Championing the Futures Fund on an Extraordinary Journey Across Scotland
This November, our member Sethu Ponniah, MIET, will embark on a remarkable challenge that blends engineering, endurance, and empathy - all in support of our Futures Fund, which helps financially disadvantaged students pursue careers in engineering.
To raise awareness and funds, Sethu will embark on a remarkable challenge: cycling over 440 miles from Ullapool to Aberdeen via the scenic yet demanding North Coast 500, followed by a 160-mile walk from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, taking place between 4–19 November 2025. It’s a physically and mentally gruelling journey, driven by a powerful purpose - to ensure that no aspiring engineer is held back by financial hardship.
“Every mile I cycle, and walk will be in solidarity with students striving to create a better world through engineering,” says Sethu.
Our Futures Fund provides vital financial support to students who demonstrate talent and ambition but face barriers due to economic circumstances. By fundraising for the Futures Fund, Sethu is helping to unlock potential and create a more inclusive future for the profession.
During his journey, Sethu hopes to connect with universities, engineering institutions, and professionals along the route; raising awareness, building support, and sharing stories that highlight the transformative power of engineering education.
Based in Malaysia, Sethu is an electrical engineer with a deep connection to the UK’s engineering education system. Having studied at Liverpool John Moores University and Heriot-Watt University, he experienced first-hand the financial pressures that many international and UK students face. Now, he’s giving back, not only to the institutions that shaped his career, but to the next generation of engineers who may be struggling to access the same opportunities.
Sethu’s career spans over a decade at ABB, where he contributed to globally recognised projects. His journey is not only a personal challenge but a tribute to the UK’s tertiary education system and the opportunities it provided him. It’s also a call to action for the wider engineering community to support those who are just starting out.
Supporters are invited to get involved in a variety of ways, from donating to the Futures Fund, to joining Sethu for a stretch of his journey, or even offering a warm drink and encouragement along the way. He’s also welcoming photo and drone footage contributions to help document and share the experience across social media.
“Let’s give tomorrow’s engineers the future they deserve,” Sethu says.
You can follow Sethu’s journey and support his mission via his LinkedIn profile, where he’ll be sharing updates and reflections throughout the challenge.
To donate to our Futures Fund and help support aspiring engineers, visit: donate-futures.theiet.org