Misbah Khan MIEAust CPEng was recently announced as Engineers Australia Newcastle’s 2016 Professional Engineer of the Year. In this Quick Chat, Misbah discusses what he enjoys at work as a successful pavement engineer and asset management specialist.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
My father was a Civil Engineer, specialising in water and sanitation. It inspired me to see how his work shaped the resources and facilities used by a whole community.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I am a Senior Asset Systems Engineer with Central Coast Council, NSW. My main role is to safeguard consistent strategic asset management at set targets across the organisation. I enjoy leading our stakeholders to understand the benefits of an engineered solution we propose. I feel this is an achievement, as it provides a sustainable solution to the organisation, and ultimately to the community.
What have been your career highlights to date?
I have worked in national and international organisations around the globe. As a result, I have gained diverse experiences.
My eagerness to gain knowledge has always been a vital point. In a few months, I look forward to submitting my PhD thesis in Civil Engineering, specialling in Pavement Engineering and Management at the University of Queensland.
I have noticed that one can enrich their career easily when they are well-informed, which adds confidence. I am proud to be a successful pavement engineer and asset management specialist.
What is the oddest situation you’ve encountered in your career?
Dealing with a dodgy contractor! We used a contractor while working in Botswana to do some re-gravelling of roads. The original works were only gravelling of new roads, but it did not go according to plan. We had several discussions, and had to change rates along with the scope of project to solve the issues.
How are you involved with Engineers Australia?
I assist Engineers Australia in their chartered process as an interview panel member. Currently, I’m also a member of the Civil and Structural Committee at Engineers Australia, Newcastle. It is rewarding to play an active role and be part of our professional association.
What does it mean to win the 2016 Professional Engineer of the Year award?
I feel more encouraged and motivated to work for the benefit of the community. My research findings into a sustainable model ensuring improvement of a pavement management system, incorporating flooding in life cycle analysis, played a role in me winning this award.
My main motto now is to provide innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the community. I hope to be a role model to engineers by demonstrating that a good work ethic leads to better outcomes.
Image: Misbah Khan MIEAust CPEng (right) receiving his Professional Engineer of the year award from Engineers Australia Newcastle President Tim De Grauw FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER.