At OnestopNDT, we are honoured to have the opportunity to sit down with one of the most influential figures in the global Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) community, Dr. Sajeesh Kumar Babu, Founder and CEO of ANSA Holdings, and Chairman of the International Committee for NDT (ICNDT).
With over 28 years of experience spanning multiple industries, including oil & gas, energy, and construction, Dr. Babu has made significant contributions to advancing NDT standards and practices worldwide.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Babu shares his inspiring journey from his early beginnings in India to leading global efforts in harmonizing NDT standards, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, and fostering international collaboration. As a visionary leader, he sheds light on the exciting innovations transforming the NDT industry and offers insights into how ICNDT is driving progress in this critical field.
Join us as Dr. Babu discusses the challenges, trends, and future opportunities in NDT, while also offering a personal glimpse into the experiences that have shaped his leadership and commitment to the industry.
Hello Dr. Sajeesh Kumar Babu. It’s our honour to have you with us on OnestopNDT. Well, your name doesn’t need any introduction. Still could you please give a brief intro about yourself?
Good day to everyone, and thank you to OnestopNDT for inviting me for this interview. I am honoured to share my journey, and I hope this conversation benefits the NDT industry.
My name is Sajeesh Kumar Babu, born and raised in India, and I am now a proud Singaporean. I am the Founder and CEO of ANSA Holdings, which operates in multiple segments within the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry. My career spans over 28 years, during which I’ve worked with several international companies in industries such as construction, oil & gas, energy, and petrochemicals.
In addition to my role at ANSA Holdings, I serve as the Quality Director for Rotary Group of Companies, and I am actively involved with the NDT Society Singapore, where I currently hold the position of President. Furthermore, I have the privilege of being the elected Chairman of the International Committee for NDT (ICNDT). I also contributed to the establishment of the Singapore National Aerospace NDT Board.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to play a significant role in advancing global standards for NDT personnel certification, especially aligning them with ISO 9712 standards. My academic background includes a doctorate from the City University of Hong Kong and engineering degrees from the University of South Australia and Griffith University.
Under my leadership, ANSA Holdings has expanded its global operations, with a presence in regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, offering advanced testing, inspection, and personnel qualification services to a wide array of industries worldwide.
I have managed various EPC projects with respect to Quality and safety in energy industry from LNG and petrochemicals to Independent or Integrated Storage facilities.
Sir, could you run us down with your entire journey to become the Chairman of ICNDT?
My journey with NDT began at a very young age, influenced by my father, Mr. G. Babu, the founder of WENS NDT in Madras, India. From the age of 12, I was captivated by the world of NDT, observing my father, a young entrepreneur who ventured into various businesses before establishing his own NDT service company in 1985. Coming from a humble background, I witnessed firsthand the challenges he faced, and as a student, I supported him in building the company. It was during these formative years, particularly as he taught me how to interpret radiographs, that my passion for NDT truly took root.
My journey to becoming Chairman of ICNDT evolved through active participation in national and international NDT communities. I began by serving in various capacities at the NDT Society of Singapore, starting as Treasurer, then Honorary Secretary, and currently as President. Throughout this time, I contributed to working groups such as WG1, which was responsible for merging EN473 and ISO 9712 standards. This allowed me to interact with and learn from esteemed professionals across the globe. Mentors like Dr. Ooka (JSNDI), Dr. Mathias Purschke (DGZfP), and Mr. Gerhard Aufricht (ÖFfZP) played pivotal roles in encouraging me to take on greater responsibilities within the international NDT community.
In 2012, during the 18th World Conference on NDT in Durban, I was honored to be elected as the General Secretary of ICNDT, and later, at the 19th WCNDT in Munich in 2016, I was elected Chairman. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am grateful to all those who have supported and inspired me along the way."
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in NDT, and what has been your most rewarding experience as Chairman of ICNDT?
I would like to contribute to the industry in terms of bringing the NDT beyond its traditional approach to be structured and more access to international elements and serve the community by being an ambassador, This role helped me to harmonize the personnel qualification criteria in most of the countries & recognize the ISO standard and we have now an ICNDT MRA which is one significant step in terms of quality assurance, I could see it was a great experience in launching it and promoting it. The most rewarding experience is meeting people and get to know the industry challenges and building our strategic plan of ICNDT to the needs of the industry and member societies.
As the current Chairman of ICNDT, what role does ICNDT play in advancing NDT globally? How has the organization’s influence evolved over the years?
As the current Chairman of ICNDT, I can share that the organization plays a crucial role in advancing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on a global scale. ICNDT serves as a unifying platform, fostering collaboration among NDT societies worldwide and working to harmonize international standards for NDT certification, such as ISO 9712. Our focus is to ensure high standards of safety, quality, and reliability across various industries including aerospace, oil & gas, and infrastructure. Through initiatives like international conferences, working groups, and partnerships, ICNDT facilitates the sharing of best practices, cutting-edge technologies, and knowledge that benefit the NDT community worldwide.
Over the years, ICNDT’s influence has grown significantly, evolving from a forum for dialogue into a driving force for global policy shaping, research, and educational initiatives in the field. This evolution has helped the organization become a key player in meeting the rapidly changing demands of industries across the globe. It has now greater technical outreach by the structure of having several working groups and International Specialist Groups ( ISG).
I must also acknowledge the significant support and guidance from Dr. Mike Farley during my transition into the role of Chairman. Dr. Farley, a highly respected figure in the NDT community and a former ICNDT Chairman, played a pivotal role in maintaining continuity within the organization. His experience and leadership provided a strong foundation for ICNDT’s continued growth and success, particularly in fostering collaboration among international NDT societies and promoting global standards.
Sir, could you share some of the significant milestones ICNDT has achieved under your leadership?
ICNDT has achieved major milestones during the last 8 years of my leadership including we had changed our organization structure and adopted the engagement of regions on top of individual country, we developed SIG groups, contributed to the revision of ISO 9712 standards and went through covid and adopted technologies for communication and some of the milestone events has below
19th World Conference on NDT (WCNDT) - Munich, 2016: This conference marked a major gathering of NDT professionals worldwide, with discussions focused on emerging technologies and standards, particularly around ISO 9712 certification.
Global Standardization and ISO 9712 Alignment: ICNDT played a crucial role in promoting the harmonization of NDT personnel certification standards globally, further aligning them with ISO 9712 to ensure consistent qualifications across regions.
Development of NDT 4.0 Initiatives: With the advent of Industry 4.0, ICNDT began working on integrating advanced technologies like digitalization and automation into NDT practices, paving the way for what is termed "NDT 4.0."
13th European Conference on NDT (ECNDT) - Lisbon, 2023: ICNDT supported the European NDT Society in hosting this conference, which focused on the growing need for sustainability and advanced NDT solutions in Europe and beyond.
20th World Conference on NDT (WCNDT) - Incheon, Korea, 2024: Succeeded a major event after a long gap, this conference has provent ICNDT's tradition of uniting NDT professionals and driving innovation in the field.
How does ICNDT collaborate with international bodies and standards organizations to promote NDT best practices?
The International Committee for Non-Destructive Testing (ICNDT) collaborates closely with a range of international bodies and standards organizations to promote best practices in NDT. Here are some keyways ICNDT fosters collaboration and alignment:
Harmonization of Standards: ICNDT works closely with organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) especially with ISO-TC-135 as liaison member to ensure the global alignment of NDT standards. One of the major collaborative efforts has been the promotion of the ISO 9712 standard, which governs the certification of NDT personnel, ensuring consistency in qualifications across regions.
Participation in International Working Groups: ICNDT is actively involved in various working groups focused on standardization, certification, and research. For instance, its WG1 is responsible for coordinating efforts around the merger of EN473 and ISO 9712, bringing together experts from multiple regions to align European and international standards
Partnerships with Regional Federations: ICNDT collaborates with regional Federation such as the European Federation for NDT (EFNDT), the Asia-Pacific Federation for NDT (APFNDT), and the Pan-American NDT (PANNDT) organizations. Through these partnerships, ICNDT helps promote the adoption of best practices, hosts international conferences, and facilitates knowledge exchange.
International Conferences and Workshops: ICNDT organizes and participates in global conferences like the World Conference on NDT (WCNDT) and regional events, which serve as platforms for sharing advancements, research, and best practices. These conferences bring together stakeholders from various sectors, allowing for collaboration and dialogue on key NDT issues.
Certification and Qualification Schemes: ICNDT's Certification Executive Committee (ICEC) oversees the development and recognition of international certification schemes. This ensures that NDT professionals meet global qualifications, further promoting high standards of safety and quality
Through these collaborations, ICNDT not only promotes the best practices in NDT but also ensures that the industry evolves in line with technological advancements and global safety requirements.
What are the biggest challenges facing the NDT industry today, and how is ICNDT addressing them?
NDT industry is facing challenges in transition from traditional NDT & Industry 4.0, Nowadays technology is developing and different techniques of NDT is being established such as DR, TFM etc, ICNDT plays a pivotal role to engage with research institutions, universities, education institutions through its WG3 and bridge this barriers and bringing research close to industry.
How do you foresee the role of NDT changing as industries become more automated and digitalized?
As industries continue to embrace automation and digitalization, the role of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is set to undergo significant transformation. Here are key ways in which NDT is expected to evolve:
NDT 4.0 and Digital Integration: With the rise of Industry 4.0, NDT is increasingly integrating with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These technologies enable automated data collection, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance. For example, AI can be used to analyze complex inspection data quickly and accurately, reducing human error and improving the reliability of NDT processes.
Automation of Inspection Processes: As automation advances, traditional NDT techniques are becoming more automated, allowing for faster and more efficient inspections. Automated robots, drones, and autonomous systems can perform inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, such as in oil and gas pipelines, refineries, or aerospace structures. This minimizes the need for human intervention, increases safety, and reduces downtime.
Big Data and Predictive Maintenance: With the adoption of digitalized NDT, industries are moving toward predictive maintenance models. Big data analytics allows industries to collect and analyze vast amounts of inspection data, predicting potential failures before they occur. This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances equipment longevity.
Cloud-based Platforms and Remote Inspections: Digitalization is making remote inspections more feasible. Cloud-based platforms allow NDT data to be stored, accessed, and analyzed from anywhere in the world. This enables real-time collaboration between NDT experts and inspection teams, streamlining the decision-making process and ensuring rapid responses to potential issues
New Skill Sets for NDT Professionals: As NDT becomes more automated and digitalized, there will be a growing demand for professionals with expertise in data analysis, software development, AI, and robotics, alongside traditional NDT skills. Training and certification programs will need to evolve to equip NDT personnel with these new competencies
In summary, as industries become more automated and digitalized, NDT will shift toward more advanced, data-driven, and automated systems. These changes will not only enhance the efficiency and accuracy of inspections but also transform the skills required for NDT professionals.
Sir, what are some of the most exciting innovations in NDT technology that you believe will transform the industry in the next decade?
Some of the most exciting innovations in NDT technology that I believe will transform the industry over the next decade include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI is becoming an essential tool in analyzing large volumes of NDT data, improving accuracy, and reducing human error. ML algorithms can be trained to detect anomalies or defects in materials, providing faster and more consistent results than traditional methods. These technologies enable predictive maintenance by identifying potential issues before they escalate, revolutionizing how inspections are performed.
Autonomous and Robotic Inspections: Robots and drones equipped with advanced NDT sensors are increasingly being used in hazardous environments such as oil rigs, pipelines, and high-temperature areas. These autonomous systems can perform inspections without risking human safety, making it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas efficiently. For example, drones equipped with ultrasonic, thermographic, or visual sensors can assess infrastructure like bridges and wind turbines.
Digital Twins and Simulation Technology: A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset that can be used to simulate and analyze the performance of the asset in real time. In NDT, this technology enables predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring the structural health of assets. Digital twins combined with real-time data from sensors will allow for more accurate condition assessments and timely intervention.
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Total Focusing Method (TFM): PAUT is already widely used, but future advancements in TFM will take imaging capabilities to the next level. These techniques enable detailed 3D imaging of internal structures, allowing for more precise defect detection and characterization, especially in critical applications such as aerospace and nuclear power.
Terahertz and Microwave Imaging: Terahertz imaging is gaining traction for its ability to detect defects in non-metallic materials like composites and plastics. As industries such as aerospace and automotive shift toward lightweight materials, terahertz and microwave technologies are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity of these materials without requiring contact or radiation.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR are being integrated into NDT for training and real-time inspections. These technologies offer immersive experiences for training professionals in simulated environments, improving their skill sets. Additionally, AR can assist in on-site inspections by overlaying critical information or real-time data on the inspector’s field of view.
These innovations are set to not only improve the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of NDT but also transform the role of NDT professionals, driving the industry toward more automated, intelligent, and data-driven practices.
Could you share a personal story or experience that significantly shaped your approach to leadership in the NDT industry?
I have shared earlier on how I achieved to be the leader of ICNDT
What motivates you to continue contributing to the NDT industry after all these years?
Passion to NDT motivates me and how this is important in saving lives and livelihoods
How do you see the current state of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry? What are the key trends shaping its future?
CAGR of 2-3% per annumn is predicted across the globe. Greater shift from conventional NDT to data-driven NDT would be the future.
Outside of your professional life, what interests or hobbies help you unwind and maintain a balanced life?
I enjoy being in nature, exploring new places and do some bicycling.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as Chairman of ICNDT?
I would see unified personnel certification and greater recognition of centralized certification, reducing hurdles between economies and develop of global pool of NDT talents through network and professional development.
Finally, platforms like OnestopNDT are growing in popularity. How do you see these platforms shaping the future of the NDT industry by providing a centralized hub for professionals to access resources, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest technological advancements.
One of the key benefits of such platforms is their ability to democratize access to information. Whether it's through webinars, articles, or job boards, platforms like OnestopNDT allow professionals at all levels to learn from industry experts and gain exposure to cutting-edge innovations. This is particularly important in an industry that is rapidly evolving with advancements in automation, AI, and digitalization.
