From Malaysia to the UK: Energising the Homeland from 10,000 km Away

Evan Ng has been living abroad for most of the past decade. From his years of studying petroleum engineering in the United States (US) to flying across the Atlantic Ocean to study Energy Systems in the United Kingdom (UK), he is always on the lookout for exciting new opportunities to explore his interest in the energy sector.

Currently a strategy consultant at Baringa’s London office, Evan is passionate about finding ways to contribute back to Malaysia, even if he is 10,000 km away from home. His work not only allows him to explore the energy transition themes in the UK, working with both the private and public sectors on various renewable and low carbon energy solution strategies, but also to work closely with the team in Singapore to explore the energy transition journey in Malaysia and the surrounding region.

“The energy market is a very niche area. In Malaysia, we arrange the energy market very differently from how the UK or the US do it.”

Bridging the lack of representation in the energy transition sector

Due to the talent gap in the renewable and low carbon solution industry, Evan strives to find ways to share his experiences and knowledge abroad with people back home. He is a regular contributor to various newspapers in Malaysia, such as The Star and The Edge, where he shares commentaries and insights on energy transition-related topics in his column articles.

Evan takes things a step further by consistently scheduling weekly coffee chats with students and professionals who are interested in exploring opportunities within the energy transition sector. He works alongside student associations such as the UK Malaysian Association of Postgraduates and Professionals (MAPP), Higher Education Malaysia Association (HEYA), and International Council of Malaysian Scholars (ICMS), and also through the connections he made personally.

For him, if he can help support one person to pursue their goal, that would be his way to pay it forward.

“Nothing sounds closer to the heart than contributing to people who are similar to me (Malaysians).”

Climbing to the highest peaks during his free time

As an outdoor person, he enjoys everything from cycling to camping to rock climbing. During his time in the US, he has visited over 20 national parks. He has also been to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Everest Base Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Machu Pichu.

“I’ll be back in Malaysia at the end of the year and will be climbing up Mount Kinabalu with some friends!”

He is also starting to pick up Malaysian fiction, such as books by Tasha Aw and Hanna Alkaf.

Navigating the clash in identity

For a lot of Malaysians who moved abroad, whether to study or to work, they always faced the same dilemma. Do I stay within my Malaysian community and focus on my roots, or do I mix in with the locals and learn how to blend in with the local community?

However, Evan believes there is always a way to navigate the journey. “It’s not always one or the other – both can co-exist simultaneously.”

“When I was in Oxford, I like to take the train down to London for Malaysian food. I used to sit in the corner of the shop just to listen to the Malaysian accents.”

Evan finds the UK to be more comforting than the US, and it’s not just because of the abundance of good Malaysian food or the Malaysian community in general. The relatively smaller size of London means that it is easier to engage and connect with different people.

Connecting with Malaysians from all over the globe

When asked about his opinions of the MyHeart platform, Evan talks about how important and beneficial it can be to Malaysians all over the world to be able to connect and network with one another, especially for those who are in a much smaller Malaysian community.

“And it’s so much more than just an opportunity to network and talk about careers – but to collaborate on actual projects and initiatives that can bring value to Malaysia and her people.”

To connect with Evan and other Malaysians abroad, join the MyHeart community today.