Three Monash University Malaysia staff members take on pivotal roles in the prestigious Institution of Mechanical Engineers Malaysia Committee.

We proudly announce that three of our dedicated Department of Mechanical Engineering staff members have been elected to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Malaysia Committee. Ir Dr Oon Cheen Sean has been appointed Chairman, Ir Dr Lau Ee Von as Honorary Secretary and Ir Dr Ooi Jong Boon as a Committee Member. Their election showcases the expertise and leadership at Monash University Malaysia.

These appointments bring numerous benefits to Monash University Malaysia, providing a platform to influence engineering practices, contribute to professional growth, and enhance the overall quality of engineering education in Malaysia. Dr Oon highlights, "My newly elected role as the Chairman could boost our engineering students' confidence, especially in mechanical engineering. It is a life testimony to recognise the professional level of Monash University Malaysia's academic staff at the national and international level."

Additionally, Dr Oon plans to leverage his position to build stronger connections with industry leaders and engineering professionals. "As the Chairman of IMechE, I have a lot of opportunities to further my networking with remarkable professionals. I can build our network and forge strong ties by inviting them to attend our events like job fairs and final year project presentations."

Seated from left: Professor Ir Ong Kok Seng, Ir Dr Lai Mun Kou, Ir Dr Oon Cheen Sean, Ir Dr Aidil Chee Tahir and Ir Dr Lau Ee Von.
Standing from left: Ir Eddie Lim Hok Lian, Ir Dr Gerald Victor, Ir Dr Ooi Jong Boon, Ir Ts Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan, Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, Ir Ts Chow Chee Choy and Ir Low Han Yang.

Dr Oon also envisions collaborative research opportunities arising from his involvement with IMechE Malaysia. "Monash University places a lot of emphasis on high-quality research. Becoming part of the IMechE Malaysia committee has benefitted me and the university in several ways. I have greater influence outside the organisation, which has enabled me to reach out further afield to find partners and work together to tackle challenging and demanding research projects. By expanding my networking in the industry, I can foresee more collaborative research projects commencing in cooperation with the industry at the national level in the future."

Moreover, Dr Oon intends to bring a more international perspective to Monash University Malaysia by leveraging the global network of IMechE. "Solving the world's most pressing global issues requires strong international engineering collaboration across disciplines to develop sustainable solutions. This effort aligns with Monash University's thriving communities theme that requires transformative responses built not for, but with, communities locally, nationally, and internationally."

Dr Lau Ee Von, as Honorary Secretary, views her position as a bridge between the university and the professional engineering community. "Through this network, students will have the chance to engage with professionals, attend technical talks, workshops, and seminars, and gain insights into current industry trends and challenges. This exposure will not only enhance their learning experience but also improve their employability by equipping them with real-world skills and networking opportunities."

Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahab announcing the results of office bearer for 2024/2025.

On the other hand, Dr Ooi Jong Boon takes charge in serving as Committee Member for IMechE Malaysia and Academic Liaison Officer for Monash IMechE Student Chapter with a strong dedication to supporting our engineering students by providing more networking opportunities and exposure to current industry trends. “We support them with events and competitions and actively interact with academics and researchers from Monash, industry professionals, and other universities to provide opportunities for student internships, final year project collaborations, and guest lectures.” He further elaborates on how the IMechE committee plans to benefit Monash students. “The committee is also committed to organising technical talks and workshops by inviting industry experts from various engineering backgrounds so that our students would gain valuable practical experience and are well-informed of the latest advancements and in-demand skills to better-prepare students for the workforce."

We look forward to the positive impact these appointments will have on our community and the broader engineering field. The university continues to foster an environment of excellence, innovation, and leadership, as evidenced by the achievements of our distinguished staff members.

The IMechE, established in 1847 and headquartered in London, boasts a global membership exceeding 115,000. It promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange through student chapters, awards, and strategic initiatives. IMechE's influence extends beyond its elections by offering continuous learning opportunities for professional development. It connects industry experts, academics, and engineers through networking events, fosters student engagement, recognises exceptional achievements, champions excellence, and provides a comprehensive global perspective on engineering trends and innovations.

From left: Ir Dr Gerald Victor, Ir Dr Aidil Chee Tahir, and Ir Dr Lau Ee Von.