Yuqi Tan and Zerui Lu are accomplished engineers based in our Melbourne office who both relocated from China to Australia. They shared with us how cultural diversity and a global talent pool enhance the workplace at ATC Williams.
Dr Yuqi Tan
From: Weihai City, Shandong Province, China
Moved to Australia: 2012
Years with ATCW: 7
First role with ATCW: Experienced Engineer
Affiliations: Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) – Chair VIC – Chapter
Zerui (Thomas) Lu
From: Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
Moved to Australia: 2015
Years with ATCW: 9
First role with ATCW: Project Engineer Internship
Why did you decide to live and work in Australia?
Yuqi – After completing my mining bachelor’s degree at the University of South China, I wanted to do a master’s degree in a country known for its mining industry. I also considered Canada and South Africa before choosing the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. I moved to Australia in 2012 and started working for ATC Williams in March 2019, so exactly seven years ago. I have two children born here, and we are all Australian citizens.
Zerui – Coincidentally, I also started working for ATC Williams in March, but in 2017. I moved to Australia in 2015 to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Melbourne. Through ATCW’s affiliation with the university, I was able to intern here as a Project Engineer, conducting final-year research projects while getting involved in engineering work. I stayed on full-time after graduating and have gained specialised experience in Tailings Dam Break Analysis and Modelling, along with co-authoring several papers.
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Did you know 54% of staff at ATCW were born overseas from 38 countries, with 33 nationalities found amongst the engineering teams? What is that like for you?
Zerui – Living in Australia, we are surrounded by people from many different backgrounds, so you get used to that. When we socialise, we enjoy learning about each other’s cultures and backgrounds, but when we’re at work, it’s all about getting the job done professionally. I appreciated that we get to work with clever minds from all over at ATCW.
Yuqi – We asked this question at an ANCOLD conference a few years ago, and more than half the attendees were born overseas. I believe it’s important to recognise and acknowledge people’s origins.
Why is it essential to value cultural diversity at a company like ATCW?
Yuqi – A global talent pool is crucial in this industry and at ATCW because we need smart minds to produce a quality product. As we undertake highly technical work here, our approach remains consistent, which crosses language and cultural barriers.
Zerui – I agree with Yuqi that global talent acquisition is an important factor. Equally, the workplace should be a place you enjoy being part of, and cultural diversity really helps to create that feeling. As part of our annual Cancer Council lunch fundraiser, we are encouraged to bring cultural foods to share, which is a great way to share experiences, connect with each other and foster our company culture.
ATCW has worked on projects in 37 countries over the last 45 years. What is it like to work on overseas projects?
Zerui – Working on the Las Bambas TSF project in Peru is an eye-opening experience, especially being one of the largest tailings dams in the world. Beyond the technical challenges associated with overseas projects, I sometimes need to read design drawings in different languages or attend online meetings where live translations are used, which are all part of the work experience.
Yuqi – I see our projects as being consistent in terms of the knowledge and skills required. Sometimes overseas technology differs, and we need to work around that challenge. When working with global clients, which typically have diverse teams, the global talents help to elevate the practice of tailings and dams as an industry by bringing different perspectives in the process.
Do you have a fun fact to share?
Zerui – Zhengzhou City, where I am from, is famous for the Shaolin Temple and the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu.
Yuqi – People are always surprised to learn that the dragon and lion dancing with drumming that most people associate with China is not a northern Chinese custom, so the first time I saw it was when I was twenty.
What is a cultural experience you would share with others if you could?
Yuqi – It would be the sort of backyard fireworks I enjoyed during my childhood. It’s such an exciting memory for me that I find myself missing it.
Zerui – We have many unique traditional musical instruments, some of which I played when I was young. So, sharing some Chinese traditional music would be meaningful for me.