Eur Ing Ir Dr Jimmy Fam Deng Fong CEng FIET
For Dr Fam Deng Fong, driving global impact through sustainable innovation and mentorship has been at the heart of his journey so far. The IET has helped open doors globally, but the true value for him has come through giving back - through volunteering, mentoring and professional development. “That’s when the journey becomes truly meaningful.”
Empowering communities through sustainable engineering
From his early childhood nestled in a Malaysian village, fascinated by the power of electrical systems, Jimmy Fam Deng Fong has dedicated his life to transforming how communities experience energy. His curiosity evolved into a lifelong commitment leading him to embark on his engineering journey, spanning technical, academic, strategic, and global leadership roles embodying the essence of sustainability, innovation, and mentorship.
As a Specialist at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s leading electricity utility, Jimmy champions a future-focused portfolio that includes Solar Rooftop, Renewable Energy Certificates, Battery Storage, EV charging solutions, and more. “My role bridges sustainability strategy with engineering practice,” he says, “delivering tailored solutions that go far beyond kWh.”
A journey shaped by purpose
Jimmy's path began as a technical engineer and evolved through senior consultancy, national energy advisory, and academic accreditation roles. His influence spans government-linked projects, AI-driven microgrid innovations, and published research, underscoring his deep commitment to progress.
Yet it’s his passion for nurturing others that truly stands out. As an IET Professional Registration Advisor, academic accreditor, and Fellowship assessor, Jimmy mentors not just young professionals but also senior engineers and academics aiming for Chartered and Fellowship status. “You feel immense pride when a mentee thanks you for helping shape their journey,” he reflects.
Two decades with the IET: A lifelong professional home
Jimmy joined the IET (then IEE) as a student member more than 20 years ago, inspired by a circuit lecturer who had studied their PhD in the UK. From early involvement with the Malaysia Younger Members Section to representing the IET at international events, Jimmy has remained an active contributor.
His involvement deepened through the IET Malaysia Local Network, where he played a key role in running technical talks, technical visits and the Present Around the World (PATW) competition. He also helped foster international collaborations with other IET Local Networks, further expanding the IET’s global reach.
Fast forward to January 2022, Jimmy was awarded IET Fellowship, becoming the youngest IET Fellow in Malaysia at the time. Encouraged by peers who recognised his sustained impact, Jimmy found the application process both reflective and rewarding.
“To me, my Fellowship symbolises two decades of dedication,” he shares, “and a responsibility to inspire, inform and influence the engineering community.”
Since attaining Fellowship, Jimmy has been invited to serve on international panels and strategic advisory boards, expanding his influence across academia, industry, and policymaking platforms engaging relevant ministerial agencies. Due to his outstanding contribution, Jimmy was awarded the IET Malaysia Leadership award (Industry Category) in February 2023 by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI).
The value of engagement
“The IET has been a catalyst for my professional growth, from achieving CEng registration to IntPE and EUR ING recognition as well as Chartered Fellow Manager with The CMI UK. I have had a breadth of exposure to multiple areas covering engineering, business development, management and leadership. In addition, the international experiences expanded my leadership and innovation perspectives, while accessing thought leadership and lifelong learning strengthened my credibility and global network.”
Jimmy actively contributes to IET Membership services, CPD activities, IET Council, Malaysia Local Network and the Academic Accreditation Panel. He also serves as an IET Fellowship advisor and assessor as well as an advisor and interviewer for Professional Registration candidates.
His advice?
“Start early, stay engaged and seek mentorship. The IET opens doors globally, but the true value comes when you give back—through volunteering, mentoring and professional development. That’s when the journey becomes truly meaningful.”
Making a difference through influence
For Jimmy, leadership, innovation, mentoring and community service have been crucial to his professional growth. He views Fellowship not merely as a recognition of achievements, but as a testament to sustained impact throughout one’s career. Therefore, documenting contributions early and seeking support from mentors are essential for long-term development.
Already equipped with a doctorate in Business Administration focusing on the energy sector – Jimmy is now pursuing a second doctorate specialising in AI-driven microgrid optimisation. Through his Fellowship, he continues to shape academic standards, advise on green energy policy and mentor engineers worldwide.
Final thoughts
“The IET has been a cornerstone of my professional journey since my youth,” Jimmy shares. “It’s a professional home for life. I encourage every engineer to engage with the IET - not just to develop, but to lead and give back to the community.”