An Associate ICT and audio visual consultant, Yurong designs in-building technologies including audio visual, telecommunications, electronic access control and CCTV systems. She is particularly skilled in balancing compliance requirements with her clients’ desire for aesthetically pleasing and functional solutions.
Yurong has a strong focus on new technologies and innovative solutions. She is an integral part of the design team on several greenfield and refurbishment projects.
Here, Yurong talks with passion about engineering giving shape to her imagination and being able to contribute to society. She also gives insight into one of her career highlights, Westpac’s 275 Kent Street, Sydney fitout.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
I was inspired to be an engineer because in being an engineer you can give shape to your imagination and contribute something for the betterment of society. The field of engineering provides the ideal synthesis of creativity and utility. Also, I have always enjoyed maths and problem solving, so being an engineer allows me to better utilise these skills and have the capability to take ideas and translate them into practical solutions. I wanted a profession that would allow me to consistently invent and implement ideas.
Why digital (communications)?
I chose audio visual (AV) and information communication technology (ICT) because it is a fairly niche area which is both challenging and interesting as technology is constantly improving and changing. In a world that is always evolving, AV and communications engineering is essential to advancing and altering how we work, learn and develop.
Furthermore, the field of digital technology engineering is continually developing, with new technologies appearing often.
This is fundamentally the reason why I decided to work in this industry as it continually challenges us and rewards us with technical advancement and innovation.
What’s your career highlight project?
One of my career highlights was designing a communications and AV engineering solution for Westpac’s global headquarters project in Sydney.
The scope of the project was for NDY to document communications and AV systems that comply with Westpac’s standards and provide a friendly user experience; for example, investigate the existing solutions deployed, collect user journeys and feedback, and review corporate standards against current technologies to ensure the latest are captured.
The two goals identified with our client during early stages of the project were:
- To provide users with a consistent experience when using AV solutions throughout existing and new floors whilst having the latest features provided by current technology
- Adaptability – the design needs to have the capacity to facilitate expansions and future technology as much as possible.
Tell us about the communications and AV engineering on this project.
While Westpac has their own corporate standards, there are bespoke spaces that required special consideration and unique designs that meet business requirements and provide intuitive user experiences, such as dealers desks and large training rooms on deal floors.
In order to address functionality and compatibility, various workshop sessions were held with user groups, design teams and our client’s IT team throughout the design process to ensure all aspects were captured.
What innovative new approaches are you seeing when it comes to audio visual?
Without a doubt AV technology is one of the most innovative topics in today’s fast-paced world, from immersive virtual reality experiences to spatial audio. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is definitely catching up on its way into the AV industry, enhancing the technologies in many aspects, such as optimising video and audio signals and providing more intuitive user operations etc. by using AI algorithms. I’m looking forward to seeing the new possibilities that the technology can bring us as it continues to progress.
