Rizalinda de Leon, PhD, former dean of the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Engineering (COE) and a professor of chemical engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering (DChED), has recently been admitted as a fellow to the prestigious ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET).  

According to the AAET website, the AAET is a “civil society organization established in 2004 whose primary objective is to harness the collective intellect and experience of its members, comprising eminent engineers and technologists from the ten ASEAN member states. This collaboration aims to contribute to the economic advancement of the ASEAN region and its people in a sustainable manner.”

The website also states that the fellowship is awarded to “eminent individuals from academia, research institutes, industry, and government who have demonstrated successful leadership or outstanding contributions to engineering and technology over an extended period.”

In a correspondence with UPDate Online, De Leon shared part of her acceptance letter. It states, “As a fellow, I am now a member of this eminent group of successful ASEAN engineers, technologist, and industrialists who play an important role in the overall development of the ASEAN region… This gives me and the college/UPD some access to information on current and emerging ASEAN issues and the opportunities to help address these with technological solutions. This also expands our network of engineers, technologist, and industrialists for more opportunities for collaboration.” 

Only one other professor from UPD is currently on the AAET list of fellows: Benito M. Pacheco, PhD, a professor of civil engineering at the UPD Institute of Civil Engineering.

De Leon was COE dean from 2016 to 2019. Before that, she served as DChED chair from 2010 to 2016. She currently heads the DChED Fuels, Energy, and Thermal Systems Laboratory.