The depletion of the world’s fossil fuels and the need for new forms of energy are what first inspired Electrical Engineering graduate Bay Yew Chuan to pursue his current career in the alternative energy industry.
Mr Bay has had an extensive career in the oil and energy industry, including his background in management at Mobil in Australia, Singapore, New York and Malaysia. He is currently Non-Executive Director of Singaporean company Alternative Energy Limited, which is developing green energy solutions for distributors around the world.
Alternative Energy has been in operation since 2007 and is currently working on technology that can offer revolutionary solutions in the clean energy industry. The company has developed the eRoof, a domestic energy generation system featuring solar cells built as part of the roof, so that solar panels do not stand out.
“The sun is always there for us, and the industry is progressing with more efficient cells,” Mr Bay said.
“In less developed areas, there is always a need to have energy quickly. This can be provided without the need for the grid.”
Alternative Energy’s pioneering roofing technology is designed to replace a conventional roof and be aesthetically pleasing. Unlike traditional solar cells, it will offer weather protection for the building, combined with photovoltaic slates to generate electrical energy from solar power. Meanwhile, the company is also developing a rainwater recycling system for the eRoof, which could also generate energy through water-based fuel cells.
The company has also developed energy efficient eLumen LED light bulbs that consume up to 90 per cent less energy than traditional light bulbs. Standard energy-saving bulbs save 30 per cent of the energy of traditional bulbs.
“The most important future challenges of the energy industry are to be able to provide the world with clean energy and preserve the environment, and reduce pollution,” Mr Bay said.
Mr Bay graduated with a Bachelor or Engineering (Electrical) in 1964, before attaining his Master of Business Administration in 1969.
He worked around the world with Mobil Oil from 1971 to 1982 before serving as a Director of Amcol Holdings from 1982 to 1996.
Mr Bay said he enjoyed his time at Melbourne, getting to know Australia and Australians. He said he benefitted from the technical knowledge he gained from his course.
Mr Bay said that students considering a career in the energy industry should familiarise themselves with the various types of renewable and non-renewable energy systems.
“Get to know as much as possible about the energy industry and the various alternatives such as solar, wind, water, oil gas, coal. It’s important to understand what competition you are facing and what the costs are.”
