Young Pakistani receives ‘Engineer of the Year’ award in UK

LONDON:  A young Pakistani engineer has received “Engineer of the Year” award for his outstanding work in the energy sector, outperforming fellow professionals from across the UK and Europe.

Hamza Haroon, 27, received his award after being nominated in the three final shortlisted candidates from across the UK, for the 'Engineer of the Year' awards category. The Energy UK Young Energy Professionals Awards recognises young Engineering talent from across the UK every year at the annual event and brings together some of the brightest and best talent of the UK Energy industry to recognise individuals who have performed exceptionally well in their field of expertise.

Speaking to Geo News, Hamza Haroon said he was “honored and humbled to have received this award and being the only Pakistani to have done so makes it even more special”. Hamza Haroon said he was given the award due to his “contribution to some significant company projects, along with my role as a STEM Ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)”.

He is currently working as a Lead Control & Instrumentation Engineer for Gas Turbine Control Systems at two Nuclear Power Stations. He is also active as a STEM Ambassador and mentor to students and engineering graduates.

Hamza Haroon, who lives and works outside of London, said: “I would like to thank my parents who have been such an inspiration and my wife who has been a pillar of support and strength. I owe everything to them. I would urge students and aspiring engineers in Pakistan to have self-belief in what they do and strive to realise their full potential. This award is a testimony to the bright talent that Pakistan possesses.”

Hamza Haroon came to the UK in 2008 after completing his GCSEs and A levels from Lahore Grammar School. He studied at the University of Surrey and was awarded a 1st Class Honours in Electronic Engineering in 2012. He joined his current employer, a leading energy company which employs thousands of people across Europe, immediately after his graduation.

Hamza Haroon’s parents Muhammad Haroon Siddiqui and Tamseela Haroon flew in from Lahore especially for this event. They told this scribe that they were proud of their son and his accomplishment. They said that Pakistani students are highly talented and responsible and given opportunities they can prove their talent. They said award to their son will go on to establish the impression that Pakistanis are hard-working and well-meaning people who want to make a positive contribution in their lives as well to others.