Three scholars from the ABB Jürgen Dormann Foundation (JDF) for Engineering Education -Joshua Chong, Lee Shin Yu and Ooi Yun Ting - recently had an enriching experience connecting with their mentors and touring the ABB office in Malaysia. This event served as a pivotal introduction to the mentoring program offered by JDF and the valuable support available to the scholars.
Chosen for their exceptional academic achievements and personal attributes, the scholars from University of Malaya's Electrical Engineering faculty, received a warm welcome from their mentors, Laurent Maillefer and Kugadarshni Balasubramaniam, both seasoned professionals at ABB Malaysia. The mentors shared their extensive industry knowledge and provided guidance on expectations from the mentoring program as well as essential engineering skills, allowing the scholars to gain valuable insights into their future career choices.
The visit included a tour of the ABB Malaysia facility, including the Robotics Digital Operations Center, Robotics Training Center, and the Electrification Service Workshop. As the scholars explored various divisions and engaged with ABB employees, they experienced first-hand the company’s collaborative and dynamic work environment.
“The workplace was impressive—modern and casual, with quiet spaces for reflection, a games area for relaxation, and discussion rooms equipped with the latest technology. It truly exemplified ABB’s status as a multinational, with both local and global workforces interacting seamlessly to solve some of the most complex challenges,” commented Joshua Chong.
“ABB Malaysia is committed to developing future talent through various initiatives. In our Robotics business, we collaborate closely with selected universities to enhance their internship programs and participate in industry advisory panels. Our goal is to enrich the local ecosystem and establish Malaysia as an innovation hub,” said Laurent Maillefer, Vice President of Robotics at ABB Malaysia.
“The mentorship aspect of the JDF scholarship is invaluable. In addition to a yearly stipend, scholars benefit from the guidance of a dedicated mentor who acts as a sounding board, tutor, coach, role model, and listener,” added Kugadarshni, Advanced Digital & Advisory Services Solution Expert, Electrification Services.
“Establishing a mentoring relationship can provide mentees with considerable advantages, such as new insights, expanded networks, and the ability to thrive within the JDF mentoring framework.”
Overall, the visit to the ABB office was a memorable experience for the JDF scholars, offering them insights into how ABB is helping industries to become learner and cleaner so that they can outperform. The engagement also served to inspire the scholars about the positive impact they can have in shaping a sustainable, low-carbon future.
