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IMecHE President Visits Monash

 7 May 2008

Mr John Baxter, the President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, United Kingdom (IMecHE) made a visit to Monash University Sunway campus recently to deliver a lecture titled ‘Energy for Life’.

During the lecture, Mr Baxter listed out the various energy sources that are available today, including nuclear, oil, wind and solar energy. He also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each energy source.

Apart from that, he also explained the energy output of all the different types of energy sources he mentioned previously along with the effect it has on the environment. He also mentioned that the challenges that engineers face today is how to think and design as well as develop energy sources that can cut the emission of carbon dioxide.

“In reality, the world is powered by different energy that produces carbon dioxide and we as engineers are thinking of numerous ways to replace as well as to sustain these energy sources. This is to ensure that we provide solutions that will not only help humans but also protect the environment.”

“Additionally, we as engineers also play a roll in educating people about energy and its effect and thinking of ways to reduce the use of energy and at the same time not jeopardize the people’s lifestyle.”

He also said that it is possible that hydrogen may be the primary ‘fuel’ of the future but many does not realize that hydrogen is not actually a form of fuel and this also includes electricity. What engineers are also looking at is producing a replica of fuel. He added that this will be one way of helping but it is definitely not the absolute solution. Right after he finished the lecture, a question and answer session was held for students, staff members and guests.

Mr Baxter joined the IMechE in 1975 and has served a wide range of committees and has held several distinguished posts. He has served on a Polaris nuclear submarine and refitting nuclear submarines, with subsequent career with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and is also a founding Director of Hunting BRAE, the private sector company that ran the UK Atomic Weapon plants. He is currently Group Engineering Director of BP. -By Anita Hadi


 



Mr John Baxter (fourth from left) with Professor Ian Prince, Head of the School of Engineering (third from left), Mr Matthew Thomas, President of IMecHE Malaysia (third from right), Professor Walter Wong, Deputy Pro Vice-chancellor, Monash University Sunway campus (second from right), Dr Teoh Kok Soo, Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering (first from right) and two members from IMecHE Malaysia.


Mr John Baxter talking about ‘Energy for Life’ at Monash University Sunway campus.