Member profile: Mr Murugiah Suppiah CEng FEI Chartered Energy Manager

When did you first become interested in energy?

Back in 1975, my journey in energy started when I took on the position as the Station Manager of a hydro-electric power station. In addition to managing the power station, I was responsible for overseeing the electrical energy generated in the station. Even before this role, my interest in energy came from the realisation that energy management, much like human resource, safety and financial management, is an essential part of the total management system. 

Tell us a little about your current job

Currently, I provide inspection and advisory services in electrical and energy management for large organisations. I am now working as a Visiting Electrical Engineer under the Electricity Supply Act a twenty large installations, including gold mines, private hospitals and factories. Since 2009, I’ve also been working as the Visiting Energy Manager under the provisions of the Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 at eleven major installations.

I certainly enjoy advising and assisting the management staff at each of these facilities on potential improvements in their energy efficiency strategies and ultimately seeing the fruits of my efforts in the energy savings recorded.

What inspired you to pursue this career, and what path did you take to get there?

This goes back to my younger days when growing up with my father working as a licensed Steam Turbine Operator at the second largest steam power station in Malaysia. Being based nearby the station, I remember being exposed to management, technical, safety and energy saving issues. I was fascinated by the problems and issues discussed, inspiring me to work at a power station, where it was a dream of mine at the time to become a Shift Engineer.

After becoming a Shift Engineer, I managed to move up the ladder with career highlights including my appointment as the Head of Human Resources Department of the Generation Division for all power stations of the National Energy Company. What I consider the greatest achievement is not based on any one position or field of study, but on my multi-disciplinary collection of professional and educational qualifications, such as my chartered status and Fellowship of internationally recognised bodies like the Energy Institute, Chartered Management Institute, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology as well as my Masters degree in Human Resource Management.

How has being a Chartered Energy Manager benefitted you in your career?

“Experience works but qualifications speaks,” and my Chartered Energy Manager title does speak volumes on my professional standing and status in the energy field. This registration title has given me the opportunity and other members to express their opinions on the wider issues affecting the industry.

Away from work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

As much as I enjoy working and broadening my knowledge within the field, I do engage in photography, travelling and even farming my plot of one acre land.

And finally… What does your Chartered Energy Manager accreditation truly mean to you?

With my Chartered Energy Manager title, I feel qualified to advise and talk with confidence as well as contribute to the field of energy management, especially as the climate emergency becomes a crucial issue.

Interested in applying for Chartered Energy Manager? For more information on how to apply, please click here.