Overview

Imagine a place where visionary ideas converge with hands-on expertise, and industry leaders collaborate with rising talents to shape the future. It’s what you can expect at Ignite Kick-off – a dynamic event designed to inspire, connect and drive progress in engineering.   

This free event for members offers unique opportunities to connect with peers, exchange insights and gain fresh perspectives. Through thought-provoking discussions, Ignite Kick-off brings experienced professionals, skilled engineers and emerging talents together at your local Engineers Australia office to explore the latest trends and solve industry challenges.

Who should attend 

Engineers Australia members. Whether you’re an established leader or looking to advance your career, this event supports growth at every professional stage. Join us to broaden your perspective, expand your network and shape the future of engineering in Australia. 

What you’ll be part of 

• An atmosphere of connection: Emerge in engaging conversations over food and drinks in a welcoming environment that fosters meaningful connection. 
• A celebration of new talent: We’re thrilled to welcome our newest graduate members into a diverse community of engineering professionals. 
• Sharing opportunities for growth: Hear about upcoming engineering events and initiatives, designed to support your growth and keep you connected. 
• Inspired real-world insights: Learn from industry leaders and award winners as they share personal stories, career highlights, and achievements that can inspire your own journey. 
• Lasting connections: Build and strengthen relationships through dedicated networking sessions that continue throughout the year. 

Special guests

Dr Hua Qian Ang (Vivian) MIEAust CPEng

Senior Lecturer, RMIT University

Biography

Dr Hua Qian Ang (Vivian) is an award-winning Senior Lecturer at RMIT University with over 10 years of experience in teaching and managing the Mechanical Engineering program, leading cross-industry engineering teams in sustainability-focused light alloys research to help decarbonisation, and spearheading not-for-profit/charity projects to support under-represented and underserved communities. Passionate about addressing Australia’s engineering skills crisis, Vivian pioneers innovative EPIC principles and founded EPIC Engineering Comic to advance engineering education. She champions building diverse, inclusive, and equitable engineering community through her volunteering efforts, striving to elevate engineering profession and inspire future generations as a public figure/speaker with multiple media mentions.

Dr Hua Qian Ang was named an Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year Award Finalist for Engineers Australia's Excellence Awards in 2024. 

Jerry Andrews CompIEAust

General Manager - Victoria, Engineers Australia

Biography

With more than 20 years of working in client management across multiple continents, Jerry has gained invaluable experience in new acquisition strategy, sales process mapping, customer service, and building long term strategic relationships. Jerry considers himself to be a citizen of the world, having lived and worked in India, Europe and the UAE and now in Australia for the last 19 years.

Jerry enjoys partnering up with business clients, undertaking a comprehensive assessment of their current situation and listening to get a true feel for what they need.