Curtin University graduate Bay Yeo has been named the WA Young Professional Engineer of the Year for 2012 at Engineers Australia’s WA Engineering Excellence Awards.
The civil engineer, who completed his undergraduate degree at Curtin Sarawak Campus in Malaysia followed by a PhD at Curtin’s Bentley Campus, was recognised for his achievements in working on several major infrastructure projects and his inspirational work with young engineers.
While at Curtin, Dr Yeo was under the supervision of Professor Hamid Nikraz, Head of Civil Engineering, for both his undergraduate final year project and PhD, together publishing several joint journal and conference papers.
Since graduating he has progressed from a design engineering role to a project engineering role, to his current role as a site engineer with Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM). He attained his professional accreditation with Engineers Australia within the minimum timeframe of three years.
Dr Yeo is also the regional representative for SKM’s Engineers Without Borders interest group, leading a team that organises fundraisers, high school outreach programs and pro-bono engineering projects.
Dr Yeo said he was quite humbled by the achievement, believing there are a lot of other inspirational engineers in Western Australia, especially in the field of humanitarian engineering.
“I hope that my award can be an inspiration to other young engineers, especially international students who are trying to start a career here in Australia,” he said.
“The award is a reaffirmation of my beliefs that perseverance and hard work will be rewarded.”
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development, Professor Graeme Wright, said Dr Yeo’s achievement is another example of Curtin graduates thriving after leaving the University with industry-ready skills.
“Dr Yeo was valedictorian at Curtin Sarawak Campus in Malaysia, and since completing his PhD at Curtin’s Bentley Campus, his success has inspired students in engineering and technology to not only pursue high calibre research through a PhD, but also build successful careers in WA industries in their professional areas,” Professor Wright said.
“He is well deserving of this award having achieved so much at such an early stage of his career, and will no doubt continue down the path of success.”
The WA Engineering Excellence Awards honour individuals demonstrating great achievement and leadership within the engineering profession.
Contact:
Bay Yeo, Civil Engineer, Sinclair Knight Merz
Mobile: 0439 566 168, Email: byeo@globalskm.com
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
