A highly experienced associate electrical engineer, Mun has proven expertise across a diverse range of electrical, communications and electronic security systems. She is a leader of core technical expertise, with her strength in attention to detail.
This applies to the coordination of electrical services with other disciplines across NDY and externally, such as architecture and interior design.
Mun has worked across various sectors including education, commercial offices, hospitality, correctional, aged care and residential projects in and around Adelaide, interstate and internationally.
Through her academic career, Mun’s qualifications include a PhD in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. She has in-depth research experience in electromagnetic theory, antenna designs and fabrication.
Here, Mun talks bending the law of physics to solve problems, dissecting calculators as a child, her affinity for electrical engineering and one of her favourite projects, the City of Salisbury Community Hub.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Since I was young, I have always been interested to find out how things work and how to make things work. I certainly pulled apart many of my dad’s calculators as a little kid to see what was inside and then tried to put them back together to make it work again! I also have a keen interest in putting smaller things together to create something bigger.
As I got older, I realised this is a big part of being an engineer, to put our creativity to good use in understanding and solving problems… sometimes ‘bending the law of physics’ to create innovative solutions.
Why electrical engineering?
Electrical engineering involves things that are abstract and cannot be seen easily with our naked eyes, such as electricity and electromagnetic waves, which are like invisible forces and we can probably only feel their presence when they act upon an object. I find it fascinating and that’s why I chose electrical engineering.
What’s your career highlight project?
My career highlight project so far is the City of Salisbury Community Hub. It is not the largest and tallest building or site I have worked on, but it always has a special place in my heart as this project involved building a much needed facility for the community that brings people together in a central location.
With a contemporary building housing a resource centre, council chambers, council workplace, front of house community services points and function spaces, as well as an outdoor civic square, the community can have fun learning, enjoy events and group activities together, or simply just the convenience of going to that one place for resources and services. Our client’s goal was to create a ‘gathering point’ for the community that is inviting and family friendly and the project has achieved just that.
Tell us about the electrical engineering on this project.
In terms of electrical engineering, much of the effort was put into establishing the electrical infrastructure, including staging, to suit the current and future needs of the site. As it is a contemporary building providing various functions for the community and council, we worked very closely with the interior designers and architects to provide lighting that suits the aesthetics of the various unique spaces, while ensuring comfort and technical compliance. This included liaising with suppliers for custom luminaires to achieve the design intent.
What innovative new approaches are you seeing when it comes to electrical engineering?
Smart building technologies, and I think it will continue to evolve rapidly as time goes.
If you’ve worked across regions, countries, and/or Tetra Tech operating units, can you tell us about the key similarities and differences you’ve encountered when it comes to mechanical engineering and your projects?
The people. I always find NDY team members share a core set of values regardless of where they come from. This creates an instant rapport in both the professional world and on a personal level.
Where do you see the future of electrical engineering heading?
I think electrical engineering will have more and more emphasis on solutions for smart and sustainable buildings.
What legacy do you want to leave, when it comes to your career?
Projects that will benefit the community for years to come.
If you feel comfortable to do so, tell us a bit about your background (culturally).
I was born in Malaysia and came to Australia more than 20 years ago. The cultures in Malaysia and Australia are quite different. I am lucky to have experienced both, and it makes my life experience fuller.
How does diversity of background and thought influence how you deliver your projects?
I have met many people from all walks of life having lived in Malaysia and now in Australia. It certainly helps me appreciate the uniqueness of people I work with and contribute to better group thinking and collaboration, which is an important part of project delivery. Being a female engineer, we have our uniqueness in seeing things from a different perspective, which can promote innovation and progressiveness working as a team and delivering projects.
