Q: Tell us your background and when you first became interested in energy?
A: Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I was surrounded by a city powered by constant movement. There are trains connecting communities, skyscrapers lighting the skyline, and digital networks linking millions of people every day. From an early age, I was fascinated by how everything around the city relied on energy to function.

As I progressed through high school and learned more about science, sustainability and climate change, I began to appreciate how closely our quality of life is tied to the way we produce and consume energy. This curiosity gradually evolved into a passion. I became increasingly interested in how engineers can develop solutions that balance growing energy demands with environmental responsibility. Looking back, that was the moment I realised that energy is not just a technical challenge, but much more it is a societal one. It sits at the intersection of people, infrastructure, economics and sustainability, which is what continues to fascinate me today.

Q: How did you first hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join?
A: I first learned about the Energy Institute during my first days at UTP in September 2025. Dr Madiah, the advisor of the Energy Institute UTP Student Chapter, approached me after learning about my previous leadership experiences, particularly my role as Vice President of the Student Council during my preparatory studies at the German-Malaysian Institute.

What motivated me to join was the belief that young people can play an active role in shaping the future of energy. The Energy Institute offered a platform where I could learn from industry professionals, connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to meaningful initiatives while developing both technical and leadership skills.

Q: How has being a free student member of the Energy Institute benefitted you in your studies?
A: Since becoming a student member in October 2025, I have benefitted greatly from the Energy Institute’s knowledge resources, particularly the New Energy World magazine and the EI Knowledge Centre.

These resources have allowed me to explore topics beyond the scope of my coursework and stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends and global energy challenges. They provide valuable real-world context that complements my academic studies and helps me better understand how engineering decisions affect the broader energy landscape.

Q: Tell us about your degree, and how your studies are contributing towards a just, secure and low-carbon transition?
A: I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Integrated Engineering with Honours at UTP, a multidisciplinary programme. I am in the first cohort, and expect to graduate in September 2029.

I am also a bonded scholar under a scholarship programme jointly supported by MARA (a Malaysian government agency established to train and guide Malays and indigenous ethnic groups in business, industry and education) and EPOMS Group (a Malaysian oil and gas operations and maintenance provider), which has given me a strong sense of purpose and responsibility in my studies. This opportunity not only supports my academic journey, but also prepares me for a future role in the company, where I hope to contribute as an integrated engineer who can connect technical expertise with commercial understanding. 

Being an EI member actively equips me with the cross-functional skills and professional mindset needed to accelerate a just energy transition and address complex sustainability challenges across the entire industry value chain.

Looking ahead, I hope to become an active energy professional who contributes to industrial decarbonisation, the development of smarter energy systems, and the bridging of technical solutions to the community. By combining digitalisation, environmental responsibility and a strong sense of social impact, I aspire to help create solutions that balance energy security with long-term sustainability while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Q: You’re part of the Energy Institute’s first student chapter. Could you tell us more about how you started it, your role and chapter goals? Also, could you provide any advice for other universities looking to establish their own?
A: Our goal is to build a community that promotes energy literacy, professional development and meaningful discussions surrounding the future of energy. We want to create opportunities for students from different disciplines to engage with industry professionals, explore emerging energy technologies and better understand the challenges involved in achieving a sustainable energy transition.

Since launch in October 2025, there have been eight events, including in July a six-hour STEM outreach activity for 35 secondary school science students, in cooperation with ExxonMobil. Serving as president has been a profound exercise in adaptive leadership, crisis management (such as handling venue flooding and manpower shortages), and strategic stakeholder engagement.  

For universities looking to establish their own student chapters, my advice is simple: start with a passionate team and a clear purpose. Find people who genuinely care about the future of energy, build strong relationships with supportive academic advisors, and focus on creating value for students. With commitment, curiosity and the support of the Energy Institute, a student chapter can become a powerful platform for learning, leadership and impact.

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.