Research Fellow Dr Aitizaz Ali in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Image Processing, Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Jamal Abdullah Al-Gburi in Networking and Telecommunications, and Assistant Professor Ts Dr Reza Maghami in Energy.

Compiled annually using comprehensive Scopus-based citation indicators, the Stanford-Elsevier database evaluated scholars globally across rigorous metrics including total citation counts, the h-index, authorship patterns, and a consolidated composite citation score. 

By assessing both career-long achievements and single-year performance, the database singled out academics whose scholarly contributions exerted a profound and measurable influence within their respective scientific fields. 

The broad range of disciplines represented underscored the depth of research capacity at the institution, spanning consumer behaviour insights, intelligent systems, next-generation wireless communications, and sustainable energy technologies, all of which addressed pressing modern challenges in technological innovation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

“APU extends its warmest congratulations to the academicians on this achievement. The university expresses confidence that this global recognition will serve as a powerful catalyst to inspire further research growth while maintaining excellence in teaching and learning,” said APU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan.

This milestone further reflected APU’s SRI’s sustained investment in interdisciplinary research infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and global academic networks. 

Guided by Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat Nejadmahani, APU SRI Director, orchestrated seven specialised Strategic Research Clusters, with the recognized scholars aligning closely with Cluster 1 for AI, Data Science & Digital Transformation, Cluster 2 for Business Environment, Digital Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Tourism, and Cluster 4 for Engineering, Technology & Sustainability. 

“These clusters connected researchers across disciplines to facilitate joint publications, competitive research grants, postgraduate supervision, and high-value industry collaboration,” said Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat.

The University’s expanding technological infrastructure, highlighted by its NVIDIA DGX Spark-powered AI Supercomputing Lab, provided advanced computing power for complex scientific experimentation and innovation. 

Supported by an international research network spanning more than 100 countries, the institution continued to cultivate cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research initiatives. 

While celebrating the standout accomplishments of these four scholars, the recognition simultaneously highlighted the broader progress of the University’s academic community and reinforced its enduring commitment to globally connected scholarship with meaningful scientific, technological, and societal impact.