Q: Tell us about your background and how you became interested in energy?  
A: Growing up in Ipoh, in the state of Perak, we were taught the importance of conserving electricity from a young age by my mom. Furthermore, Ipoh, with its rich history in tin mining, had long relied on energy-intensive industries that left scars on the landscape. The decline of the mining industry opened opportunities for reflection on how energy and resource consumption could be made more efficient. When the time to choose a field of study came, I gravitated towards an energy and environment-related course, which led me to a Master’s degree focused on renewable energy.

Q: What motivated you to join the Energy Institute (EI)?  
A: I first heard about the EI when I attended one of its webinars. I was drawn to its reputation as a global hub for energy professionals, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking, which aligned perfectly with my career goals and interests.

The EI member benefits give access to excellent technical resources and training opportunities. Beyond that, the professional recognition that comes with EI membership will help establish credibility in my career, and also open doors to new opportunities.

Q: Tell us about your current job and how your work is contributing towards the transition to net zero?   
A: I provide and integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, with various innovative design strategies to optimise energy use in buildings. Recently, I have also been exploring carbon accounting, to help companies achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Q: How has being an AMEI benefitted your career?  
Being an AMEI has provided me with the tools and network to grow both personally and professionally. I have been with EI for several years now, although I wasn’t a student member before joining as a professional. The EI membership offerings that have had the most impact on me include access to technical resources, training programmes and industry events.

With EI’s branches in multiple south-east Asia countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, I have had the chance to participate in local events. For example, I served as the Learning Affiliate Team Lead in EI Malaysia, which allowed me to lead initiatives, organise workshops and collaborate with other professionals in the region.

Q: You are working towards full Chartered Engineer (CEng) and MEI status. Could you explain the Interim Registration process and how it will benefit your career?  
Through one of the EI’s webinars, I learned about the pathway to full CEng status and how the accreditation could help me progress toward my career goal.

Since I was applying to become a Chartered Engineer, it was important to demonstrate my professional foundation and skills. Interim Registration would show that I met the engineering requirements set by the Engineering Council and those working in engineering. It would also demonstrate my commitment to building a career with a professional title, committed to meeting the industry’s highest standards.

The process of Interim Registration has guided my development by setting clear, structured technical and leadership competencies. The Interim Registration path has made me more focused on gaining expertise in areas critical to my job, covering energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

Achieving CEng will enhance my credibility and technical standing in the energy sector, positioning me as a trusted and accredited professional capable of leading complex sustainability and energy efficiency projects. It will also open doors to more senior roles, with greater responsibilities in shaping strategic energy initiatives.

Q: What projects have you worked on in pursuit of CEng and MEI status?  
A: I have had the opportunity to work on several exciting projects in both Malaysia and Singapore. I have collaborated with high-profile architecture firms on net zero energy and low-carbon building projects. I have also been involved in an energy benchmarking project, helping develop roadmaps to achieve carbon neutrality in alignment with global sustainability goals.

Q: What are your ambitions in terms of the energy transition?   
A: My ambitions are to play a role in driving decarbonisation and energy efficiency across the built environment. I want to be part of the conversation that shapes policies and standards, ensuring that the energy transition is equitable and sustainable for both business and communities.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.