As the Class of 2025 celebrates the culmination of years of hard work, we shine the spotlight on this year’s valedictorian, Chen Zhipu, a brilliant PhD student whose work is set to transform the way we move through our cities.
With a deep fascination for the pulse of urban life, Zhipu’s research zeroes in on integrating autonomous modular vehicles into public transport systems using AI. Imagine a future where fixed-route buses and on-demand transport services work seamlessly together, efficient, responsive, and perfectly tuned to commuters’ needs. That’s the world he is helping to build.
“I’ve always been captivated by the rhythm of city life and the challenge of coordinating thousands of commuters each day,” he shares. “The opportunity to harness AI and autonomous mobility to create smarter, more efficient transport inspires me deeply.”
His work addresses a real-world problem: fragmented urban transport networks. By improving coordination between human-driven and autonomous vehicles, his models reduce unnecessary detours and transfers, saving time, cutting emissions, and improving the commuting experience for everyone.
Conducting his research at TUM Asia, he’s benefited from the best of both worlds, Germany’s engineering excellence and Singapore’s advanced smart city research. With access to rich local mobility data and guidance from top-tier mentors, he found both academic rigor and real-world relevance.
“The most rewarding part? Watching complex models actually work in simulation and knowing they can translate to meaningful time savings and environmental benefits in real life.”
Outside the lab, he enjoys jogging, badminton, and diving into books that fuel his curiosity. He also finds inspiration in conversations with fellow researchers and professionals, always seeking fresh perspectives to enrich his work.
One quote that continues to guide his journey:
“Do what you love.” – Steve Jobs
“By following what truly ignites our passion, we find both the strength to persevere and the comfort of knowing we’ve pursued our calling without regret.”
Moving ahead, he hopes to bring his vision beyond the classroom and into cities around the world, helping shape more intelligent, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.
Congratulations to our valedictorian and to the entire Class of 2025! Your journey is just beginning.
Learn more about Chen Zhipu’s profile as a PhD Researcher at TUM Asia.
