FEIAP ENGINEER of the YEAR 2024
Dr. Tan Yean Chin
FEIAP ENGINEER of the YEAR 2024
Dr. Tan Yean Chin
On Education:
In 1992, he earned his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with First Class Honours from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Subsequently, in 1994, he was honored with the Chin Fung Kee Prize and obtained his Master of Engineering (Geotechnical) from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok.
He obtained his Engineering Doctorate from UTM in 2017.
On Professional Credentials:
Dr. Tan is a Professional Engineer and an Accredited Checker (Geotechnical) registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
He is also
ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE)
APEC Engineer and International Professional Engineer (IPEA) in Malaysia and Australia.
Registered Foreign Professional Engineer (RFPE) in Myanmar and Cambodia
Dr. Tan’s Professional Recognitions include :
Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) since 2021.
Honorary Fellow of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) since 2010.
Fellow of the ASEAN Academy of Engineering & Technology (AAET) since 2015.
Fellow of The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE, UK) since 2017.
Fellow of the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW) since 2017.
Dr. Tan Yean Chin, as the dedicated Secretary General of FEIAP since 2007, for the last 17 years has significantly contributed to the growth and advancement of this esteemed organization. Let’s delve into his remarkable achievements:
Engineering Education and Accreditation Guidelines:
Dr. Tan dedicated to the development and publication of internationally recognized outcome-based FEIAP Engineering Education and Accreditation Guidelines. These guidelines serve as a benchmark for engineers, engineering technologists, and engineering technicians.
UNESCO recognizes these guidelines, and they have been adopted in the Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Accord (AAP Accord).
Expanding Membership and Inclusivity:
Under Dr. Tan’s leadership, the FEIAP Constitution underwent improvements. It now allows Member Economies outside of Asia and the Pacific to join FEIAP.
Notably, Rwanda and Nigeria from Africa have become new members of FEIAP.
NPU-FEIAP Belt and Road Engineering Education Centre (NFTC):
Dr. Tan played a pivotal role in establishing the NFTC in Xian, China. This centre provides training and seminars on Engineering Education Accreditation to all FEIAP Members and other international organizations.
Since 2019, NFTC has conducted over 30 physical and online training sessions.
FEIAP Graduate Engineering Personnel Register:
Dr. Tan championed the creation of the FEIAP Graduate Engineering Personnel Register. This registry facilitates mutual recognition of engineering personnel for employment and networking purposes.
Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Accord (AAP Accord):
Dr. Tan’s vision and efforts led to the signing of the AAP Accord between FEIAP and the Federation of Africa Engineering Organisations (FAEO) in April 2021.
This cross-continental engineering education accreditation system has garnered praise from both WFEO and UNESCO, as it contributes to the development of engineering education in developing nations.
Dr. Tan Yean Chin, a distinguished figure in the engineering field, has also made significant contributions across various fields :
Presidency of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM):
From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Tan served as the President of IEM.
During his tenure, he successfully proposed and managed to amend the IEM Constitution by adding 5 young Graduate Members to the IEM Council. This strategic change ensures the sustainability and retention of young engineers within the institution.
Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM):
Dr. Tan served as a Board member for 10 years. BEM is the government regulatory body responsible for registering and governing all engineering personnel in Malaysia.
For 9 years, he held the position of Chairman of the Professional Practice Committee (PPC). Under his leadership, the PPC focused on professional practice and code of conduct for all engineering personnel in Malaysia.
During his tenure, numerous BEM Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to professional practice were published, contributing to improved safety in the construction industry.
Director of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana):
In 2020, Dr. Tan was appointed as the Director of Prasarana. Prasarana is responsible for owning and operating the country’s urban bus and rail services, including three LRT networks, the KL Monorail, and the MRT line.
He currently chairs both the Board Sustainability, Health, Safety, and Environment Committee and the Tender Committee of Prasarana.
G&P Professionals Group
Dr. Tan is the Co-Founder and Senior Director of the G&P Professionals group, a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with over 360 staff.
His team has been involved in the design of mega projects in Malaysia, including the Electrified Double Track Railway project spanning 200 km from Taiping to Alor Setar, the Klang Valley MRT Kajang Line, and the Putrajaya Line.
Dr. Tan’s expertise extends beyond project work; he has given many keynote lectures and published over 100 technical papers in local and overseas conferences and seminars.
Dr. Tan Yean Chin’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the engineering community.