David Wong

Course: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours), 2013
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Production Engineer, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc

Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.

My current role covers both production and integrity. On production fronts, my role includes optimising short term and long term production and also monitoring and analysing well inflow and outflow performance, design of well/reservoir interface (including sand management). This role allows me to oversee production from well, reservoir and facility management perspectives.

On integrity fronts, I need to make sure ExxonMobil is operating within Well Integrity Management Systems. I am tasked to conduct Risk Screenings for emerging well threats and propose rectification plans.

How have your studies at Monash helped to prepare you for the working world?

When I reflect on my four years in the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program, I can conclude that the experience not only made me better in terms of technical knowledge and skills but also prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career. Through multiple projects and assignments with coursemates and lecturers from multicultural backgrounds, I was challenged at times to work as a team and be the solution to problems. The same teamwork mentality has played a central role in my work, as it is vital for a production engineer to be able to integrate multidisciplinary teams to solve daily problems through communication and engagement.

Did you go for any internships or work placements?

I completed three-month internships at IOI Loders Croklaan Asia and Linde Malaysia. They were both very fulfilling experiences.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

I found Monash an ideal place for me to grow as an engineer and to build a support system. My lecturers and peers challenged me to stretch and grow. I was provided honest feedback with the intention for me to improve rather than to beat me down or to coddle me. It really wasn’t about the competition and we realised that we all had a stake in each other’s success.

What are your career goals?

My career aspiration is to be an expert in my area and groom more engineers to contribute to society. I aspire to be someone that can walk the talk and always put people first.