Keat Cheong | Acting Coordinator, Traffic and Transport

Vic Member | 14 Years

Why did you become an IPWEA Member?

I joined IPWEA early in my engineering career during my various roles within Local Government after completing my Bachelor of Environmental Engineering. It is difficult to keep up with the fact-paced and continually evolving application of engineering, so joining IPWEA has given me the opportunity to connect and share knowledge with my peers from different environments and backgrounds. IPWEA has broadened my thinking by exposing me to the various roles that engineers can have within Local Government and the different ways communities solve problems. I have since been able apply improvements within my own role by connecting with the resources and update knowledge that IPWEA provides through community networks, conferences, seminars and programs. It is fantastic to meet and see the passionate engineers within the Australasia community and the works which have been done in improving the environment that we all live in.

What are the benefits for your role/career?

I believe that the knowledge and the people I have met through IPWEA has fast-tracked my career since graduating. I comprehend information better when I see case-studies and examples of innovative treatments being applied. It has been humbling to see the various ways engineers think and react to problems in various situations. I have since been able to apply improvements within my own role based on knowledge and I also have a community to evaluate and test my own ideas as a way to continually improve and challenge methods.

What would you say to someone considering a membership?

IPWEA is great for all members of the public who have an interest in public infrastructure and its application. It is great for engineers starting their career and to find the careers and technical area which may appeal to them, while also great for established engineers who wish to wish to contribute their knowledge and skills to the community. I suggest that you keep an open mind to new ideas and not be afraid to contribute your own ideas and challenge your way of critical thinking.