Bridge Engineering

I'm working in an engineering consultancy called Mott MacDonald (Not McDonald). Probably most of the people never heard of it before because a lot of people have little knowledge in this field.

Well, I'm a bridge engineer, and my job role is to do what my boss asked me to do. So what sort of projects are we involved in?? We don't design a lot of bridges, but we're involved in the maintenance side, typically inspections, assessments and refurbishment works.

In other words, local government pay us to look at some bridges, check if they're safe and recommend any strengthening works etc. Sounds interesting? Anyone interested in bridge engineering?? I can get you a job here if you want.

I understand that quite a number of people have a bad impression on engineers in Malaysia, especially those who're involved in government projects. Corruption, over budget, minum kopi, not creative, lazy, etc. Well, as an engineer in UK, I think that this kind of stuff happens everywhere. The difference between the engineers in UK and Malaysia, is that in UK, the people here are too naive and denies it, whereas in Malaysia everybody knows it, and there's no room for denial...

So am I involved in any of these stuff?? Hmm... Nope. Simply because I'm just a small graduate. Normally it's the directors or managers who're involved in it, because they're decision makers. It's actually so easy to get involved in corruption whether you're in Malaysia or in UK. It's just whether you want it or not.

I could easily recommend a type of product for the client, and get some money from the manufacturer. It's so easy... things can be done with just a few phone calls and i don't even have to meet them in person.

But why have I not done this?? Is it because of my so called 'Professional Ethics'? Well, I've always believed that with the right price, you can buy anything, including 'Professional Ethic'. So the reason I didn't take the offer, is simply because it's not worth the risk of getting caught by my manager. I am happy of what I am now, a bridge engineer as I've always wanted to be. So why should i take the risk of destroying my dream?