Hong Wai Onn
Hong Wai Onn is a Malaysian chartered chemical engineer, author, and environmentalist known for his work in the palm oil processing industry and his contributions to sustainability. He holds the title of European Engineer (Eur Ing) and is a prominent member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in the United Kingdom. Hong gained national recognition in Malaysia for authoring the Longest Palm Oil Milling Memoir, as certified by the Malaysia Book of Records, with his book A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry.
Early Life and Education
Hong Wai Onn was born in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, a city renowned for its historical and natural landmarks. He pursued a degree in chemical engineering at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and later earned an Executive MBA with Honours from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, enhancing his technical expertise with business acumen.
Career
With over 15 years of experience, Hong has built a career in the palm oil and biotechnology sectors, beginning with Genting Plantations. His roles have encompassed production, engineering, project management, applied research, process safety, and leadership. As a chartered chemical engineer, he advocates for sustainable practices, integrating circular economy principles and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks into industrial processes.
Hong serves on the Learned Society Committee of IChemE and acts as a professional reviewer for chartered engineer applications, contributing to the development of engineering standards in Malaysia and beyond.
Writing Career
In August 2020, Hong published A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry, a 52,302-word memoir chronicling his journey in the palm oil sector. This work earned him a Malaysia Book of Records title for the "Longest Palm Oil Milling Memoir." He has since expressed intentions to author additional books on chemical engineering in business and project management, while regularly contributing articles on palm oil processing. His author platform is maintained at hongwaionn.com.
Awards and Recognition
Hong’s achievements have been widely acknowledged. In 2020, he was honored by the Malaysia Book of Records for his memoir. In December 2024, he was featured in the sixth edition of Britishpedia’s Biographical Encyclopaedia: Successful People in Malaysia and Singapore, published by the British Publishing House, recognizing his influence in engineering and sustainability.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional endeavors, Hong is a part-time author and draws inspiration from leadership expert John C. Maxwell, influencing his approach to public speaking and leadership.
External Links
- Official Website
- Hong Wai Onn on Facebook