Holstein Wong

A bit about me:

I’m a process engineer turned sales engineer in the resources sector, working towards energy management and decarbonisation through industrial automation, process integration, and social change. At Schneider Electric, I get to work with great people and tech to solve system challenges in mining, minerals, and metals operations. Having worked regionally in the Bowen Basin I’ve now settled in Meanjin/Brisbane.

The reason that I’m a dedicated advocate for inclusion and diversity in industry and early STEM education, is because I deeply believe that it's the right thing to do from both a social and economic perspective. Industry has so much opportunity for growth and development when we make it inclusive, and this is pivotal for the energy transition.

As a firm believer in the power of community connections and reciprocity, I actively volunteer for various local organisations, and serve on two university advisory boards at UNSW.

Quick-fire Q&A:

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

“Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.”

What are you currently reading/listening to?

Gradually reading The Dawn of Everything by Graeber and Wengrow (it will take me a while) and listening a variety of podcasts like The Australia Institute’s Follow the Money.

What recent habits have improved or changed your life?

Going for walks along the river, especially after a big day of online meetings.

How did your time at UNSW help shape who you are today?

I was part of the Co-op program, and through UNSW’s excellent industry connections, I had the opportunity to complete industry placements that helped to enrich and ground the content that we were learning on campus. Having that work experience under my belt made me confident enough to relocate to regional Queensland and join the mining sector, which had an enormous impact on me personally and professionally.

^{What do you enjoy most about working in your profession?}

I enjoy the process of understanding and adapting to diverse needs in different environments. We are solving some big problems, and the evolving nature of industry means there’s always new opportunities to make a positive impact.

Why is science important?

Scientists and engineers are for life – we can solve multiple complex things at once, and that is extremely useful and necessary in the messy complicated world that we live in.