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This virtual forum, initiated by the North East Region (NEAR) and South East Asia Region (SEAR) Young Member Representative, Ken Chan and Pooi Ying Choong, who were supported by Nicola Wong and a team of Affiliate Member Volunteers. This inaugural joint event by NEAR and SEAR provided a platform for knowledge exchange between the NEAR and the SEAR. The event was moderated by Nilavarasen Subramaniam from SEAR and Anuk Ranaweera from NEAR, both accomplished engineering students and past participants in the IMechE Speak Out for Engineering competitions.
The forum aimed to foster collaboration among engineers from different regions, highlighting diverse perspectives and insights on professional growth, industry advancements, and sustainability. As moderators, Nilavarasen and Anuk guided discussions that delved into key aspects of the engineering field, engaging both panelists and audience members in thought-provoking conversations.
The event featured four esteemed panelists, each bringing their expertise to the table. Dr. Lynn Cheng, an environmental engineering specialist with a PhD focused on wind effects on buildings, shared her insights on sustainability and climate-conscious engineering solutions. Ms. Sonjia Leung, an expert in railway design engineering, spoke about the challenges and innovations in large-scale infrastructure projects. Azalea Badrulshah, a Chartered Engineer and Senior Design Engineer at Dyson Malaysia, discussed product development, sustainability, and her role in inspiring the next generation through STEM workshops. Amirul Ahmad MIMechE CEng, a Maintenance Engineer at Brunei Shell Petroleum, highlighted safety in engineering, drawing from his experience in subsea project engineering and helicopter maintenance.
The panelists engaged in meaningful discussions, addressing crucial topics such as career growth and skill development. They shared advice on key skills and strategies to accelerate professional growth, emphasising continuous learning and adaptability. Sustainability in engineering was also a key topic, with Dr. Lynn providing valuable insights into integrating environmental considerations into engineering design, particularly in the face of climate change. Innovation in engineering was discussed as well, with Ms. Sonjia explaining how quality and technical accuracy shape the industry.
Work-life balance in engineering was another important aspect of the discussion. With demanding projects and tight deadlines, panelists shared personal strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A crucial discussion also emerged around technological advancements and AI’s impact on engineering careers, addressing the concerns of students and aspiring engineers about the future job market.
As the session drew to a close, Nilavarasen and Anuk reflected on the key takeaways from the forum. They highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to learning in engineering careers. A group photo captured the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie among participants, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
The NEAR x SEAR IMechE International Engineering Forum served as a testament to the power of global collaboration, inspiring future engineers to embrace challenges and drive innovation. With events like these, IMechE continues to foster professional growth and bridge connections across borders, strengthening the engineering community worldwide.
As we move forward, the lessons from this forum will serve as a foundation for aspiring engineers, encouraging them to pursue excellence, push boundaries, and shape the future of engineering. Until next time, let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and engineer a better world together.